Monica – Environmental Management and Assessment
Finding Success Across the Globe: Monica’s Story
When you know you’re built for bigger and better things, you do whatever it takes to make it happen. That’s what AC alumna, Monica, did when she left Colombia and changed her life through Algonquin College.
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Life in Colombia meant mild weather, vibrant city life, and a comfortable routine for Monica. She had a nice house and a great job, and yet she yearned for adventure and fulfillment. That’s when she decided to embark on a quest to tap into her full potential, “My husband and I decided to move to Ontario so I looked for schools in the province. That’s when I discovered Algonquin College.”
She explains that the school’s reputation and longstanding history swayed her decision, “I read that it had been around for more than 50 years and I think that’s what sold me. It was very important to me to study somewhere reputable to get a good job in the future.”
Living and learning
Monica enrolled in the Environmental Management and Assessment program at the Pembroke Campus. This one-year Graduate Certificate program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of environmental sciences through hands-on experience and personalized learning activities. Students learn all about hydrology, sample processing and analysis, biodiversity and so much more.
The Pembroke campus has the benefit of bordering the picturesque Ottawa River and being flanked by scenic walking trails and dense forests. Something the program takes full advantage of by weaving fieldwork into the curriculum. It was here that Monica was able to embrace the great Canadian wilderness. She was thrilled to spend nearly as much time outdoors as she did in the science lab.
She was also keen on the program’s work-integrated learning, “The co-op opportunity is one the main reasons I chose this program. It’s an easy way to connect with people, make a name for yourself, and practice your English. On top of that, you can learn how to do the job before graduating so you’re ready for anything. I ended up getting a great job in Canada because of it.”
Bring it home
Monica’s Canadian work experience, improved English, and Algonquin College credential carried a lot of weight when she moved back to Colombia, “When I applied for the job I have now, there were more than 100 other applicants. It’s hard to get into this company so when they called me for an interview I was so excited! They were really impressed with me because I graduated from one of the best colleges in Canada. That definitely gave me an advantage over other Colombian applicants.”
Her expanded network also made a big difference when it came to landing the job, “I made connections at my co-op and got several good references which is another advantage I had when I returned home. ”
Monica’s new and improved vocabulary was the icing on the cake, “Because this was a global company and the representatives were from the States, the whole interview was in English. Thankfully, I got a lot of practice in the four years I lived in Canada.” It wasn’t long after the interview that she was offered the position, “I was able to get a better job than the one that I had before because of the education and work experience I gained through Algonquin College.”
Eyes on the prize
Monica’s journey wasn’t without its challenges, “Travelling and immigrating is not easy. You miss your family and how life was before you changed everything. When I moved to Canada I had to start all over. My first job was at a fast food restaurant.”
But Monica never lost sight of her goal, “You have to trust the process. I had to remind myself that I was a student, and that I was going to get a better job and live in a nicer place in due time. But at the beginning it’s hard to adapt.”
Word to the wise
Her innate ability to look on the bright side and fully embrace change is what made Monica’s experience so memorable, “I love Canada! It was hands down one of the best experiences I’ve ever had in my life and I feel thankful that I had the opportunity. I got to see beautiful places and meet lots of very nice people and make some wonderful memories.”
If you’re considering studying abroad, Monica encourages you to do it with great enthusiasm. She offers this advice to future students: “Work hard and take your program seriously. The quality of the programs is very high so you’ll be ready to work once you graduate. Especially if you take a co-op program because you can make connections that will help you to get a good job.”
Now back in Colombia, Monica works as a Microbiologist for a global pharmaceutical company.