Vancouver Alumni Feature

Tien Ho

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration ‘20

By: Pichsophaneat (Neat) Dy, Student Ambassador

March 8, 2022

1. When and which program did you graduate from? Why did you choose FDU Vancouver?

I began my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in International Business, in September 2016. I completed the program in May 2020. What led me to choose FDU Vancouver is two-fold: its location and the program I’m taking. FDU Vancouver is in the downtown area of one of the most livable cities in North America, within walking distance of the stadium and Vancouver’s financial district. This gives students a chance to experience the city to its fullest while opening the doors to many opportunities from businesses in the area. FDU Vancouver’s Business program is also an accredited program, with smaller classrooms that make for a more intimate and interactive learning environment.

2. As an international student, did you face any challenges while studying? How did you overcome them? Any FDU resources you found helpful during your academic years?

For me, I find the first 2 years to be the most challenging, as I had to make the adjustment to studying abroad and living away from family. As a newcomer to a foreign country, there were several cultural differences that were new to me: from simple things like people saying thank you when getting off the bus to bigger ones like how people communicate or how to resolve conflicts. And then there was living by yourself: finding a place to live, cooking for yourself, paying bills, etc. Once you manage to overcome those challenges, you’ve learned to think for yourself and be independent. And you don’t have to navigate those challenges by yourself. I was fortunate that I have a positive yet helpful group of friends and family to provide practical guidance and moral support. Utilizing FDU’s resources is also a clever idea. I have used FDU’s student services to help with the settling-in process and the university also has a counselor if students need someone to talk to.

3. Any specific accomplishment of your time at FDU that you would like to highlight? How did your extracurricular activities look like at FDU Vancouver?

I guess managing to graduate on time while juggling school, work, and life was my biggest feat at FDU. In all seriousness, FDU is a wonderful place for you to be involved in extracurricular activities while attending classes.

I was one of the founding members of FDU Vancouver Business student Association (FDUV-BSA) and served as the Vice President from 2016 to 2017. We are a student club created to help business students and students interested in business networks gain more insights into their desired fields by hosting events with guest speakers who are experts in such fields. We collaborated with other business student associations from SFU and UBC and hosted a series of events with esteemed speakers in business and technology. Most students found the event to be immensely helpful and some even landed internships through our events!

I highly encourage current FDU students to find a club that they like and join one if they have not. Or take the initiative to create a club to find like-minded people. I know people who have been hired in part thanks to the activities that they did while at school.

4. You are currently working as an accountant; can you briefly describe your journey on becoming an accountant?

I initially did not plan to be an accountant as my father was one and I wanted to do something different. But when I was exploring my career options, I realized that I have traits that make me suitable for accounting. So, I decided to pursue it as my career. It was challenging at first having no experience, but it got better once I got the first internship. It was then followed by a summer full-time position at a tech Startup, then in my senior year, I got a part-time position in a marketing agency and was then promoted to a full-time position. Currently, after 2 years of working in Canada, I have decided to take a step back from work here and I plan to go back to my home country, Vietnam, to be closer to my family and experience Vietnam’s working environment. I am currently volunteering in a non-profit project called Beyond Borders Vietnam, that provides free online English lessons to small children in remote areas of Vietnam. Feel free to check out our Facebook and consider donating! (https://www.facebook.com/beyondbordersvietnam)

I think what worked for me in getting a job right out of college was going the extra mile. I saw that the job market was extremely competitive, so I tried to accumulate as much experience as I can to make myself stand out: taking the mandatory internship as soon as I can, then hunting for internship/co-op opportunities in the following summers, getting a part-time position during my senior year, while taking additional accounting classes. Other career paths may not have the same flexibility as accounting, but the general principle of going beyond still applies.

5. What does your typical workday look like?

At my most recent position as Accounting/Finance Associate at the marketing agency (Magnolia Marketing Communications), I was responsible for overseeing the company’s accounting operations (AR, AP, bookkeeping, budgeting, tax compliance) as well as handling HR and administrative tasks. My workday varied depending on what day of the year it was, as in accounting we have a list of tasks and deadlines that are in a cycle every month, every quarter, and every year. For example, if we are in our month-end period, then we must make sure all accounting tasks for the previous month have been done (all invoices have been sent to clients, all transactions have been recorded and reconciled, the budget has been updated, …). Those tasks are then repeated in the following month. The same goes for quarter-end and year-end. So, every day may not be the same, but there is a pattern to it.

In short, my typical workday would be checking and responding to emails, overseeing, coordinating, or executing accounting tasks depending on the cycle, complete HR and administrative tasks as needed.

6. What is your advice to our current students who want to pursue their career as an accountant?

Here is what I concluded from my experience (I got some of the following step’s thanks to Jobin’s Career Strategies course. Shoutout to Jobin and his course, hands down one of my favorites at FDU):

– Take personality tests to figure out whether you have traits that fit accountants (it is okay if you do not, but it certainly helps if you do). I think you can only do something well and stick to it if you are passionate about it or at least find aspects of your job that you enjoy.

– Try to map out your career in the next 5 years after your graduation (what position and where do you like to work at) to give yourself a sense of direction.

– Research on career prospects of accountants in the location that you are applying.

– Identify your gap, whether it is skills, knowledge, or experience that you lack, and work on it. If you lack all three, then focus on one or two of the three. I personally worked on knowledge, and experience since skills can be learned on the job.

– Network smartly: be polite and intentional when reaching out to people. Most people are okay giving you 15 minutes to answer your questions or do you a reasonable favor, but beyond that, you may need to read the situation to decide.

– And again, be willing to go the extra mile!

7. Working as an accountant can be tough, how do you maintain your work-life balance?

Being an accountant means that you may have to work extra hours during busier times, like month-end or quarter-end. Also, meeting deadlines and maintaining an important level of accuracy can make the job stressful. To maintain a work-life balance and cope with the stress, I try to make a habit of time management and staying active. For time management, I would spend 15 to 30 minutes in the morning planning out what I want to achieve for the day and hold myself accountable for that. For staying active, I found going to the gym helped me to stay fit and be more productive at work as I have more energy to get things done.

