Algonquin College Graduates Move from Classroom to Career

Posted on Thursday, June 25th, 2026

OTTAWA, ON (June 23, 2026) — For many Algonquin College graduates, the journey from learning to earning begins before they cross the convocation stage. As the College celebrates its 2026 graduates, it is also recognizing the growing number of learners who are entering convocation already connected to employers, launched into careers and ready to contribute to their professions and communities.

Among them is Md Irteza Chowdhury, who is graduating from the Business Intelligence System Infrastructure and Artificial Intelligence Software Development programs. While studying, Chowdhury found full-time employment with the Public Health Agency of Canada in the Health Portfolio Operations Centre after a four-month co-op placement.

“It feels amazing. The job market is very competitive…so when [I] got the job, it [felt] like everything is true about Algonquin,” said Chowdhury.

Chowdhury credits the College’s Co-op and Career Centre for much of his success, stating that it helped him connect with the industry and played an essential role in beginning his career.

Oskar Linkruus, who graduated from the Bachelor of Science (Building Sciences) program, has taken a significant step into his dream career by moving directly into a full-time role in construction management, achieving a career goal that takes years of on-the-job experience to reach for most.

“There’s nothing really like it in Canada program-wise,” said Linkruus. “It’s a smaller program, but it’s really high-quality teaching and the teachers are great.”

The multidisciplinary approach combines building science, sustainability and project management with practical, hands-on experience. Linkruus said that the program’s approach helped him fast-track his path to project management and gave him the tools needed to find his feet in a highly competitive industry.

Aircraft Maintenance Technician graduate Aidan Gower moved from Alberta to attend Algonquin College, as he wanted a program that could give him the technical expertise and industry connections that are needed to thrive in the aircraft maintenance field. He will soon begin specialist training on the Boeing 737 Next Generation and MAX aircraft, positioning him for success across Canada’s major airlines.

“The aircraft industry is so small, and our professors have experience across so many areas,” said Gower. “They know how to best set you up for interviews or for where to apply, what you should expect.”

Like Linkruus, Gower credits the College’s practical learning environment and hands-on skill development, as well as the small class sizes and opportunities to engage with employers directly through industry event.

These three graduates are just a few of the immensely talented, skilled and knowledgeable graduates that are being guided by the College. They represent a common theme: the importance of applied learning, co-op education, industry partnerships and career-focused support services that allow students an easier transition from the classroom to the job market.

As the class of 2026 crosses the convocation stage this week, new graduates like Chowdhury, Linkruus, and Gower demonstrate how an Algonquin College education can open doors to learners, and how our mission of transforming hopes and dreams into lifelong success is being achieved every day through our polytechnic approach.

Algonquin College’s 2026 Convocation ceremonies take place June 23-26, 2026, at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. Graduates will participate in 12 ceremonies over four days.

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