The future looks bright for Cloud Computing graduate

Graduate Spotlight: Irene Joseph

Irene Joseph’s time at Durham College (DC) has been marked by academic excellence.

She has excelled in all her courses on the way to earning the “Highest Ranking Graduate” award for the Cloud Computing program, and made the most of DC’s multitude of extra-curricular activities to grow her skills and knowledge.

Before she crosses the stage at Convocation, she tells us what impressed her most about her DC program, shares advice for future students, and more.

Why did you decide to attend Durham College?

Taking a closer look, I would say that Durham College chose me. To borrow a quote from The Alchemist, “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” And that’s exactly what happened. It felt like a series of events—perfectly timed and aligned—led me here. Everything clicked into place from the right program and ideal intake to the perfect location, as if I were being guided toward a path I was always meant to take. It wasn’t just a decision—it felt like destiny.

What was your DC experience like?

Honestly, it was a rollercoaster of victories, plot twists, and occasional identity crises. But I discovered a lot, made some wonderful friends, and consumed an alarming amount of coffee. I felt truly blessed to get amazing support from faculty and classmates, which made the tough days manageable.  Eventually, the journey evolved from academics to growing and learning my potential and implementing strategies, and the occasional panicking before the notorious assignment deadline at 11:59 p.m. Would I do it all over again? Absolutely.

How did your DC program prepare you for your career?

My program was intensive and well crafted. Over these eight months, I was led through an array of courses and tools by industry professionals that prepared me to stand out in the crowd of career aspirants. It showed me the current market trends and ways to tackle them with hands-on experience. It didn’t just teach me what to do, but why it matters, which gave me a clearer sense of direction moving forward.

Would you recommend your DC program to other students?

I would recommend my program, but not for the faint-hearted. If you are ready to strap up your boots and are determined to let nothing stand in the way of your learning and growth, then this is the program for you. It’s challenging, fast-paced, and packed with industry-relevant skills rendered by remarkable professionals.

What is your advice for future students?

Choose a program you’re genuinely passionate about. I’ve seen too many students pick something based on salary charts or other perks, only to end up dreading every day for the foreseeable future. Life’s too short to be stuck doing something you don’t enjoy. As Marc Anthony once said, “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

What do you love most about DC?

My best memories of DC are the happening PIT (with the lonesome student playing the piano in the corner and the free food), the crazy marketplace, the gym that I vowed to visit three times a week but never got around to, the Tims with the stupefying queues and the library I never visited.

How do you feel about graduating?

It feels glorious. It’s an incredible feeling to know, with absolute certainty, that I crossed this tide. And what makes it even more meaningful is the thought that along this journey, I didn’t just achieve something for myself; there’s a chance I may have inspired someone else along the way, too.

What are your future goals?

Every year, DC celebrates thousands of career-ready graduates. Read more grad stories about how DC has helped them thrive.