Maria Lourdes Sayson Tabuzo

Masters of Science in Hospitality Management Studies ‘19

By: Kimsear Sor, Student Ambassador

January 21, 2022

Maria Lourdes Sayson Tabuzo graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University Vancouver campus with a Master of Science in Hospitality Management Studies. María Lourdes was placed on the Provost List with a scholastic Average of 3.67 in Fall 2018. Maria was very active in volunteering both on-campus and off-campus activities during her study. She believes that extracurricular activity is the true essence of hospitality.

1. When and which program did you graduate from? Any specific accomplishments during your time at FDU you would like to highlight?   

I graduated from the Master of Science in Hospitality Management Studies last December 2019. During my program, I got the distinction of being placed on the Provost List with a scholastic average of 3.67.  

I was also a student volunteer who welcomed newcomers and gave campus tours to new students. As a student assistant, I also had the chance to be part of various events and gave testimonials about my experience with FDU and my Hospitality program.   

It was also an honour to represent FDU DQAB (Degree Quality Assessment Board) of Canada towards the end of my semester.   

Professor Willy Aroca would often volunteer me to represent the Hospitality program at big events. One of the big events I remember vividly is Canada’s Great Kitchen Party at Rogers Arena last Oct 2018. I had a chance to work with different school volunteers and professional event organizers welcoming Canada’s famous athletes and talents.   

2. We know that you participated in many FDU Vancouver Campus activities, how was your experience like? 

It was a fulfilling journey as a student. I realized that beyond learnings is the true essence of hospitality wherein you deal with the needs of every person, either simple directions or complex situations. When you give your sincere & genuine passion for helping them, the real essence of hospitality can be felt. Making a difference in someone’s life is hospitality for me. My student life became more meaningful with every person I learned, served, & worked with. My student life became more meaningful.  

3. What is your favourite memory at FDU?  

One of my favourite memories is doing our special project with Hotel Blu. It was very tough for the group, but this is where we tested our camaraderie as a team and a test of our friendship. It is the most fulfilling part when the industry values and appreciates your hard work and research.   

4. Can you briefly tell us about your professional journey after graduation?  

I started as a Team Member of Tim Hortons Restaurant, and eventually, I was offered a full-time position as a Shift Supervisor.   

I worked as a Destination Host at Rocky Mountaineer in 2018 and 2019. I was also assigned as a Trainer, but unfortunately, Covid struck, and the operation stopped. 

5. How did FDU help you prepare for your career?  

My participation in various events and being a representative of my program developed my self-confidence. FDU gave me several opportunities through job fairs and other career programs to connect with employers like Rocky Mountaineer. What I love about FDU is the full support they provide to every student transition. They never run out of programs for students, even inviting IRCC representatives before we graduate to discuss our pathways and options after we graduate. This is very helpful for international students to feel secure and be guided accordingly.   

6. What is your general perception of Canadian Hospitality Industry, especially in BC?  

The Hospitality Industry in Canada is superb and very promising! There is a huge opportunity in every field, whether tourism, services, events, food and beverage, hotel, or other recreational industry—a big scope of promising career to every student.   

7. What is your advice for our students to get the most out of their student life experience here at FDU?  

Each student has the chance to be part of FDU’s activities and programs. I would advise students to get involved and participate as this will maximize their beautiful journey as a student. This will help them develop their confidence, connect, and build their networks. 

Niharika Padiyal

Master of Administrative Science

By: Nikhil Ukhande, Student Ambassador

November 20, 2020

 1. When and which program did you graduate from? Any specific accomplishments during your time at FDU you would like to highlight?  

I graduated from FDU’s Vancouver campus in May 2015 with a Master of Administrative Science degree.

2. What is your favourite memory at FDU when you were a student?

There are a lot of good memories when I was a student at FDU but I have 2 most favourite ones.  The first one was the Vancouver city tour that we did in 2015 during our orientation. FDU arranged a bus to tour around the city’s popular areas that included places like Stanley Park & Canada Place. It was a fantastic experience for me to explore as a new bee in a new city. Besides, it was an opportunity to connect with fellow students and make friends.

My second favourite memory was the various cultural events at FDU we use to celebrate at the student lounge. Through those events, I was introduced to many interesting facts about various cultures which I had no idea about. FDU is known for its diverse and multicultural environment and the best part of these events was that students from all different nationalities used to come together, participate, and celebrate along with each other. This was a great learning experience. 

3. As an international student, did you face any challenges while living in Vancouver? How did you overcome them or any FDU resources you found helpful during those years? 

As an international student, yes, I had to face a few challenges. At the time that I had arrived here as an international student, the immigration rules were more stringent as compared to today and one of those was that for the first 6 months of entry into Canada, students weren’t allowed to work, not even part-time as a SIN was issued only after the first 6 months. I think that was one of the biggest challenges that I had to overcome as an international student as it left me tight on my monthly budget.

Another challenge that I had to face was finding full-time employment after graduating that would also help me get immigrated to Canada. As most international students aim for, I also wanted to get my permanent residency in terms of living a quality life in a foreign land. But, during my time, it was pretty hard to find employers who could sponsor international students for PR. I am sure many international students of that time faced these same hurdles.

I was able to use a few of the FDU resources like resume building, interview preparation tips and other basic skills that are needed in Canada to find jobs. When you come from a country where the way some things work is different compared to Canada, it is important to first understand what and how the hiring process would be. So I would say FDU’s career services were a life saviour for me to prepare and present myself according to the Canadian job standards. They helped me to achieve perception about what Canadian employers look for in an employee.

Another resource that I could have used at that time, but I didn’t was the internship program because at that time I did not realize the significance of how an internship can be beneficial in terms of finding a full-time job as well as developing necessary skills. I must say now that doing an internship opens up many avenues to international students that they would be unaware of otherwise.

4. You are a full-time employee with the FDU Vancouver campus now. How do you feel about it?  

I feel wonderful coming back to FDU to work after 7 years of my graduation. I’ve always loved how close-knit the culture FDU had concerning students as well as staff. Even when I was studying here, I could see students, as well as staff from diverse cultures and I, was amazed as to how multicultural FDU is. I feel extremely grateful to come back to a workplace that is so full of life and am proud to be a part of it once again.

5. How does your new role and responsibilities look like at FDU? 

I am working as an Assistant Director of Student Services at the FDU Vancouver campus. My main role is advising and helping the students of FDU with all their immigration matters. I also guide students with their study permit and work permit applications as well as for the applications of their families who are in Canada. Above all, students will see me around campus organizing students events too, which I think is very much fun.

6. You are a registered Canadian immigration consultant. What is your advice to our current students on immigration matters? 

