Students start new chapters in their lives as grads
Every year, NAIT sends thousands of students-turned-grads into industries of all kinds. They come from studying health care, trades, business and applied science and technology. About 90% of them are employed within nine months of finishing.
Each of those students has a unique story: distinct reasons for choosing their program, for approaching it the way they did, and for the path they take once they have their parchments in hand.
In advance of Convocation 2023, on June 26 and 27, we looked at four of those stories. They speak to the impact the polytechnic has on learners. Mostly, though, they introduce us to individuals who strive for excellence, overcome challenges, and are poised to make a difference in their communities.
With representatives from the School of Applied Sciences and Technology, the School of Skilled Trades, the JR Shaw School of Business and the School of Health and Life Sciences, this is NAIT's Class of 2023.
Focus on the little things makes a big difference for grad’s future
Aldo Fumagalli (Nanosystems Engineering Technology '23)
Growing up in Guatemala, Aldo Fumagalli remembers seeing his grandfather’s lab coats at his house. He didn’t know exactly what they were for, but he knew his grandfather was a scientist, and that impressed Aldo.
It stuck with him. Today, Aldo has followed suit by pursuing science too, having made a rapid transition from NAIT student to staffer.
Read Aldo's story
How Carlos Rojas traded life in Chile for a new start in Canada
Carlos Rojas (Advanced Welding Technology ’23)
About four years ago, Carlos Rojas and his family decided to change everything. They were living in Chile but looking at Canada. For Carlos, that also meant looking at a new career – in the trades.
Here’s how the 2023 School of Skilled Trades grad went from mechanical engineer to welder.
Read Carlos's story
School trip to Peru opens business student’s eyes to new possibilities
Laura Dotzler (Bachelor of Business Administration ’23, Accounting ’20)
Over the years – whether for global unrest, guerilla warfare or the pandemic – Laura Dotzler couldn’t seem to get her travel plans off the ground. Then another chance arose during her time at the JR Shaw School of Business – the possibility of development work in Peru.
Here’s the impact it had on the 2023 Accounting grad and her view of her future career as a result.
Read Laura's story
What compels a person to become a paramedic?
Sharda Hariepersaud (Advanced Care Paramedic '23)
Zeke Watson (Advanced Care Paramedic '23)
Where would we be without paramedics? No one wants to contemplate the answer. Thankfully, we have people who choose this as their profession – people who have a passion for helping others when they need it most. Who are these people?
For Convocation 2023, we got to know two new Advanced Care Paramedic grads.
Read Sharda and Zeke's stories