Entrepreneurial spirit brings opportunity for Interactive Media Design graduate
Posted on Tuesday, June 10th, 2025
In the lead-up to Convocation Spring 2025, Algonquin College is featuring unique stories of graduates and their post-secondary education journeys.
Paulo Garcia
Originally from the Philippines, Paulo Garcia spent 17 years working in Dubai before deciding to pursue post-graduate education overseas. With a background in graphic design, Garcia knew he wanted to further his skillset in digital fine arts and began researching programs in Canada. “Canada is seen as a top country for education and to live,” he said. “Algonquin was very proactive in how they handled my application; they were quite warm and welcoming when they replied to me. Plus, Algonquin is one of the best schools in Canada.”
Accepted into the Interactive Media Design Ontario College Diploma program, Garcia and his family settled in Ottawa. Although adjusting to a new climate and culture, Garcia was glad about his decision and impressed with the many resources the College has on offer for its learners.
“I think Algonquin is a state-of-the-art school, to be honest,” he said. “Just look at the Jack Doyle Recreation Centre, Student Commons and many [other areas], plus all the support and technology. Professors and advisors are available to help students…I’m glad I chose Algonquin.”
Garcia held a side job as a photographer while in Dubai, an interest he continued as a student at the College. Having an entrepreneurial mindset, he soon turned this hobby into an income-generating photobooth and photography business with the College as one of his first clients.
“I found there was an untouched market for photobooths and photography in Ottawa, so I registered the business in 2024 and started working events for Algonquin,” he said.
After volunteering with the International Education Centre (IEC), Garcia started booking photobooth photography through his business Pictures and Prints. Since then, he has worked the Alumni of Distinction Awards, IEC New International Student Social and the Algonquin Students’ Association Lunar New Year celebration, among others. He’s also volunteered with Filipino community cultural events in Ottawa.
Attendees at the Celebrating Global Grads event have fun with Garcia’s photobooth props.
Looking ahead, Garcia hopes to stay in Ottawa and continue expanding his business while pursuing his profession in Canada. The skills and knowledge learned through his program – including design principles, business marketing, coding theories and techniques – will be essential as he furthers his career in interactive media design.
“These skills are all very important, especially the entrepreneurial mindset and how to be resilient and constantly have a positive vision. Everything we learned in school will be very appliable for our profession.”
Garcia will fondly remember his time as an international student at Algonquin College and plans to keep connected through the Alumni & Friends Network, participating in events as an alumnus and through his business, recognizing the value of maintaining professional relationships beyond graduation as he moves forward with his career.
For potential students deciding on whether to pursue education aboard, Garcia says to go for it and follow your dreams.
“For other students who are planning to come to another country or especially here in Canada, when they have that thought, half of their decision is already correct. It’s just how they’re going to make it happen and plan their next few years,” he said. “My advice is just to believe in yourself, set your goals and stay focused, keep organized, manage your time and resources wisely. Make a list of things to do and prioritize.”
More information on the spring graduation ceremonies can be found on the Algonquin College Convocation website.
- Posted in
- Convocation Student Success
- Tags:
- Interactive Media Design Program