My advice is that if students are looking to immigrate to Canada, they should start planning their map as soon as possible. Immigration rules are fluctuating and are very unpredictable. It is better to have a plan B also ready just in case your plan A fails due to any erratic reasons.

Make yourself familiarized with regulations and requirements clearly and work towards your goal. If you are unsure about something, it would be better to contact a professional who can advise you better rather than getting information from friends and acquaintances. Remember, what worked for your friend might not work for you!

Not to mention but volunteering and professional networking help a lot in opening more opportunities and hence it would be better to include yourself in as many networking events as you can.

7. What do you do in your free time when not working? 

In my free time, I mostly try to spend and plan activities with family and friends. I strongly believe that having a good work-life balance is very important for a peaceful life and better mental health. There are plenty of scenic places in Vancouver and I love that how close this city is to nature so I enjoy going out for walks and hikes where I can be closer to nature.

Isleta Ysabela

Master of Science in Hospitality Management Studies ’21

By: Nikhil Ukhande, Student Ambassador

November 5, 2021

1. When and which program did you graduate from? Any specific accomplishments during your time at FDU you would like to highlight?  

I graduated in May 2021 with a Master of Science degree in Hospitality Management Studies from FDU’s Vancouver campus. I am proud to say that I have been a consistent Graduate Academic Distinction Awardee (GADA) throughout all the semesters.

2. We know that you had volunteered at many FDU events, how was your experience? What would you advise current students participating in FDU events? 

I volunteered as an orientation leader for the new students’ orientation. The experience was fun and memorable; I got an opportunity to meet fellow volunteers and new students, make new friends, and create a professional network. It gave me a sense of pride and purpose to be able to help new students start their journey at FDU and make them feel welcomed in the FDU community. I was also a part of the commencement ceremony committee for the 2020 Graduation Ceremony. Unfortunately, that event had been postponed due to the pandemic. Nevertheless, I still think that the meetings we had during the planning phase were exciting. My advice for current and new FDU students is to volunteer and participate in the school events whenever and as much as you can! It is a great way of meeting new people outside of your class. This experience has also helped improve my self-confidence. On top of that, you can add your volunteering experience to your resume, which can be a bonus when applying for jobs.

3. How did it look like for you to take online classes at FDU Vancouver Campus? 

I felt lucky to spend about two and a half semesters on campus. As a person who loves being outdoors, the transition to online classes was hard for me in the beginning because I was always looking forward to going to campus and attending classes with my friends. I have to admit that it is easier for me to do assignments, papers, and group projects on campus and work on them together with my classmates. Online classes were challenging because I still remember that the transition happened halfway through the semester, so pretty much everyone, even the faculty members, had to cope up and modify class activities to be suitable for online instruction. Eventually, I was able to get a hold of it and realized the advantages of attending classes from home. However, I believe whether it is online classes or in-person, the key to succeeding in master programs is time management.

4. Most of the Hospitality industry is still recovering from the damage caused by the pandemic. Can you tell us about your professional journey after graduation? 

I am a recent graduate, therefore right now I am still working with the same company I have worked for part-time since I was a student. Now I am a reservation manager there. There is a struggle these days to find your dream job in this industry, but things are definitely getting better as more jobs are opening in the hospitality and tourism industry of Vancouver, given that it is one of the most affected sectors during the outbreak. In the next few years, I plan to eventually venture into hospitality entrepreneurship and apply the concepts I learned and the skills I developed through this wonderful program.

5. What is your favorite memory at FDU Vancouver?  

I have a lot on my list, but my two most favorites would be the Welcome/Freshers’ party for the students of hospitality and the last day of the Fall 2019 semester. The Welcome party is like a tradition of the hospitality program wherein students gather and meet once at the beginning of every semester to enjoy and have a great time with fellow hospitality students and our lovely professors. During those parties, we had a multicuisine feast, played games, sang, and danced to the international music as we had such a diverse group of students in my class. The last day of the Fall 2019 semester was also one of the best memories I had at FDU because it was that day where I and my classmates completed some of the most important and challenging academic projects for that semester. It gave us a sense of relief and we felt proud of ourselves. It also was the Christmas season, so we celebrated that day by having dinner together in the university’s lounge and clicked lots of photos together with the Christmas decorations.

6. What course during the program did you enjoy studying the most? Why? 

The course I enjoyed studying the most was Advanced Human Resources Management for Hospitality Professionals in the second semester taught by Professor Willy Aroca. It is an interesting yet challenging subject that taught me about how critical it is to manage employees on a large scale in bigger organizations and come up with creative solutions for employee retention and engagement. The role of Human Resources Management in today’s world has become the most significant due to the increasing number of employers, their competitive offerings to retain employees, management styles to enhance productivity, and most importantly, negotiation strategies to deal with growing legal formalities associated with businesses. For our final term paper, we were allowed to create strategic planning for the hospitality & tourism company of our choice. I think that it was a great platform for all the students to be able to express their creative side and apply the concepts we have learned during the course. I believe I could also use this project and its learning in the future for my dream hospitality startup that I aspire to build.

Eleanor Davidson

Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies ’17 (dual degrees in Business and International Relations)

By: Thy Pham, Student Ambassador

August 18, 2021

1. When and which program did you graduate from? Any specific accomplishments during your time at FDU you would like to highlight? 

I have had the privilege of studying at the Vancouver Campus since the Fall semester in 2015 and feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to study with individuals and professors who have challenged and nurtured my education along the way.

I graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor of Art in Individualized Studies (BAIS); with dual degrees in Business and International Relations

A major highlight was being the runner up for the Pinnacle Award in 201. Another major success and highlight was being a founding member of the REBBON CLUB-  a club specializing in REpurposing, REusing, and REthinking  the way we engage with one another as well as our planet.  We had many on-campus events including Avo-lution (Growing Gifts Campaign; selling avocado plants), Pub Crawls and Wine Walks, –and a in-house Donations Campaign focused on collecting donations for local women and men shelters.

2. Why did you choose FDU Vancouver?

As an American, I chose the Vancouver campus specifically for many reasons.  The first being that I was already interested in studying abroad in Canada and preferred to have an American degree at the end of it that I could take back to the US with me OR would be valid if I decided to stay in Canada, so this seemed like a perfect option.

