Grad Testimonials
Who better to tell you about the Business program than our grads!
Business grad Emma talks about her experience in the program and what it’s like to be a business owner, Pick-It-Fence Pembroke, in this video:
The videos on this page were produced before the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic. It reflects a campus life that is currently altered to ensure the health and safety of our students and employees. We are currently following all protocols as outlined by our public health authorities.
“Prior to beginning my studies at the Pembroke Campus, I had left a professional management job that I had held for almost eight years. It was a re-set opportunity to return to school to receive up-to-date and relevant training that would go beyond the industry I was accustomed to.
I found the networking opportunities in the program were huge as I was surrounded by other students, of all ages and from all walks of life. The diversity of my classmates made it a wonderful journey. I’m a new graduate, just finishing up in 2020 but already I have secured my first job as a digital service team member with Laurentian Valley Township.
I already had formal post-secondary education before joining the Business program, but I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed my Algonquin experience. My advice to you is to “Do it!” I am proud to be a graduate from such a great place and my only complaint is that my time there wasn’t long enough!
-Stephanie Hewitt, AC Business Grad 2020
“I enrolled in the Business program shortly after graduating from high school. My original plan was to further my studies in Human Resources but I found an affinity for bookkeeping instead. That’s where my career has taken me.
While I was a student at the Pembroke Campus I was very involved as a program representative. It increased my confidence and the support and empathy shown to me by my course professors as well as college administration showed me my worth as a person. My time at Algonquin College set the standard for the type of work environment I wanted, one that was creative and supportive.
I am currently worked at Forging Forward Counselling Service. I graduated from the Business program in 2011 and would offer this advice to you as you embark on your education journey. Set expectations for yourself during your college studies but be open to opportunities that you are not expecting. You may choose a career field completely out of your comfort zone. You might be like me and discover that you have a knack for something that you thought you disliked.”
-Jocelyn Ranger, AC Business Grad 2011
“I knew I wanted to be a business owner or have the ability to dictate my own income and schedule. The program helped me realize that my sales background, strong grades and interest in the economy and finance made for a perfect combination to start a financial advisor practice. Taking advantage of the degree pathways available, I then earned a business degree that opened the door to join a reputable firm.”
-Jim Clement, AC Business Grad 2011, Financial Planner, Investing Service, Insurance Broker with Wealth Management
“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 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! Learn more about Angela Plummer’s journey.
-Angela Plummer, AC Business Grad 2020
“My experience in the Business program is one that has been unmatched thus far in my educational stretch. The unparalleled education, professors, and faculty were uniformly focused on ensuring the student grasps course content and that delivery was achieved in an incredibly balanced manner of applied and theoretical components. From the individual-focused learning to the personable and approachable professors, my experience was undeniably a well worth choice.
I have found significant application of the skills gained at Algonquin. The foundational knowledge, techniques and competencies gained through the Business program have allowed me to excel remarkably. Following my Bachelor’s degree, I plan to pursue a Master of Science degree focused in Financial Management at the University of Windsor.”
Jacob followed one of the Business program degree pathways, taking the Bachelor of Business Administration program in a shorter amount of time thanks to the Business Diploma credits that he transferred towards his degree.
-Jacob Nagora, AC Business Grad 2019
“Once I graduated from the business program I immediately stepped foot into my career at Sun Life Financial within Ottawa Valley community as a unit coordinator. The skills and knowledge gained throughout the program were transferable, which were utilized during my time with the corporation. As my skills and ambition increased significantly, I jumped into the banking/finance world of business. I currently hold the role of a Financial Advisor at National Bank – Pembroke. I have the credibility to grow in my career due to my first step partaking the business program. All of the courses within the program are beneficial and get you prepared for future career opportunities in any business background.”
-Puja Aswal, AC Business Grad 2014
“I did my first two semesters of the Business Program at the Pembroke Campus and absolutely loved it but wanted to continue my studies at the university level and decided to finish the last semester over the summer following the second term. I started my third semester through the online Business program in May and finished during the last week of August when I had to travel to Ottawa to write my exams. I recently attended the convocation in October, graduated with honours, and received my diploma – finishing the whole business program within a year.
I applied to Nipissing University in the fall of my first semester at Algonquin to come to Nipissing where they based my acceptance off of my high school grades because I didn’t have any official grades from the business program yet. I was granted conditional acceptance and had to send my transcript every semester from Algonquin to keep acceptance. I started at Nipissing this September and am nearing the end of my first semester and loving it. Whenever I started, I was technically entered into year 2 of the business administration program at Nipissing because I had completed the Algonquin business program! Nipissing granted me 42 transfer credits (almost 1.5 years of courses), the higher the GPA the more transfer credits they give so anybody considering an option like this should try to have as high of GPA as possible!! Most business administration programs also offer a minor option such as marketing, accounting, organizational studies, or computer technology. I chose organizational studies & am hoping to have a career in Human Resources when I’m finished! Overall, my degree here is going to be 2.5 years only because I have the background business diploma from Algonquin. I found the transition to university has been a lot easier because I attended college first and Algonquin prepared me really well!”
