Two students heading to Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship

Two Durham College (DC) students are packing their suitcases after qualifying for this month’s Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) World Championship in Orlando, Florida.

Ryanna Law (Accounting – Business) and Blake Dawson (Marketing – Business Administration) competed in the MOS Canadian Championship in June. Students who excel in their MOS exams (which are embedded into a number of DC’s Faculty of Business programs) can compete in the virtual event to showcase their skills and knowledge.

Both DC students were tasked with using Word or Excel to create a new document or presentation. That was followed by a quiz on the finer points of their respective program.

“I was a little bit nervous because I wasn’t fully sure what to expect going into it,” explained Law. “It just seemed like something fun to do.”

Dawson had a similar approach to the competition.

“It wasn’t too stressful for me, since I didn’t really think I would win anything from it and entered with low expectations,” he said.

Both were pleasantly surprised. Law finished first in the PowerPoint 2019 category while Dawson was second in Word 2019. All first-place finishers earned a trip to the upcoming World Championship, July 30 – August 2. The winner of the Word category bowed out, paving the way for Dawson to join the trip.

“It’s an extremely cool opportunity that I didn’t think I’d be able to have, so I’m extremely thankful and excited,” said Law.

The success of the DC pair came as no surprise to their professors.

“As a professor, you can predict those who will excel in the course. Ryanna was one such student who exhibited dedication and commitment to the class,” said Jacqueline Russell, who taught Law in Business Computer Applications 1.

Muhammad Rashid taught Blake in the same course.

“I am proud and highly excited to hear of Blake’s success in the Canadian Championship,” he said.

Students who excel in their MOS exams have an edge in the job market, with recruiters and prospective employers looking for students who have an aptitude for Microsoft Office. That’s why DC prioritizes it, according to Jennifer Souch, a professor in the Faculty of Business.

“MOS certifications are highly valuable and offer numerous benefits. Recognized globally, they showcase essential skills and improve job prospects,” she said. “MOS certifications give students a competitive edge, enabling efficient communication, data analysis, and presentation creation. Ultimately, they enhance professional development, leading the way for success in the job market.”

But first, Law and Dawson will proudly represent DC in Florida later this month.