The second reason I chose FDU Vancouver campus specifically was because of the entrepreneurial-atmosphere and spirit that the Vancouver campus encompasses.  This is not a traditional campus, and I was drawn to the idea that I would be able to have a hand in crafting my own education and to be on a campus where I was able to create clubs or groups and really have ownership of them.  The Vancouver campus is like a unique canvas that you can create the perfect vision for YOUR personalized education.

Looking back, I realize how attending the FDU Vancouver campus gave me the opportunity to participate in an environment that encourages learners, fosters creativity, inspires curiosity, and fundamentally shifts responsibility for learning back to the student.   

3. What is your favourite memory at FDU Vancouver? 

I have too many to list!!  I really did take advantage of the smaller campus and class sizes and was able to create so many fantastic memories at Vancouver campus, not just as a student, but as a staff member and now alumni member as well.

Looking back on my time at FDU-Vancouver, the one aspect I liked the most was the fact that within the 1,000 students or so that attending the Vancouver campus, I was only 1 of 3 North Americans (and 1 of 2 Americans) attending.  This to me, was an eye-opening experience; to be able to learn and study at an American University, but in Canada, surrounded by classmates from literally all over the world. 

4. What were extracurricular activities that you were able to explore at FDU Vancouver?

Although the Vancouver campus does not yet have a mascot or full-time year-round sports teams, I am honored to say that I was part of the inaugural FDU-Vancouver Ski Club.  There were 3 of us and we would drive up to Whistler every other weekend to explore the mountains!

I also was a co-creator of the REBBON club as well as a member on the inaugural FDU-Vancouver Alumni Chapter (where I have now moved on to become the first ever Vancouver Campus member to the Board of Governors.

5. Can you briefly tell us about your professional journey after graduation? 

Before FDU-Vancouver, I had already completed my Associates of Arts degree in Small Business Management from a prior University and was a Pastry Chef and Artisan Bread Baker for years. I came to FDU-Vancouver to finish my Bachelor of Arts in Business and International Relations to further and solidify my knowledge and to help elevate my career path.

After graduation, I stayed on at the Vancouver campus as the Domestic Student Recruitment Officer (for BC and USA students).  As a staff member, one of the area’s I took on as my responsibility was ordering and maintaining the campus SWAG for recruiting events.  This put me in touch with our Distributor who we source our SWAG from.  Eventually, I left FDU-Vancouver to start my career as an Account Manager in Sales for the distributor company and still work with them today.  If it wasn’t for my position as a recruitment officer at the Vancouver Campus, I would never have found out about them!

6. How did FDU help you prepare for your career? 

FDU Vancouver campus helped prepare me for my career in many ways.  Naturally, the course work and various classes helped to elevate my general education and knowledge base.  However, the miraculous thing about attending the FDU Vancouver campus as an adult (about 10 years older than my classmates) is that I was able to work and learn amongst the upcoming work force.  To be able to learn and study in a classroom that is small and personable, but also diverse and worldly, made all the difference!  I left the Vancouver campus knowing that I was well prepared to work through any inter-generational situations and well as being experienced in speaking to a diversified audience.  Being able to speak to a wide variety of backgrounds and cultural differences and connect with others is a HUGE skill set that is terribly underrecognized.

FDU Vancouver provided me with a variety of essential life skills and the abilities needed to fully engage and prosper in this modern globalized marketplace of ideas, commerce, and culture. Through involvements in project-based learning, critical and analytical strategies, and progressive as well as integrated teaching techniques, FDU Vancouver professors challenge and engage the individual and entertain pushing the boundaries of the students’ minds. 

7. What is your advice for our students to get the most out of their student life experience here at FDU?

My advice for students is to get the most out of their student life experience while at FDU Vancouver campus is to use this time and space as a testing ground for your ideas and concepts you are creating and thinking through.  You are amongst like-minded individuals and in a safe and welcoming place to try out your worldly theories. 

Use this time to create the world you want!!!  You can start any club or committee and can easily learn new skill sets.  With the Vancouver campus located in such a prime area, the students can ski, golf, fish, and hit the town all in a day!  Use this time wisely; so that when you look back in 20 years, you know you did justice to living in BC and all that it has to offer!!  (And if that’s not enough- head over to Kelowna and visit the Kangaroo Farm)!

8. What is your advice for our students to prepare for their professional journey after their graduation?

“People don’t buy WHAT you do, they buy WHY you do it!!”- Simon Sinek

The above quote is the advice I tell EVERYONE, and it is so true.  Everyone is living their life, no one is focusing on your life.  A way to truly connect with others is to let your passion out and to show excitement for whatever you are interested in.  People are drawn to energy and passion-  not things. If you speak with passion and energy, and you truly believe in what you are doing, the right people will be drawn to you, like a moth to the flame.

Ramon Gahob, Jr.

Masters of Administrative Science ’17, Global Health and Human Services Administration

By: Kimsear Sor, Student Ambassador

June 28, 2021

Ramon Gahob, Jr. graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University Vancouver campus with a Master of Administrative Science degree specialization in Global Health and Human Services Administration. Ramon is currently working as a permanent full-time employee for Fraser Health Authority, and he is also a Licensed Financial Professional.

1. When and which program did you graduate from? Any specific accomplishments during your time at FDU you would like to highlight? 

I graduated with a Master of Administrative Science degree specialization in Global Health and Human Services Administration in 2017. I was a recipient of the Rotary Club of Vancouver Yaletown FDU Scholarship and the Global Engagement Olympiad.

2. Why did you choose FDU Vancouver? What is your favorite memory at FDU Vancouver? 

My choice of university came down to where I can see a potential for personal and professional growth in a global setting, and the environment that thrives on students coming from different parts of the world learning from each other. I can’t pinpoint one favourite memory, but I am always a big fan of the events happening in school that keep students engaged.

3. Were there any challenges you were facing during your academic years at FDU? How did the university help you overcome them?

A big challenge for me was adjusting to a new country as I reside to study and work. The staff at FDU Vancouver have done an excellent job being very accommodating to questions, orientating me with life in Canada, and also understanding about what it takes to thrive here.

4. What were extracurricular activities that you were able to explore at FDU Vancouver?

I was part of Global Leaders Toastmasters Club, holding executive positions while also representing the university and club to numerous speech contests at the local level.

