myLoyalist
Home Alumni Wall of Fame No Going Back for Loyalist Business Graduate

No Going Back for Loyalist Business Graduate

November 13, 2014

Behind every product and service we enjoy, there’s a business that relies on effective people, practices and leadership. Business skills are needed in every industry, from automotive to sports and entertainment sales and marketing. Members of the public are invited to explore these opportunities for graduates this Saturday, November 15 during an Open House at Loyalist College.

One of these graduates is Christina Gunning. A work injury kept Christina from employment for six years. During that time, she gave a lot of thought to what she had been doing, and what she wanted to do in the future. When the time came for her to return to work, she knew there was no going back. Instead, she decided to move forward.

Christina was determined to study Business at Loyalist College — she just had to figure out how to make it work. As a mature student with a family, she needed financial support for the two-year program.

Christina applied for Second Career funding, an Ontario government program designed to provide laid-off, unemployed individuals with skills training for jobs in high-demand occupations. She was thrilled to learn that she qualified, and in September 2012 she enrolled in the Business program at Loyalist.

“Initially I was very intimidated at the thought of returning to school after being away for so long,” says Christina. “The Second Career funding removed one of my primary concerns and allowed me to put all of my energy into my studies, which was huge.”

Back in school, Christina found herself surrounded by diversity — in age, gender, nationality and life experience.

“Our differences expanded our learning opportunities,” she observes. “I loved working on group projects with the younger students. They view things in a completely different way and it truly opened my eyes to new perspectives on so many things. It was a time of immense personal growth for me and I feel fortunate to have had this opportunity to expand my thinking.

“In addition to my peers, members of the faculty were amazing!” she adds. “They were my biggest support network during my two years at Loyalist. Their industry experience in the classroom was invaluable and they were always accessible for questions and concerns. I knew they were in my corner and they made me realize that I could do this.”

And she did. As soon as Christina finished her program, she was hired by Freedom 55 Financial as a Financial Security Advisor. The day of her Convocation ceremony in June 2014, she received not only her diploma, but also her first pay cheque.

“Three years ago, if you had asked if I thought I’d be telling this story, I would have said absolutely not,” Christina laughs. “Loyalist gave me the self-confidence to do this and now I know nothing can stop me. My advice to other mature students is to do it. You only live once and it will be the best thing you’ve ever done!”

To learn more about Business at Loyalist and other career-driven programs beginning in January and September, come to the Open House on November 15 between 10 am and 2 pm, or visit loyalistcollege.com.

Categories: