Graduate Spotlight: Arial Maisonneuve

Arial Maisonneuve’s educational journey hasn’t followed a straight line.

After taking time off after high school, she enrolled in a spa management program, but her passions pointed her elsewhere. Determining that she wanted to support people, she enrolled in Durham College’s Human Resources – Business diploma program, where she’s excelled for the last two years.

After receiving her credential at Convocation in June, she’ll return to DC this fall via the transfer pathway into the Bachelor of Business Administration – Human Resources Management to further develop her knowledge and add a degree to go with her diploma.

With the next phase of her journey in sight, she spoke to us about discovering her interest in human resources, and the importance of getting involved on and off campus.

Why did you decide to attend Durham College?

I had close friends and some family members who attended DC, and when I finally came for a tour, I really felt that I was going to gain the best college experience.

Why did you want to study human resources?

I think with all my work experience, it really kept pushing me towards a love of business. I was given an opportunity at my last place of employment, and I really liked the recruitment process and selecting people. I also loved training people. It’s my favorite part. So that drove me to HR.

What was your DC experience like?

I love being at DC and I’ve been blessed to receive this education. The effort that professors put into their lessons has been really engaging and sticks with me when I’m studying. I have enjoyed the events that DC has put together, and the spaces, different buildings and study rooms. I joined a club, the Durham College Human Resources Association (DCHRA), that got me out of my comfort zone and helped me understand networking, which is important in my career. I feel confident and ready to go out and further my education and pursue my career.

Tell me about getting involved with the DCHRA.

I didn’t join the first year, and I absolutely regret that now. I wish I joined so much sooner. It doesn’t take up that much of your time. It does require teamwork and organization, because at the end of the day, you are a team. Yes, you have individual responsibilities, but you are able to fall back on people if you really need to. I really enjoy it. They had two positions open, and I joined as the assistant event coordinator. Next year, I’ll be co-president with a friend.

Why did you decide to continue your studies at DC next year and work towards a degree?

In the long run, I want to get to the top of my field. I want that executive or director title. This gives me the opportunity to get not only my diploma, but my degree. I can walk out of DC and achieve my Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) or Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation, and then just grow at a company from there.

How did your DC program prepare you for your career?

Our professors have long standing backgrounds in the profession. Hearing them discuss their real-world experience and using case studies has been an amazing way to learn. The projects and assignments were always relevant and some of my courses were so fun and engaging that I will carry these ideas with me into my future career of HR.

Would you recommend your DC program to other students?

Absolutely. This program is designed to give students skills that employers are going to look for in the future. You get hands-on experience and real-world knowledge to help you feel prepared to go into the workforce.

What is your advice for future students?

Just go for it. Join a club, go to the DCSA events, enjoy getting to know new people, and don’t be so nervous. You’re all going through similar experiences in college, so embrace your time here.

What do you love most about DC?

My professors, honestly. They have amazing insights. They really help you. They really want you to succeed, even when you feel like you’re not doing your best. I was pushed to do better and get out of my comfort zone, so I was just able to enjoy my time in college.

How do you feel about graduating?

I feel prepared to graduate. I have the skills and knowledge to know I will be successful at my future career in Human Resources and have the ability to achieve anything.

What are your future goals?

My goal is to get a corporate job. I would like to hopefully start in training and development, then work my way to a high title, engage with the Human Resources Professionals Association, and then possibly move to Europe for living and travel, all while developing my career to the highest level.

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