5. Can you briefly tell us about your professional journey after graduation? 

I was in between jobs after graduation, and even after months of networking, sending out my resumes, applying for different jobs within and outside my field, and going through numerous interviews, it took me more than 6 months after school to get hired for a permanent full time position for a healthcare company. I worked there for over a year until it was acquired by a provincial health authority and I have worked with them since.

6. How did FDU help you prepare for your career? 

Most of the courses taught at FDU were geared towards understanding the Canadian work environment and setting ourselves up to gain valuable experience in the workforce.

7. What is your advice for our students to get the most out of their student life experience here at FDU?

Don’t ever feel like you are going through this student life by yourself, especially when you left your home country to study. Sure there will be challenges, but there is always support from all corners of the university ready to help you.

8. What is your advice for our students to prepare for their professional journey after their graduation?

Start connecting with companies and leaders within your chosen industry to learn more about them and see how you can better serve them. A way to initiate those connections is through social media platforms like LinkedIn. Find time to volunteer in various events and programs as these can also help you create those relationships and experience to get into your career path.

Giuseppe Sarmiento Vuckovic

Masters of Administrative Science ’18, Human Resources Administration

By: Nikhil Ukhande, Student Ambassador

Giuseppe graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University Vancouver campus with a Master of Administrative Science degree with a Human Resources Administration specialization. Giuseppe had a prior finance background and showed significant involvement on campus by helping his classmates with financial management subjects. Giuseppe now practices an attractive HR management career as an employment expert in Vancouver.

1. What program did you graduate from? What was your specialization?

I graduated in 2018 from Fairleigh and Dickinson University Vancouver campus with a Master of Science degree in Administrative Science, specialization in Human resources.

2. What is your favorite memory of studying at FDU Vancouver?

Teaching finances to my classmates! I have a corporate finance background, so the financial management course came easy to me. I was happy to give finance lessons to my friends and the rest of the less prepared Masters students in any empty classroom we found.

3. Can you share one of your top accomplishments from your time at FDU?

I managed to get a part-time office job in Vancouver as a recruiter at a start-up that opened several doors for me when I graduated.

4. What extracurricular opportunities were you able to explore while studying at FDU Vancouver?

I always have been a fitness enthusiast. After managing time for studies and my job, I enjoyed a weekly hike to the mountains while running, lifting weights, and calisthenics was all part of my fitness passion and fitted will in my routine. Not to mention that I also trained a couple of my friends at FDU.

5. What was the key element of the FDU Curriculum that prepared you for the professional world?

Teamwork! Vancouver is a culturally diverse city that could lead to a cultural shock to most of us while interacting or studying in a diverse group of people coming here from all over the world. Having group assignments on campus helped me understand many other cultures, which in my view, is a powerful asset in the actual work environment.

6. What did you like most about the FDU Vancouver campus? What student resources did you find helpful during your academic years at the FDU Vancouver campus?

The warmth and the comfort that one can feel when you are with your family. Everyone at the FDU Vancouver campus is friendly, and they genuinely want to get to know you so that they can help you in your academics. It is kind of the University that wants to invest in your success sincerely.

7. How does your life look like after graduation?

Amazingly, I was able to land a recruiter job in one of the world’s largest recruitment organizations, which shaped my future in Canada. Besides, I am self-employed too. After years of experience in the recruiting industry, I think I was able to crack the formula for success. It takes great honour to me to help those struggling with getting a career opportunity or cracking interviews. Feel free to check out www.vitamin97.com

8. What is your advice for our students to get the most out of their student life experience here at FDU?

All I can advise current students is to learn how to network. Use LinkedIn or any other social media platforms you can think of and find more accessible to connect and ask professionals for help and offer value to others seeking help. You might want to initiate conversations over a coffee, talk to people of different professional backgrounds and build trust. Your connections are what is going to make your story a success. 

Coralia Palacios

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Minor – Business Administration 20’

By: Dhruv Sharma, Student Ambassador

December 18, 2020

Coralia Palacios graduated from FDU Vancouver with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program with a minor in business. Currently, Coralia is employed here at FDU Vancouver Campus as an IT assistant. 

1. In which program did you enroll? What are you doing after graduation?

I enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) program with a minor in Business Administration. Right now, I am a full-time employee at FDU as an IT assistant.

2. How was your transition to FDU as a transfer student? Why did you choose FDU Vancouver?

I came from an Engineering program and my transition to FDU was really easy and with no problems. I chose FDU because a friend of mine from home, who was already in the BSIT program, highly recommended it. I took a chance and now it is one of the best decisions I’ve made.

3. Can you tell us best attributes you noticed during the coursework for your BSIT program?

If I had to highlight the best attributes of my coursework, I would say they were my Networking and programming courses. The instructors always gave us updated information and they taught us skills that are currently being used in the market. This was really helpful while trying to apply to internships, and to get my current my job.

4. What were your favorite classes?

My favorite classes were Programming for the Internet with Professor Sourav, and my Network classes with Professor Jonn Martel.

5. What advice do you have for current and future FDU students to succeed in their BSIT program?

My advice to them is to work on their personal skills, and not only stay with instructors give us in class. Try to get involved in extracurricular activities and learn new technologies on your own while using the knowledge the BSIT program provides.

6. What is your favorite memory of studying in FDU?

My favorite memory of studying in FDU were all the ones where I got to meet my friends. Student events like the BBQs we have at the beginning of the semester, Global Scholar events where we would help with hosting the event and meet global leaders.

7. Did you feel prepared for the life after graduation, for your career?

The university gave me the tools to keep building my skills and prepare for my future jobs, now, due to the nature of my field, I keep learning and getting more knowledge to stay current with information.

8. Any other advice for our current students?

For students I would tell them to enjoy their university years, take these years to meet new people who will become their future colleagues, and friends, and build new lasting relationships.

Sourabh Aggarwal

Masters of Administrative Science ‘19, Computer Security and Forensics Administration

By: Lubna Irshaad, Student Ambassador

November 16, 2020

Sourabh Aggarwal graduated from FDU Vancouver with a Masters of Administrative Science with a specialization in Computer Security and Forensics Administration. Currently, Sourabh is working as an Instructor and as an IT manager for Career Colleges.

 1. When and which program did you graduate from? Would you like to share any accomplishments from your time at FDU?

I graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University Vancouver Campus in 2019 with a Master of Administrative Science degree with a Computer Security and Forensics Administration specialization. During my MAS program at FDU, I got the provost letter twice by scoring more than a 3.6 GPA and earned the GEO Gold Medal.

