5 Reasons to Get Back-2-Business
Posted on Monday, August 12th, 2019
Meet Angela Plummer, or Angi as she is affectionately called in the Community and Student Affairs Department here at the Pembroke Campus. Angi has been our Marketing and Event Planning Assistant since May as part of her paid co-op with the Business program. Angi has taken over the Waterfront Campus Blog to share a little bit about her AC journey.
“It was a quick decision. I guess some would call it split-second. However you choose to describe it, it altered my life dramatically.
I had been stressed for some time. At work, my supervisor made it her mission to ensure I could not climb the corporate ladder. At home, my daughter, while away at university, was going through some intense personal challenges that required me to re-tie those apron strings and take a leave of absence from work to assist her. During my attempts to help my daughter and put the pieces of her life back together, I did a lot of self-analyzing. I whittled my life’s decisions down to the basic dilemma I was currently facing. I was unhappy—with work and my limited future, with life as I was single and getting older. I could not control the misery my daughter was facing but I could definitely control mine. I needed to take control. I needed a change and I needed it now. So, I applied to college.
It was the second last week of August. School was about to start in just over two weeks. Once I discovered I qualified for financial assistance, I sent in my college application. I knew exactly the program I wanted and I knew precisely where I wanted to go….Business…at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus.
But Why?
Why Business? I come from a family of entrepreneurs, so business was a natural choice. Plus, the Business program at Algonquin’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus is condensed. Rather than have four semesters of classes, I would only need to commit to three. As a bonus, there is a paid co-op option over the summer.
Why Algonquin College in Pembroke? Have you seen the Campus? Where else could I literally be but a stone’s throw away from the historic Ottawa River every day? Not only is the campus surrounded by parks and natural beauty, but it is also a part of my hometown, my heritage. So, for me the choice was easy.
This Choice was Life-Altering
I admit I was intimidated attending college as a 43-year-old. My anxiety-riddled brain was prepared for an onslaught of millennials giving me weird looks, their probing eyes questioning my existence in their domain. Wow, what a waste of mental energy. My fears were completely unfounded. Not only was my presence never questioned (either subliminally or literally), I was not the only student well over the age of 25. In fact, in my program, one in five of my classmates were over 40!
With seven to eight courses per semester, it definitely took me a couple of weeks to get into the swing of things. Getting back into student-mode, after nearly 20 years, definitely took some adjusting. However, knowing I wasn’t alone, that my professors truly cared about my success eased my worries and helped me forge ahead. I kid you not, it was intense. Nonetheless, I persevered. Two semesters are behind me and my co-op is almost finished– I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. In just over five months it will be all over. I, for the first time in my life, will be a college grad!
5 Reasons Why
So, how exactly was this a life-altering decision? Well, when I graduate, I am going to have immense knowledge, real-life experience, and skills that I would not have otherwise. Truthfully, I cannot say enough about the Business Program. Why? Because:
- Instructors include real-life accountants, marketing professionals, and entrepreneurs—people who have ‘walked-the-walk’ so they can honestly ‘talk-the-talk’.
- This past year, the Business Program launched the Ambassador Program—a partnership between Business students and merchants in downtown Pembroke. Student groups work closely with these business owners and develop marketing plans, social media posts, and campus showcase promotions, all using content learned during classes.
- Co-op opportunities provide additional avenues to learn through hands-on learning during paid placements in a variety of business-oriented settings.
- There is a strong community connection between The City of Pembroke and the College. The City is extremely supportive of the College and its endeavours. This type of relationship is relatively non-existent in larger cities.
- Two words—Kim Drake. As program coordinator, mentor and instructor this powerhouse is very involved in her students’ studies. Approachable, intelligent, supportive and caring, Kim will work with you to help you navigate your way through the Business Program.
Mind Your Own Business
I truly believe everyone should take a business program. In every aspect of life, we are exposed to the world of business in one form or another. For example, think of ten items you see around you right now. Maybe you see clothes, a computer, a phone, a car, a mug. Someone had to design, manufacture, transport, and sell each item. When designing that item, someone had to see a need and have an idea, then draw it, discuss its uses, discover the best materials to use, etc. The people involved need a plan involving human resources, marketing, finances and more. Business isn’t just about physical creations either. Service providers such as dentists, utilities, and hair salons all function on business models as well. Having a background in business gives people a better understanding of how the world around them functions. This knowledge could inspire an entrepreneurial spirit and develop creative minds to strengthen our communities through innovation and initiative.
When you’re ready to mind your own (or someone else’s) business and see what the Business Program can do for you, check out Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus. After all, it is their mission ‘to transform hopes and dreams into lifelong success’.”
Angela graduated for the Business program in December 2019 and was hired immediately to work at Herb Shaw and Sons Limited in the Pembroke/Petawawa area as Receptionist/Accounts Payables. Angela shares, “I completely attribute my current career path to the Business program. Through the program, I strengthened my accounting skills, learned the Sage accounting software and expanded my Excel skills. All of these helped me secure my position at Shaw’s. In addition, knowledge from my courses in operations and supply chains enhanced my understanding of how my employer functions as well.
The Business program offered me the chance to gain the essential skills and knowledge I needed in a shorter amount of time than other similar college Business programs. Plus, it was in my home town which allowed me to stay home and be with my family.
While the world situation today may seem like business is a futile option, the truth is quite the opposite! This program is not necessarily just about “starting your own business”, though it is a great foundation if someone wishes to. When you think about it, the whole world runs on business. From the clothes you wear to the shampoo that you use, to the flowers you plant in your garden–business is a part of every single step. Think about the marketing, manufacturing, and shipping that help an idea become the product that gets into your hands—this program teaches it all! Fantastic program if you want to learn more. After all, business makes the world go ’round!”
Post by: Angela Plummer, former Business student & Marketing and Event Planning Co-op Assistant, Community and Student Affairs Department, Algonquin College, Pembroke and Business Grad.
- Posted in
- Waterfront Campus Blog