-Keely Goldberg, AC Business Grad 2017
“To say Algonquin College was not a route I was expecting to take is an understatement. It was a curveball thrown in my direction, but it is also one I am so happy I got to experience. The Business program at Algonquin helped me grow as a person, introduced me to new opportunities and allowed me to meet some of the absolutely most amazing people I have in my life. I am both proud and eager to say that at my graduation this past summer I won an award for achieving excellence in Business Management Principles and Development based on my own business plan as well as graduated with honours. This came with a bursary that I took with me to Carleton University this past fall with a degree pathway. The Business program opened me to opportunities I did not know existed and I will pursue in the Economics and Marketing programs at Carleton to work on a career choice I am passionate and excited for. I am so incredibly thankful for the phenomenal profs I had, lifelong friends I met, and family I had by my side.
The people I have met and the Business program and community at Waterfront Campus have helped me to build myself and gave me a chance to figure out passions and aspects of myself I was unaware of and that I am grateful for every day.”
– Sarah Michael
Jordan Radford is a young man born and raised in the Petawawa area, who not only recently graduated from our Business program, but he also became an author this year. At 19 years of age, Radford managed to find the time to write his digital book, What You Need to Become Successful, all while completing a challenging compressed diploma program. This book was written with young people, like Radford, in mind. It offers advice and guidance on what he sees as the key characteristics necessary to become successful. Learn more about Jordan’s journey and what you need to become successful.
“I searched high and low for the best Business program that I could complete that would provide me with the greatest return on my investment. I was seeking specifically a community college that had a proven track record of having successful graduates, had an outstanding reputation, dedicated and caring staff, and that would permit some flexibility for my studies as I continued to work full-time. This search led me to the Business program at the Pembroke Waterfront Campus. In this program, I found everything I was looking for. My diploma in Business has opened many doors for me that were previously closed, including with the Federal Government. I have since gone on to complete other studies however it is my diploma from the Business program that is proudly displayed in my office as it represents the very foundation from which all my successes continue to grow.”
– Danielle Robert, Business Grad 2015
“I chose the Business Diploma program at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus because business is so diverse and I knew it would give me many employment opportunities. In our program, we cover everything from finance, sales, human resources and much more! I think it is a great program for military spouses and family members because no matter where you end up, there will be career options. If I could guess, I would say that 75% of my class has some type of military connection, whether they served in the military or are family members. It is a great support system.
As a military spouse, my best advice would be that it is never too late to go back to school and learn new skills. I returned to school after years of being out, and it was the best choice I could have made!”
– Shelby Hann, Business Grad 2018, Military Spouse
Aaron Curtis graduated from the Business program in 2005 and hasn’t slowed down for a moment since! Curtis currently owns two businesses – S&T Mobile Car Wash and A&S Curtis Holdings, plus, he works full-time as a Financial Advisor with CIBC. Curtis shares, “The business program was excellent in helping to determine the path I would ultimately take, realizing where my strengths were and where I would need to ensure that I had support when I hit the business world. What I learned in the business program changed the trajectory of my career!”
Aaron’s advice to someone considering enrolling in the program is “no matter where you end up after this program, it will make you more prepared for life!”
-Aaron Curtis, Business Grad 2005, Business Owner and Financial Advisor, CIBC
After retiring from the Canadian Forces, Matt Monych was aware that he needed to supplement his education to obtain the most up-to-date knowledge that would lead to a level of employment that he would find fulfilling. He turned to the Pembroke Campus and, “I could not be happier with the outcome” says Monych.
Monych continues to share, “without knowing precisely what I was getting myself into, I enrolled in the Business Program. I did know that the entrepreneurial aspects of the program would allow me to become capable of executing in each core aspect of business versus focusing on a specialty. What caught me off guard was the level of investment by the faculty and staff, both professionally and personally, in my success. I believe that Kim Drake was a significant influence on this type of culture. Despite having a tremendous amount of responsibility in her role with the College, Kim went above and beyond to ensure the success of her students including me. The program gave me a great base to work from and played an instrumental role in securing a professional position with the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club following my studies. Learn more about Matt’s journey from Business student to business professional and Executive Master of Business Administration degree candidate here >>
-Matthew Monych, Business Grad 2010, EMBA Candidate
Business grad, Laura MacKinnon, shares her story of how she went from student to boss. “Right out of College I was extremely lucky to get a job with the County of Renfrew. Little did I know four years down the road I would be the owner of my own gym, Valley Apex Training Grounds. Gaining the knowledge from the Business program at Algonquin College, I didn’t even hesitate when I had the opportunity to become a business owner, I felt so confident and knowledgeable. What benefited me the most during my studies at Algonquin College was the courses on Business Planning and Accounting. Of course, starting any business you need to have a Business Plan and know how to manage your money, those classes set you up so well. The paid co-op during the summer was a game-changer for me, I worked with the Township of Horton for the summer and opened my eyes up to Municipal Government. Little did I know one year later I’d continue working in a Municipal Government field. And now that I am also a business owner I am so grateful I chose to take this program. It’s given me so much confidence in the decisions I’m making and will continue to make as I grow my business.”