2. Can you briefly tell us about your life after graduation?

One moment, you are crossing the stage with your well-deserved Master’s degree in hand. Next, you are in front of those who would expect you to handle professional responsibilities. After graduation, I got an opportunity to integrate cybersecurity and eLearning technology for career colleges as an IT Manager/instructor. 

I highly recommend everyone to schedule an appointment with Jeffrey Lee, Associate Director of Career Services, to get the industry-standard feedback on your resume and cover letter.

3. Why did you choose FDU Vancouver and the program of your choice?

FDU Vancouver Campus is known for its reputation, industry-recognized professors, and amazing infrastructure support. I already had a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science back in India and five years of information technology and entrepreneurial experience. I chose the MAS program with a specialization in Computer security and Forensics Administration as an opportunity to learn the practical applications of cybersecurity, project management, and academic research.

4. What do you wish you would have known during the initial period of your graduate program at FDU?

When I entered graduate school, I wish I knew how difficult it would be to prioritize my self-care, especially in a foreign country. If there is one bit of insight from my own experience that I can share with you today, it is this: caring for yourself – mentally, physically, emotionally, and relationally during your time at FDU Vancouver Campus is very necessary.

5. How did the FDU curriculum prepare you for your career?

After graduation, I was well prepared for real-life situations and jobs. The flexible curriculum, a wide range of electives, and challenging courses have taught me exceptional critical-thinking skills and problem-solving techniques. My part-time employment as an international student also allowed me to experience situations firsthand and taught me how to come up with the best solutions.

6. What kind of Career and Student Services were available, and which one was your favorite?

During my whole period of the MAS program, whenever I had a question regarding resume, cover letter, or Linkedin profile – Jeffrey Lee is the name that came to my mind. He is so supportive and resourceful. Apart from that, Jobin Mojtabavi, Director of Student services, always inspires you to join a university student club and supports you with the best student support services.

7. Do you have any advice on how to build interaction and peer-to-peer relationships with other students?

FDU Vancouver campus is full of various student experiences. For instance, workshops, club events, seminars, industry panel discussions, and alumni talks. My recommendation is to participate in all the activities which help students gain practical skills like team management, leadership, communication, etc. 

8. What advice do you have for current and future FDU students to succeed in their graduate program?

My advice to current and future FDU students is to build a strong foundation with the professors and their classmates. By doing this, they increase academic research and innovation opportunities for themselves. Apart from that, building a strong LinkedIn profile can turn out to be a major to receive your dream job offer.

Budhi Kapoor

Masters of Administrative Science ’15, Computer Security and Forensics Administration

By: Lubna Irshaad, Student Ambassador

September 22, 2020

Budhi Kapoor graduated FDU Vancouver with a Masters of Administrative Science with a specialization in Computer Security and Forensics Administration. Currently, Budhi is working as a software engineer, and has recently founded his own company.

What Were Your Favorite Classes?

My favorite class was on Cyber Forensics. There were many fascinating things I learned that are applicable and practical for real life. I still use what I learned in class in my profession.

What were the positive attributes you noticed regarding your coursework and your instructors? How did your instructors promote success in the classroom? What was your overall impression of the environment?

At FDU, there is a smaller student-to-instructor ratio in class compared to the average public universities, and they have highly qualified instructors who specialize in their respective fields. The instructors make a genuine effort to connect with their students and adapt their teaching to every student’s unique learning needs. Another pro is that I find the classroom environment is casual; students are friendly and have a good rapport with each other, both of which are conducive to learning. 

What is your favorite memory of studying in FDU? 

The university celebrated various multicultural events to promote inclusion, solidarity, and foster a sense of community on campus. Through these events, I network with students and staff, build professional relationships. I learned about different cultures and tried foods from different cultural backgrounds.

What are you doing now? What sparked the interest or idea of starting the company?

I am working as a Software Engineer for a private company and have recently founded my own company. The project I am working on currently uses SAAS-based software, which will hopefully become the new trend for construction companies in the future.

Fun fact – I started one technical group in FDU to help students learn programming languages; after a few years, I chose the same name for my software company.

Can you briefly tell us about your life after graduation? 

I got offered a full-time job in my field of study one month before graduating from FDU. I had several one-to-one meetings with Jeffrey Lee regarding my career options; that is why I strongly recommend for students to talk to Jeffrey (Career Services). For instance, he helped me edit and refine my resume, which I still use to date. Jeffrey helped me make my resume and taught me some interview tips and strategies to cater to one’s resume based on what the employer is looking for in a potential candidate.

What Advice Do You Have for current and future FDU students?

I would advise them to connect with their classmates, join different university committees, and get in touch with Jeffrey Lee for career-related questions. Research what kind of jobs are available before completing their course, start looking for part-time employment in their field while still in university, be proactive, and not just wait for graduation. Their goal should be to get as much experience before graduation and before going into the job market.

Ira Saini

BSc. IT’ 2014, Minor in Business Administration

By – Dhruv Sharma, Student Ambassador

August 24, 2020

Ira graduated FDU Vancouver with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a minor in Business administration. Currently, Ira is the project manager for IT and non-IT firms in Canada and the U.S while being active in media industry with TV, podcast and modeling assignments.

1. In which program did you enroll? 

 I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology with a minor in Business Administration from FDU.

2. What are you doing now?

I am a Project Manager operating as a sole proprietor and have contracts with both IT and non-IT firms based in the USA and Canada. I am also involved with the media industry and host a range of TV Shows, podcasts, and modeling assignments for several national and international organizations.

 3. What were your favorite classes?

I had a great selection of courses that touched both IT and Business Administration from many different angles. It’s hard to pick one because there were so many. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Networking, Network Security, and also enjoyed the Business Law classes.

 4. What is your favorite memory of studying in FDU?

My favorite memories all come from the camaraderie and constant support that was there at FDU, whether it be the staff members, professors, or my peers. It made the university experience so much more fulfilling and made any stress-filled days so much easier to manage.

5. What were the positive attributes you noticed regarding your coursework and your instructors? How did your instructors promote success in the classroom? What was your overall impression of the environment?

I like the small classroom environments, and the ability to interact with my professors on a one-one. I also learned a lot from the global student dynamic at FDU and gained a very wide perspective on a variety of issues through my conversations with so many students from different nationalities. The instructors always promoted inter-class discussions and allowed for collaborative efforts within the projects, which helped me learn so much more not just from my instructors but my peers as well. My overall impression of the environment was one that was full of support and committed to ensuring the holistic well-being of all students. 

