Following Up a University Education with Practical College Skills
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade! That’s the lesson Algonquin College alumnus, Ezekiel, learned when he made the most out of his situation and changed his life for the better.
Ezekiel studied Greek and Roman history at university but found himself in an unstable job market at the height of a global pandemic upon graduation. Having been laid off from his warehouse job as a bottle sorter, Ezekiel was facing hurdle after hurdle.
He knew he needed to do something to break his unlucky streak, “I had a choice where I could just stay at home with my cats, play video games, and wait it out, or I could take that opportunity to further my studies [and see where I could] take myself in terms of career paths. That’s when I came across AC Online and the Human Resource Management program.” AC Online empowers students to create a course load specifically catered to their schedules from anywhere in the world.
Though heavily influenced by COVID-19 regulations, Ezekiel, a self-described introvert, felt that online studies would be the right fit from the start, “Studying online was great because it gave me the opportunity to be home with my girlfriend and my cats while advancing my career. I could do my studies around my schedule and easily manage my time. The convenience of not having to commute all the way to school to do my studies was also a blessing. AC Online gave me the opportunity to refocus my time and to really understand what’s important for me and what I should be prioritizing in my life as a whole. A skill I’m still grateful for to this day.”
AC Online provided Ezekiel with the guidance he needed during this challenging time, “After successfully completing the program, I definitely found myself to be in a better position just in terms of finding a job again. I didn’t have to settle for a minimum wage job; I had the tools and the knowledge to apply for salary positions. AC Online really helped me reach my career goals quickly.”
Finishing the program was only the first step for this AC grad, “I feel like when most people get their certificates, they think that’s the end of the journey in terms of learning. For me, it’s the total opposite! My journey with AC Online has really helped me come out of my shell, and because of this, I’ve learned how to put myself out there and be open to all of these new experiences. Sometimes it’s scary doing something that you’ve never done before but you’ll definitely be set up for success in life because of it.”
Now working as a successful HR Coordinator at a financial software company, Ezekiel uses his college knowledge daily, “All of the different skills and lessons I got from my AC Online experience are super helpful in my day-to-day at work. The program taught me all about different strategies and methods in terms of recruitment and selection, employment law, employee relations, and generally how to be good at managing everyday things that happen within our organization. If you’re someone who’s also interested in learning about the HR field, the Human Resource Management program at AC Online is easily one of the best ways to get your foot in the door. I had a really good experience with this program and I definitely think that it was a very pivotal moment in kickstarting my career.”
Thinking of enrolling online? Ezekiel shares these words of wisdom, “My advice is to stay focused on your studies. There may be times when you lose motivation or feel overwhelmed, but it’s important to look at the big picture. Do your best to remember why you enrolled in the first place.”
When life is relentlessly pelting you with lemons, it can be easy to give up. Ezekiel learned to adapt to the situation and made the most of the opportunities that presented themselves. Though it wasn’t easy, this alumnus made it out stronger than ever and we couldn’t be more proud!
Are you ready to make lemonade? Grab a straw and kick off your journey with AC Online.