3 reasons why you should launch your career with a college program

Category: Programs & Academics

Returning to post-secondary education or starting for the first time can be an exciting step in your life. It’s an opportunity to positively impact your future and change your life for the better, setting you and your career on a path to success.

Although it may not be an easy decision for everyone, we are here to help make that transition comfortable for you. Here are a few ways you can launch your career by taking the leap and applying for this September to one of Durham College’s (DC) quality programs.

  • 1. You’ll gain hands-on experience working in your field.

    College is known for being hands-on – taking theory learned in the classroom and applying it to real-world scenarios. This is called experiential learning, and it can help you gain expertise, network with industry professionals and advance your career.

    At DC, experiential learning is embedded in the curriculum and many programs offer a co-operative education option or have a required field placement, so that while you work towards your diploma, certificate or apprenticeship certification, you’ll also be gaining experience that will give you an edge on your resumé. Last year alone, over 4,400 students worked for businesses or non-profit organizations in their area of study, and many have been hired by their placement host after graduation.

    I    DC because of its focus on experiential learning. It empowers us to gain confidence in ourselves through the development of real-world projects to solve real-world problems.

    Mauricio Cuellar, Public Relations student
  • 2. You’ll gain specialized skills to expand your career options.

    Maybe you already have some form of education or work experience in your chosen field, but you’d like to make a move to a new role, or need specialized skills to advance up the career ladder. Graduate certificates and fast-track diploma programs are designed specifically for students like you in mind, and are shaped by market needs and delivered by instructors with real-world experience, many of whom still work in their industry.

    At DC, you can choose from nine fast-track programs and 17 graduate certificates in numerous areas, from mental health, mediation or law enforcement, to advertising, artificial intelligence, or project management.

    It took me 20 years to go back to school and choosing DC was the BEST thing I could have done. I’m surrounded by supportive instructors and wonderful staff, and at 40+ I finally feel like I found ‘my people’.

    Lea Carter Adams, student
  • 3. You’ll be supported every single step of the way.

    Adjusting to school life can take some getting used to. Whether it’s been a few months or a few decades, the experience may seem overwhelming – but you’re not alone.

    At DC, the student experience comes first, which means it won’t matter how long it’s been since you’ve been in the classroom, we consider all of our students as part of the DC family and there will always be support services available to help you succeed. Our student advisors develop academic plans while the Access and Support Centre ensures inclusive learning environments are available for all types of learners. In Financial Aid, staff can help you explore scholarships and bursaries, understand OSAP or find on-campus employment. Your mental and physical health are also in good hands at the Campus Health Centre, and Indigenous students will find a home-away-from-home at the First Peoples Indigenous Centre.

    I    how DC welcomes students with learning disabilities and is willing to work with them in any way they can – by allowing service dogs, smaller class sizes and flexible schedules, everyone has an equal opportunity at #DurhamCollege.

    Bree Spica, student

There’s never been a better time to enhance your skills, expand your knowledge and apply to post-secondary education. Launch your career at DC today – spaces are available to start classes this September.

Visit www.durhamcollege.ca/launch for a list of all open programs or contact DC at 905.721.3126 or recruitment@durhamcollege.ca.