6. Did you feel prepared for your future career? Were you able to secure employment in your field?

I attended a lot of international conferences during my time at FDU and completed multiple internships before my graduation to learn hands-on work. The combination of these with the workload prepared me well for my career path ahead. I was able to secure multiple job offers after my graduation.

 7. What advice do you have for current and future FDU students?

Make the best of your time at FDU Vancouver and add as many experiences to your bucket as you can. I was always a part of conferences, planning committees, and other extra-curricular activities that extended beyond the classroom learning. I made friends and memories that will probably stay with me forever and gained tons of confidence to take on new challenges and learn new skills in life in general. 

8. Do you any advice for current FDU students that will help them prepare for life after University? 

Try to gain work experience in your field prior to graduation, whether through internships or part-time job roles. This helps get a deeper understanding of what the real-world requirements are like and will prepare you for the job market. Also, don’t forget to have fun and make friends while you are at university, because you will always look back and smile at the memories.

Instagram handle: ira_saini

Flavio Assis

Master of Administrative Science ’18, Global Leadership and Administration

By: Lubna Irshaad, Student Ambassador

July 28, 2020

Flavio graduated FDU Vancouver with a Masters in Administrative Science with a specialization in Global Leadership and Administration. Currently, Flavio is the Employment Relations Officer at the Immigrant Employment Council of British Columbia

1. When did you graduate and what was your program?

I graduated in 2018 with MAS-Global Leadership and Administration degree.

2. Can you briefly tell us about your life after graduation?

I was hired as a full-time employee by the same company where I did my internship.

I’m indebted to Jeffrey Lee, Associate Director of Career Services, who advised me in my first one-on-one meeting, to pursue a career as a Business Developer. He was right! I was hired as a Business Development Officer (NOC 4163).

3. Why did you choose FDU Vancouver and the program of your choice?

I chose the MAS program because I already had a Post-Graduate degree in Business Administration back in Brazil, and the MAS Program – Specialization in Global Leadership and Administration, would be an opportunity to upgrade and solidify my core competencies and help me in achieving my goal to immigrate to Canada.

4. What do you wish you would have known during the initial period of your graduate program at FDU?

I wish I had known how fast time would pass and take advantage of this extraordinary moment in my life by getting to know more in-depth the unique perspectives of my peers.

5. How did the FDU curriculum prepare you for your career?

In different ways, but I would say that the essential aspect that prepared me for my career was the interaction with my professors. During our course, they explained how the Canadian workplace has evolved to what it is today and what ingredients are needed to create a healthy corporate culture, such as inclusiveness, multiculturalism, gender equality, and of course the soft and hard skills required to achieve global success.

6. What kind of Career and Student Services were available and which one was your favorite?

For Career Services, as I already mentioned, Jeffrey was essential in getting me on the right path. Since our first session about “Tips on how to create a powerful profile on LinkedIn”; improving your resume; orientation on tools needed for job searching, etc.

On the other hand, Student Services was essential in advising me on how to apply for the PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) and all the requirements related to the Immigration Process.

7. Do you have any advice on how to build interaction and peer-to-peer relationships with other students?

Participate in all the activities that FDU offers, promote celebrations that focus on showcasing the cultural diversity FDU attracts. This is an ideal opportunity to learn more about other countries, cultures, etiquette, etc. I still remember a variety of foods that I tried during those events. These are excellent moments to interact with peers and create lasting relationships.

8. What advice do you have for current and future FDU students to succeed in their graduate program?

FDU is a leading innovator in global Education. So, take advantage of FDU’s diverse cultural environment by interacting with peers and staff as much as you can to build solid relationships. Establishing a network is powerful, especially when you are restarting your life and career in a new country.

Ajung “Ribbon” Kim

BAIS ’17, International Relations

By: Dhruv Sharma, Student Ambassador

June 26, 2020

1. In which program did you enroll at FDU Vancouver? 

BA Arts majored in Business & International Relations

2. What are you doing now?

Working full-time as Business Development at Canadian company (National NGO) and Business Development & COO, at Korean company, also doing some passion projects in media/film/creative as a filmmaker, producer, photographer

3. What advice do you have for current and future FDU students?

Seize the moment and enjoy every single thing that is offered by the external environment and surroundings because we tend to take things for granted. Experience and explore as much as possible from FDU programs, clubs, multicultural friends and faculties, collaborations with other college students, conferences, academic competitions, extracurricular, and to even student discount offers for gym, class memberships, magazine subscriptions, etc

4. What were your favorite classes?

“Latin America & Global International Trade” with Professor Jairo Clopatofsky. 

We wrote and completed research and analytic paper as a whole class together throughout the term about the Canada-Latin America trade relationships divided into 5-6 groups and each group was assigned to different Latin American countries (Costa Rica, Brazil, Ecuador, Mexico, etc). Each team was introduced to professionals in local diplomatic fields for this project and we got to know closely those professionals and obtained resourceful and practical knowledge. (I was in Costa Rica team and I personally have stayed in touch since with our advisor, the honorary consulate general of Costa Rica in Vancouver, Antonio Arreaga)

“International Management” with Farshad Sarmad: Farshad was one of the instructors who were very experimental, keen, and bringing up-to-date business industrial practices. We used diverse business analytic tools, theories, resources including Harvard Business Reviews 

“Strategic Management” with Ozen Asik-Dizdar

“Building Strategic Partnership” with Connie Bygrave: again, like Ozen’s classes very practical and insightful, I still use these experiences in real life. 

“Violence & Culture”& “Terrorism/Intelligence/Justice” – online with FDU New Jersey, it was great and very engaging too. I quite enjoyed online courses too.

5. What is your favorite memory of studying in FDU?

Multi-cultural events with diverse food, outfits, and people! 

Diplomatic circle series events 

Model UN activities

Graduation committee work (prepping graduation ceremony, choreographing flashmob, etc)

Students-led activities and projects including my documentary photo exhibition event, my initiative leadership group, REbbon International’s clothes donation/swap events (Thanks to FDU staff who were very open and supportive enough to get all these ideas and actions roll out well!)

6. What were the positive attributes you noticed regarding your coursework and your instructors? How did your instructors promote success in the classroom? What was your overall impression of the environment?

