Tag: futureproof

Graduate spotlight: Brittany Andrey

Brittany Andrey was ready for the excitement and challenges of the world of academics after a break. Despite initial nerves, Brittany quickly found her footing in Durham College’s (DC) Autism and Behavioural Sciences (ATBS) graduate certificate program and discovered a passion that would propel her toward a rewarding career in the field.

“I hadn’t been in school for a couple years before starting the program, so I was a little nervous in the beginning,” she shares. “But those nerves quickly faded as I began learning and becoming more passionate about the field.”

Brittany credits her instructors for easing her transition back into student life and helping her build meaningful relationships along the way. “I learned so much from my wonderful instructors and made some really great friends.”

Since completing her credential, Brittany is thriving in her new role as an Educational Assistant and Academic Strategist, supporting students at DC — a role that has given her an opportunity to put her skills into action. When reflecting on how DC prepared her for this career, Brittany points to the invaluable guidance she received from her instructors and the hands-on experience she gained during her field placements.

“Being taught by professionals in the field helped prepare me a lot. They were always willing to answer questions, give advice, and share their experiences. This was also my first time completing field placements, and getting the chance to practice the skills we learned in a real-world setting was key to preparing me for the workforce.”

Brittany’s enthusiasm for learning doesn’t stop with her recent accomplishments. With a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology already under her belt, she’s looking ahead to exploring the fascinating overlap between the fields of forensic psychology and behavioural sciences.

For those considering the ATBS program, Brittany offers encouraging advice: “It’s okay if you don’t know much about autism or don’t have experience with neurodivergent folks. This program prepares you and provides you with the necessary skills to work in the field.”

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

At Durham College (DC), we understand that the decision to return to school is not taken lightly. Finances, academic performance and employability are all likely on your mind. But know that you’re not alone – more than 60 per cent of DC students come with work and life experience and not directly from high school – so we know exactly what you need to succeed.

We’re here to support you and want to address three of the most common concerns we hear about most from mature learners to put your mind at ease and inspire you to take action toward this exciting new chapter.

“I don’t know if I can afford to return to school.”
We know that one of the biggest worries for mature learners is the cost of returning to school. You might wonder how you’ll manage tuition, books, and other expenses. Finances shouldn’t be a barrier to education, so at DC, we’re proud to offer more than $5 million in scholarships, awards, and bursaries to our students each year, based on factors such as academic performance and financial need. Many mature learners are eligible for specific support, and our team will work with you to create a financial plan that fits your budget.

Our Financial Aid and Awards office is here to help you navigate your options and find a solution tailored to suit your individual needs. From finding and applying for bursaries and scholarships to gaining flexible on-campus employment, their guidance and support is invaluable.

Looking for inspiration? Check out this mother-daughter duo, who together, found Financial Aid to be a cornerstone of their time at DC.

“I’m worried I won’t be able to keep up with my studies.”
If it’s been a while since you last stepped into a classroom, lab, or shop, you might be concerned about meeting academic requirements or keeping up with coursework. Don’t worry — DC offers several options to help you succeed, including a free Academic Upgrading program, which is designed to help mature learners refresh their skills in subjects like math, English, and science.

In addition, our Student Academic Learning Services (SALS) team is comprised of dedicated on-campus professionals who are ready to assist you through one-on-one appointments, group tutorials, workshops, and online resources to help boost your grades.

Read more about how SALS is ready to support you from your first day of class to graduation.

“I want to know I’ll get a job in my field after graduation.”
Employability is often top of mind for mature learners. You want to know that your investment in education will lead to tangible career opportunities.

Our data tells us that nearly 90 per cent of DC grads are employed within six months of graduation. This is because our programs are developed with employability in mind and to ensure students graduate career ready. We work directly with industry partners to ensure that our curriculum reflects the skills and knowledge employers are looking for. With experiential learning opportunities infused within program learning outcomes, you’ll gain practical, hands-on experience that sets you apart in the job market.

DC provides on-campus Job Fairs, program-specific networking opportunities with employers and alumni events tailored to assist you in landing your dream job. Also, the Career Development office offers workshops, resume writing assistance, and access to a free online job portal, exclusive to DC students and alumni.

From classroom to career: Brittany Andrey’s journey through the Autism and Behavioural Sciences program at Durham College

Graduate spotlight: Brittany Andrey

Thinking about returning to school? Here’s how Durham College empowers mature learners