I came to Canada filled with hope to start anew. Months before my arrival, I researched what I needed to know to make my transition in Canada smooth and enjoyable. On my second day in Canada, I was researching job postings and ads in the newspapers and found one advertisement that would one day change my life. It was an ad from Campbell College inviting students to an information session for the Administrative Professional Diploma Program. I took note of the contact details, and even back then, I had a feeling of excitement to connect.

Being new, I had to immediately find work, and fortunately I got accepted in retail and the food service industry, and I was also volunteering in an office to network. While I was happy with the opportunities I was getting at first because it was providing me with a living, I kept wondering what would bring me closer to my previous occupation of Executive Assistant, and my dream of doing the same kind of work in Canada. The only answer that kept coming back to my mind was that I needed Canadian training and certification, and I kept thinking about the Administrative Professional Diploma Program at Campbell College.

Finally, I called Campbell College and was greeted by a friendly assistant who booked me for an information session and the entrance exam. I easily passed, and I was then scheduled for an interview with Sharon Halliday, Director of the college. The interview was very helpful and informative. Sharon explained the steps, exactly what I would experience and learn in the program, and she gave me a clear understanding of how the funding worked and we discussed ways that I could financially support myself while taking the program.

Day one of the program came, and from the orientation to the end of the course, Campbell College superbly delivered exactly what they promised. The courses were relevant and delivered by the most seasoned and learned mentors. The school management provided a supportive environment—they were like a family to me, and I believe my classmates would also state a big Yes to this fact! Campbell College also provided great support in resume and interview preparation and practicum placement. Even after the program, Campbell College continues to monitor their graduates. I always get emails about job opportunities, and I believe that they will never stop helping their graduates. So admirable! I went for my practicum at the City of Edmonton, which is also a great place to learn. I was placed with the HR Branch, Recruitment Section, and Employment Team. After the practicum, I got hired with the HR-Staff Support, and to this day I have been providing administrative support throughout the City of Edmonton and continuing to increase my skills and marketability.

Thank you Campbell College for handholding me to my dream!

I would like to share some beautiful things that happened to me because I am a Campbell College graduate. One week after I graduated from the Administrative Professional program on October 2014, I was offered an administrative job with the government. It was because of my practicum at the Government of Alberta, and my co-workers (HR Consultants) who helped me get this job. I know I proved how well trained I was during the practicum, and in fact, my supervisor told me to give her name as reference.

In my work life, I come across different people being in a diverse environment, and it really amazes me how they react once they know I came from Campbell College. I had spoken to one fellow Filipino who had inquired about Campbell 2-3 years ago, and she was so impressed how the majority of people she met worked in the City of Edmonton and Government of Alberta, and were graduates of Campbell. She and many others have asked me how I was able to get a job with the Government of Alberta, and I tell them to take the program at Campbell College, the school is really good and they train you for success!

I have owed my alma mater a testimony to my career’s development, and I was just waiting for the time when I will get a permanent job. With the grace of the Lord, I have finally been accepted and offered a permanent job come September 1, 2015 for Administrative Support 3 at AISH.

Now, I realize what the collage we made at school is all about in our lives (students). All my goals there are now coming into reality. I now have a permanent job here at GOA. All the things taught to me are very essential to my work, even the interview preparation. Every time I am reviewing and processing applications for Child Care Certification, I remember Laurin, my instructor, for her valuable lessons on proof reading and attention to details.

I know my life had a big change and I owe it to my instructors, the directors, and Campbell. I am sharing this story, hopefully for you to share with other students there. I used to be on the same shoes like them but with determination and perseverance, I am slowly getting my dreams come true.

From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU Sharon, Martine, Alice, Laurin, Shauna, Tatjana, Kat, Elizabeth, Elaine, and Andrea. I hope I did not miss anyone.

I love you all. Thank you for helping me and my family have a better life here in Canada. (I wanted to cry….)

I was not sure what I wanted to do with my life. I took care of my children and didn’t have a lot of experience in any job field. I looked into a few schools to attend but when I came across Campbell College I just knew this was the right choice for me. The process that I went through was not at all difficult especially with all the Instructors and Directors assistance. Within a few weeks I was ready to go and started my first class.

The program itself is not long at all and in a short time I learned all the skills I needed to start my career, and also, to make lots of friends along the way. I learned a lot, not just courses, but also a lot about myself, too. Things that I needed to overcome to start the process of being an Administrative Assistant.

I have completed my practicum with the City of Edmonton and have gained new skills working there as well. Eight months is a short time and I look forward to starting a long term career whether it is within the City or another great company. I can’t express enough how Campbell has made my life better and I am grateful that I chose the College. Good luck to all who read this and have graduated. Maybe we will cross paths in the future!!

I recently moved to Edmonton and needed a career change. I was a new mother and had been home for the past two years. I knew I didn’t have a lot of time and needed to go to work. I needed a program that was quick and that would also provide me with all the right qualifications I needed to get a well-paying career.

I researched other colleges in the Edmonton area, I didn’t feel like there were the right fit for me and not to mention being very pushy. It seemed like they cared more about the money than they cared about my education and essentially my future.

I was referred to Campbell College from a friend. I made an appointment and was greeted with kindness and understanding. Everyone welcomed me from the very beginning. The intake process was very quick and easy before I knew it, I was enrolled. I have to admit the first week was overwhelming, but everyone made the transition very comfortable. Everyone who works for Campbell College are just AMAZING people! They are all dedicated to helping others succeed. They stay late to help you with homework, answer any questions you may have or even just to talk to you if you are finding something difficult. I also made an instant connection with all my fellow classmates.

I didn’t really realize how much I have learned until I went to work practicum. I had all these new skills and impressed them so much that they offered me a full-time job.

Campbell College teaches you all the right things and definitely prepares you for the working field. Maybe somewhat over prepare you, if there is such a thing. The eight months flew by. Not going to lie……I miss them!

True to its mission, Campbell College caters not only an opportunity for career development, but an opportunity for personal growth as well. It is a complete package.

Through its holistic approach, your technological, interpersonal, and emotional skills are developed. Such that, when you graduate, you can proudly claim to yourself that you are an Administrative Professional in the truest sense.

The management, instructors, and the staff, while being able and competent, compliments and collaborates with each other for the academic well-being of their students. Each class, though diverse in race, culture, and other denominations, yet, it only brings more color, interest, understanding, and strengthens the bond of world unity. Indeed, in Campbell College, there is “unity in diversity”.

I, therefore, together with my fellow members of class AP1411, and all its graduates for more than three decades are the living witnesses in attesting this manifestation of success. My gratitude remains, your legacy continues. Move on, keep on, Campbell College!

I like the fact that the classes are small and that the instructors are friendly. They are always willing to help, and are flexible in meeting to help students. Campbell College offers students a wide choice of social activities. The environment here is sociable and many of my classmates became friends.Campbell College helped me grow professionally and personally. The Administrative Professional program gave me all the skills and tools needed to be successful in my career. After my practicum, my manager hired me, and now I’m presently working with a wonderful team at the Government of Alberta, Human Services. Thank you Campbell College for making my dreams all come true.