Openness, flexibility, inclusion 

Many of the instructors were resourceful, supportive, and creative enough to make courses dynamic and practical. In the Business classes that I attended, all of them tried their best by getting field professionals onboard and introducing them to classrooms as well. 

7. Did you feel prepared for your future career? Were you able to secure employment in your field?

Yes and no. Realistically speaking, I think it takes at least 2-3years of actual experiences to find the right professional path for oneself. Job hunting was not an obstacle after BA (I personally was lucky enough never having been unemployed although I had switched industries a couple of times), however, it certainly requires extra effort and self-study to get where we want to be, what we want to be and I am still in the process, ongoing life-project.

8. Do you any advice for current FDU students that will help them prepare for life after University? 

Be clear, realistic, and strategic about what you want for +5years after college graduation. 

I was a bit blinded, focusing too much on short-term goals, one and two years, and didn’t know how my short-term goal could’ve been a game-changer either being a booster or an obstacle. To all international students especially, do not rush if you have an immigration purpose also in your career goal, rather make sure you still reflect the best career intention (job titles, responsibilities, locations, etc) along with your immigration, try your best not to sacrifice or negotiate your career. 

Maanik Puri

BAIS ’17, Applied Technology

By: Lubna Irshaad, Student Ambassador

June 1, 2020

1. How was the transition from your previous school to FDU as a transfer student? Why did you choose FDU?

I had completed a Visual Effects for Film Diploma before joining FDU. Transitioning was smoother than I thought as it helped me advance my Technical knowledge by completing my Bachelor’s degree in the BAIS program at FDU. I chose FDU as it had the course I was looking for and I was able to escalate my way as the pathway bumped me to the 3rd year of University. I was able to cope up as I studied hard to gain what I aimed for. 

2. What program did you take in FDU? 

I was enrolled in the BAIS- Applied Technology program as it helped me continue my Computer Science course that I had started at Texas Tech University before coming to Canada. 

3. What Were Your Favorite Classes?

I would say my favorite class was Event Planning. Organizing events is something I like and being a Photographer has always been my passion. I started teaching Visual Effects at VanArts after my graduation from FDU and organizing events on campus alongside was one of the things I liked to do. The course really helped me coordinate events with a stronger approach and prioritize the necessary tasks. 

4. What is your favorite memory from when you were an FDU student?

Being able to participate in most events held on and off-campus in every way possible. 

5. How did your instructors promote success in the classroom? What was your overall impression of the FDU Vancouver environment?

Each instructor had their own way of teaching but all of them had a similar goal, supporting students in what they wanted to do. I had a different background from most of the students at the University but my Instructors let me use the knowledge I had and incorporate that into my assignments and presentations. This way I had the opportunity to teach a skill or two to the students as they did the same for me. The environment was healthy as the faculty were very supportive. 

6. Did you feel prepared for your future career? Were you able to secure employment in your field?

Yes. I was hired by not just having artistic skills to fulfill the production needs but being able to code and script to resolve issues in the production environment is a skill that not a lot of people look forward to, due to the complexity of the work. The degree from FDU surely helped me advance in the selection process by the studio. 

7. What are you doing now?

I am a CG Generalist at an Animation Studio. With my skills as an FX artist and a technical background from studying at FDU, I spend my day creating Visual Effects while scripting my way through the shows. 

8. Do you any advice for our current FDU students?

Enjoy your college life and also make sure to get your work done on time in order to succeed. It not only teaches you time management for assignments but assures your success for a lifetime. Anything that happens, happens for a reason. Don’t let anything stop you from your goals. Learning never stops and we should keep learning no matter what field we are in. 

Klimentiy Kenzikeyev

Master of Administrative Science ’15, Global Health and Human Services and Administration

Klimentiy Kenzikeyev came to Vancouver in September of 2013. He is from Kazakhstan from the city Karaganda, which is located on the same latitude as Vancouver but on the other side of the globe. He graduated in spring 2015 with a Master’s degree in Global Health and Human Services Administration.

The Vancouver Campus appealed to Klimentiy for many reasons such as the opportunity to obtain a Master’s degree in a related area of expertise (his first degree is in dentistry), the central location of the campus, vibrant city, and mild climate. His best memories of FDU-Vancouver will always be related to his friends from around the world, which showed him that friendship has no boundaries, languages, and nationalities. He will cherish all the events and activities experienced during his two-year program both inside the campus and outside spent with his friends.

The biggest challenge for Klimentiy was to overcome a language barrier and find a balance among studies, work, sport, and hobby. The biggest victory and the main reward were to be privileged to deliver a speech on the Pre-Commencement Dinner in front of more than 300 people. This milestone has shown him that hard work such as constant self-education, developing of public speaking skills and campus involvement are rewarding and definitely pays back. His campus involvement was related to leadership during orientation weeks for new students and active participation in the Toastmasters club. Klimentiy is proud to be a part of FDU-Vancouver and will make all possible that FDU-Vancouver will be proud of him for many years to come.

Sylvana Marsicovetere

Master of Administrative Science, Global Health and Human Services and Administration

Sylvana Marsicovetere is a Guatemalan Clinical Psychologist who graduated from Rafael Landivar University in Guatemala. Her areas of expertise include treating victims of violence, rehabilitation of male aggressors, self-esteem development, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and obsessive-compulsive disorders, along with research and development for social marketing campaigns for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.

Also, while in her home country she was engaged in promoting mental health through informational talks and workshops about anxiety and resilience of people with chronic diseases. She also has a diploma from the Autochthon University of Barcelona in Actualizations of STDs and she has just acquired her degree as Master of Administrative Science specialized in Global Health and Human Services from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

She chose FDU for the humanitarian values that the institution promotes. She was drawn by the program’s unification of administrative subjects with global health and human services, focused on the public and non-profit sector. She chose the Vancouver campus because of the beautiful city. Moreover, the opportunity for enriching her knowledge by learning from the Canadian culture and work environment was a plus. One of the most challenging moments for Sylvana was balancing work with studying, although she was able to maintain a GPA above 3.7. She was always open to help her fellow students improve their performance and to speak on their behalf whenever they needed her to. Her most gratifying moment, aside from completing the MAS program, was to be honored with giving the speech at the commencement ceremony. Now Sylvana is looking to become part of an organization that provides aid to women and fights against violence towards women in Vancouver.