By Portia Yip, Marketing Services

During a time of uncertainty, Anna Fyfe discovered a new career path after completing a business program with Continuing Studies at UVic.

Having lost her job in March 2020, Anna wanted a fresh start and aimed to pivot from a career in retail management to a more office-oriented role. With a strong connection to Victoria and an appreciation for UVic, she decided to reskill and start taking online courses.

Initially, Anna planned to pursue a Certificate in Business Administration but her direction changed. "I considered taking the certificate, but I ended up going on to do the full diploma because I was just enjoying myself," she says, "I really enjoy UVic. I have taken classes here previously and I've found that they always have such great professors and people that have a specialized skill to teach you."

Practical and applicable learning

The structure of the diploma program was a key factor in Anna's positive learning experience. The program has foundational courses that cover topics in marketing, finance and human resources. This introduction gave Anna the opportunity to see the real-world applications of her studies, making the learning process diverse, exciting and career relevant.

One of the main features of the program is its flexibility with letting students plan their learning paths to suit their individual goals and interests. For Anna, this meant choosing classes that aligned with her career aspirations.

Cultural diversity and shared experiences

Anna's time at UVic was enriched by the diverse backgrounds of her classmates. With peers from South America, Europe, Asia and beyond, the program offered a global perspective on business.

"I had so many classmates that were not from Canada, and it was so interesting to hear them talk about their experiences because we often get a very narrow view of what business is like outside of Victoria or Canada."

This led to vibrant conversations and a broader understanding of how business practices differ across cultures. Classes often featured discussion boards and group projects where students shared their experiences and learned from one another. Anna particularly valued this aspect, along with reflecting on her previous roles and gaining new insights from her classmates. "You need other people's viewpoints in order to create a successful business," she says.

Whether it was a finance course that explored business decision-making or an intercultural communication class that focused on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, each class she took added value.

"I think [the skills] are going to serve me very well, because one of the things that is taught right at the beginning is that in order to have growth and innovation, you have to have people that will think differently from you."

A bright future ahead

After Anna completed the program, she secured a position in operations and business administration at an accounting firm. For those considering a similar path or program, Anna has a few encouraging words to share.

"You can do this. Stay on top of your coursework, focus on understanding the material rather than memorizing it and don't strive for perfection," she says. "Learn the material, make it your own and demonstrate your understanding."

• Posted August 20, 2024