Globetrotting AC Online student embraces transferable skills in human resources management
Having worked abroad in many countries for the first 20 years of her career, Michelline knew that she wanted any new skill set to be , so she could continue her life of travel. She knew she wanted those skills to be transferable in her career too. Building upon her background in criminology, she decided to pursue Human Resources Management (HRM). “This seemed the best fit for my career trajectory and utilized the skills and abilities I had developed over the course of my professional career,” says Michelline.
Michelline also had the honour of being chosen as valedictorian for AC Online’s Convocation 2025.
Michelline embraced online learning as a way to incorporate her studies into her busy life as a mature student. Michelline calls herself a career learner and has enjoyed in-person learning in the past, but is now also equally a champion for online learning. “I think technology overall is a blessing and the transition to hybrid learning and online programming increases accessibility and is the most flexible way to learn and acquire knowledge,” she says, naming self-direction and adaptability to a variety of schedules as some of the benefits.
Michelline also embraced her new human resources learning. “I found the content very useful and relevant. At this point in my life, if I am going to invest my time, effort, and money in learning, I need it to be useful and productive. In achieving a diploma/certification in HRM, I feel well-equipped to explore career opportunities in the human resources industry with more confidence and knowledge,” she says.
With approachable facilitators and a user-friendly platform, she found that choosing online learning at Algonquin College was the right decision. “My experience was exceptional and more than I could have hoped for. All AC Online staff were accessible, helpful, responsive, and supportive,” she adds. Now she recommends the option to everyone.
So, what advice will she pass along to future online learners? “Determine what your schedule looks like, how to balance work and personal aspects, what interests you and what doesn’t interest you, and whether you are able to create a conducive and productive virtual learning environment in your personal space,” she says. “AC Online has been an incredible experience for me and I would highly recommend it to anyone!”