– Laura McKinnon, Business Grad 2013, Owner of Valley Apex Training Grounds.
Marc Lapierre is a busy man, working hard to build three different businesses in three different ways; financial planning with Frank Carroll Financial Ltd., directing business development with Revel Marketing Agency, and running GoHuntBirds.com. “I have always been interested in business. Taking the Business program in my hometown of Pembroke, set me up with the foundation to what has become a career as a lifelong entrepreneur. I would honestly suggest EVERYONE should take this program as a foundation to whatever it is that they think they might want to do. The things that you will learn by taking a business course can translate into all aspects of life, regardless of the nature of your future employment.” Learn more about Marc’s journey from Business student to community entrepreneur here >>
-Marc Lapierre, Business Grad 2003, Financial Advisor, Business Development Director, and Owner/Founder
“I decided to take the Business program at the Pembroke Campus because I had a desire to work in an office setting after I completed two placements at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL). It seemed a little far-fetched as I was a student coming in with a background in recreation and with only a little experience in an office setting – I was pretty nervous. As soon as I walked into the campus and first day of class, I felt a sense of relief. The program has small class sizes that enable you to have a lit of one-on-one time with the teachers. The campus also has so many resources and tools at student’s disposal that it makes everything a whole lot easier. The professors and the coordinator, Kim Drake, are absolutely amazing. They want to see you succeed and achieve your goals and will do everything they can to assist you.”
-Victoria Branco, Business Grad 2018
“I wanted to say thank you to you and the faculty at Algonquin College, this experience has changed my life in such a positive way and allowed me to build confidence in education. I am very blessed to have had this opportunity, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without it. Words can not express the impact which the staff and the college have done for me. This experience has created a future of opportunity. I have been accepted into civil engineering school, starting in September and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help and guidance of yourself and the college. This has meant the world to me, and once again thank you very much. It’s been a phenomenal experience, and I wish you and the staff all the best for the years to come!”
-Business Student and serving member of the Canadian Forces, 2017
“After being employed with the same business for 25 years, I found myself faced with the challenge of starting a new career. I choose the Business program at Algonquin College because there is a wide range of subject matter in which I was hoping would help me decide further on my career path as well as give me more job opportunities. Being a mature student participating in the Second Career employment program, I was very nervous to go back to school but the program is designed to help ease you into the workload and learning of technology. It was challenging and rewarding at the same time.
The program content was current and reflective of today’s world. There was a lot of practical application combined with theory. The program definitely prepares you to enter the workforce within many areas of business. It gave me the confidence and skills I needed in order to be a candidate for the jobs I was interested in. The teachers were very helpful and made it easy to reach them. They gave guidance and continuous feedback. It was apparent that our success was their success and they were instrumental in helping their students gain employment. Overall, my experience in the business program was positive and enlightening.”
-Robin McGregor, Business Grad 2016, currently working in the Accounting Department at the Department of National Defence
“I believe that my time at Algonquin really did provide me with some foundational tools that were essential to building and sustaining a career in a highly competitive music industry.” Learn more about Jason’s story.
Jason Blaine, Business Grad 2000 & 2015 Algonquin College Alumnus of the Year.
“I took the Algonquin College Business Diploma program in 2012 and it was a great opportunity for me as I got some great connections, learned lots and was an awesome stepping to a Business Degree program. After I graduated, I applied to Nipissing University where once I was accepted, I applied for transfer credits which allowed me to skip many of the intro courses and start my university career as a second-year student!”
-Dez Patel, Business Grad 2012, Senior Manager at Integrated Health Centre
“I came to Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus in my mid-20’s after having difficulty finding employment in my field following my first post-secondary experience. I decided to take the Business program to build on the skills and experiences I had gained working in the Retail Sector for many years.
I am very grateful for the education I received at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus as I used the skills I gained from the program to jump-start my career in the College Sector.”
– Sean Roche, Business Grad 2012, Admissions Officer, Algonquin College
“I learned so much from this program. Not just academics, but life skills, too, which have improved my quality of life! I recommend taking Business to anyone interested in developing themselves professionally, entering the corporate world, or learning how to survive and grow in today’s economy.”
– Peter Muttenthaler, Business Grad 2016
“After graduating university and applying to what felt like 100’s of jobs, I decided to apply to the Business Diploma Program at Algonquin College here in Pembroke. What was most appealing to me was the co-op option. I spent my summer working at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) as a student and I was fortunate to be offered a part-time position while I finished my last semester.
Thursday I completed my last test of the diploma, and by Friday morning at work, I received an offer for a full-time position continuing at CNL. The skills you learn are the skills that employees are looking for and the program really sets you up for success.
On top of it all, the support from the staff (like the coordinator, Kim Drake) really made my time at Algonquin College, Waterfront Campus possible while juggling work and my studies. I would most DEFINITELY recommend this program to anyone.”
-Holli Croucher, Business Grad 2016