Originally from the Philippines, Krizzy has dreamed of relocating to Canada for its opportunities and high quality of living. After considering the idea of starting a new life in the Great White North for years, she stumbled upon success stories of friends and acquaintances who had moved to Canada and found personal and professional fulfilment. Feeling inspired, Krizzy and her husband decided to take action to turn their long-held aspiration into reality.
“The decision to come to Canada was not one that I took lightly. The tipping point came when I came across stories of people, I know who had made the leap to Canada and found success,” Krizzy told us.
Laying the foundation
Determined to build a fulfilling life in Canada, Krizzy wanted to strengthen the transferable skills she gained from her professional experience to prepare for the promising yet competitive Canadian job market. With a civil service and communications background, Krizzy decided to study for a graduate certificate in Strategic Marketing Communications at Conestoga College in Kitchener, Ontario, to consolidate her foundation as a communications professional.
“I recognized the importance of acquiring specialized knowledge to excel globally. By pursuing an internationally recognized diploma in Strategic Marketing Communications, I aim to broaden my opportunities and eventually contribute my expertise to international organizations,” Krizzy says with determination.
Life at Conestoga College
Krizzy has been enjoying her academic journey at Conestoga College since her move to Canada. Surprisingly, she found that her experience at Conestoga College closely mirrored her university life back in the Philippines. Krizzy was pleased that she could seamlessly transition into her academic routine while adapting to various other aspects of her new life in Canada.
Of all the classes that Krizzy has attended, Branding Strategy particularly stood out to her. She was impressed by her professor’s teaching style, which motivated her to remain active and engaged during lectures and discussions. Krizzy was most intrigued by the practical application of the theories she learned in the Branding Strategy class. “I’m excited to apply what I’ve learnt to real-world scenarios in my profession,” says Krizzy.
While there aren’t many differences between studying in the Philippines and Canada, the one aspect that surprised Krizzy when she first started going to Conestoga College was the diversity within the student community. Having lived in a culturally homogeneous community before moving to Canada, Krizzy finds the multicultural environment of Conestoga College eye-opening. She enjoys meeting people from various cultural backgrounds and learning their languages and traditions.
To maximize her student life at Conestoga College and pave the way for professional success, Krizzy has taken on a part-time job as a Social Media Ambassador for the Conestoga College International Office. She found the job through the Conestoga College Student Portal and believes it is highly relevant to her studies and future career aspirations. Krizzy is confident that her role as a Social Media Ambassador is an excellent starting point for establishing a career in digital marketing in Canada.
Embracing Kitchener
Krizzy enjoys exploring Kitchener during her free time away from work or studies. She finds the city quite versatile, offering a variety of activities that cater to her different needs.
Krizzy loves spending time at Victoria Park for a relaxing day in nature and browsing through the Kitchener Market for its diverse range of foods, from freshly baked pastries to pre-made meals. She also enjoys visiting THEMUSEUM, which blends art and technology. The museum has plenty of interactive exhibits, both permanent and rotating, that fully satisfy Krizzy's cultural needs.
Post-graduation plans
When it comes to her plans after graduation, Krizzy wants to take advantage of her newly acquired qualifications and work experience and start a career in digital marketing in Canada. Ideally, she would like to work for international firms. She believes the values she learned growing up as a Filipino will become a strong foundation for her professional journey.
“Growing up in the Philippines, I learned the value of hard work, resourcefulness and perseverance in the face of challenges. These qualities have stayed with me and will continue to drive my dedication to success in Canada,” Krizzy elaborates.
Advice for Filipino graduates
Krizzy encourages Filipino graduates aspiring to build a marketing career in Canada to take some time to understand the Canadian market and cultural nuances. “Adaptability and willingness to learn are important,” explains Krizzy.
Krizzy also emphasizes that having relevant professional experience is crucial. She recommends gaining Canadian work experience through internships and volunteer work to showcase your skills to prospective employers.
Finally, Krizzy highlights the significance of networking in achieving professional success in the Great White North. According to her, having the right connections can open valuable opportunities. “Join Filipino community groups and professional associations in Canada for support, networking and mentorship opportunities. This is how I met my connections here in Canada,” Krizzy concludes.
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