When asked about her time at George Brown College, Shuang Wu lights up with joy as she shares how much it means to her.
Wu moved from China to Canada in 2020, looking for new opportunities after an engineering degree and almost a decade of working in marketing and sales in the pharmaceutical industry. She wanted to expand her marketing knowledge and attend a good school in an exciting city. George Brown had been highly recommended to her by other international students. By the end of 2021, she had completed her Business – Marketing diploma and found a job as a sales coordinator in the fitness industry in 2022.
“Obviously, I made the best decision for myself,” she says with a grin.
Even though she moved to Toronto during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and was taking online courses, Wu found many ways to get involved at George Brown and make friends.
“I thought because I was taking online courses all the time, it would be challenging for me as an international student, but it wasn’t because I was so active,” she says.
The benefits of getting involved
Wu credits attending online events from Student Life and the Student Association, connecting with her professors and using the online library and career resources as valuable to her experience here. She also worked as a residence advisor and found other volunteer work through the school, such as Big Brother Big Sister. These opportunities are why she wanted to give back through the Centre for Business’ Student-Alumni Mentorship Program to share what she’s learned.
“I know there are lots of international students who probably find studying in a foreign country challenging and want to establish themselves in a new environment,” she says. “I am also inspired by my mentees’ journeys and adaptability as new immigrants. It’s a great experience for me to be a part of this program.”
If you have your passion, go for it.
Wu was so motivated by her time here that she’s also back as a student, taking Continuing Education courses in interior design. She plans to learn more about business and stay in Toronto for the foreseeable future. By having so many interests and being open to new opportunities, Wu clearly demonstrates ways to connect and make the most out of any experience, something she shares as wise advice.
“Be active in school and find your passion. Try to create more possibilities in your life,” she says. “If you have your passion, go for it. If you don’t yet, take your time, you will find it.”
