3 Success Stories: How Algonquin College Online Alumni Changed Their Lives

The Power of Online Learning

Whether you’re changing career paths, investing in your career, or pushing your career to new limits, if you put your mind to it and have the right tools at your disposal, anything is possible.

Thanks to the accessibility of online learning, career growth is more achievable than ever. With Algonquin College Online Campus (also known as AC Online), students can work around their busy schedules and study when it’s most convenient for them. Though there are set timelines and due dates for all programs and courses, students can choose when to study and complete their courses anytime, anywhere, 24/7; full-time or part-time.

But seeing is believing. Here are three students who took their careers to new heights with online learning:

Francesca’s Career Transformation

Success stories like Francesca’s prove that it’s never too late to make a change. Francesca is a busy mom of two who was working as a kindergarten educator when she decided to change career paths. Despite her passion for early childhood education, it was time to follow her heart and finally pursue Computer Programming.

According to Francesca, the flexibility of virtual learning was a big advantage, “I decided to switch careers during a global pandemic but I wasn’t prepared to quit my job to go back to school. Studying online allowed me to continue my education while working and raising a family.”

Ezekiel Put His Skills to Work

Ezekiel is a prime example of why it’s important to invest in yourself. Ezekiel found himself in an unstable job market at the height of a global pandemic. When he was laid off from his job, Ezekiel decided to further his education and turn it all around, “I had a choice where I could just stay at home and wait it out, or I could take that opportunity to further my studies [and see where I could] take my career path. That’s when I came across AC Online and the Human Resource Management program.”

The flexibility online learning provided was invaluable, “I could do my studies around my schedule and easily manage my time. AC Online allowed me to refocus my time and to understand what I should prioritize in my life as a whole.”

After graduating, Ezekiel accepted a role at a financial software company. Ezekiel beams with pride as he reflects on his journey, “I had a really good experience and I definitely think that it was a pivotal moment in kickstarting my career.”

Tara’s Leadership and Innovation

Tara is proof that anything is possible when you put your mind to it. This mother of five was working as a special needs resource teacher at her local daycare when she decided to further develop her skills and build new competencies. That’s when Tara enrolled in the online Early Childhood Education program.

Flexibility was key in Tara’s journey. Being able to study around her schedule made all the difference, “I lived on the reserve and my connectivity was really iffy throughout my time studying. Despite that, my virtual facilitators were amazing. They understood my background and helped me cope with the challenges of my situation.”

Now that she’s graduated, Tara feels incredibly proud of how far she’s come, “As an Indigenous woman, we’re often discouraged from pursuing our education. We’re encouraged to stay home with our children, but I’m glad I chose to follow my dreams. I wanted to enhance my skills as a teacher for myself and my children’s future. Now, I’m able to do my job even better and act as proof to my community that anything is possible.”

How Algonquin College Supports Career Growth

Algonquin College continues to pave the path toward a brighter future with innovative online programs designed for adult learners, working professionals, busy parents, and people who need a change.

With the flexibility to study on your schedule, the freedom to do it from anywhere in the world, and the support from knowledgeable virtual facilitators, you too can make your dreams come true. Take your career to the next level, or build on your existing skillset; AC Online is a stepping stone in your professional journey.

For more success stories visit the AC Online alumni stories page or to explore here to view all online programs.