“SCS made the unexpected happen. I can’t wait to see what’s next.”- Daniel Fernandes, SCS learner
Daniel Fernandes started his Human Resources certificate working out of a suitcase. Immediately upon coming to Canada from Brazil in 2018, he made learning the Canadian HR landscape his number one priority. “I had been working in HR in Brazil for many years. In the months leading up to my move to Canada, I started researching ways that I could learn about how the field operates in this new country. HR is very country-specific, so I really wanted to gain new skills and start out on the right foot,” recalls Daniel. “I came to Canada assuming I would have to start at the bottom. I was prepared to struggle. But then I found the HR certificate at the School of Continuing Studies (SCS), and decided I needed to go for it, and take ownership of my experience.”
A month after landing in Canada, Daniel started the first course in the certificate. “I started learning at SCS before I even confirmed an apartment, or found a job. It was my main focus because I knew it would help me integrate faster” says Daniel. “In my experience as a new immigrant, at first I was really focused on integrating into Canadian workplace culture. And this was very important! But learning at SCS did something really great: it helped me appreciate, utilize, and promote my unique skills as a newcomer. It helped me see that I have something valuable to offer, and my international experience is an asset.”
Four months after settling in Canada, he landed an entry-level HR job at a software company. Meanwhile, Daniel found that the Human Resources certificate helped him highlight and build his transferable skills while learning how to apply them in a Canadian work environment. By studying frameworks, labour market demographics, and case studies, he learned about the challenges Canadian organizations face while building his confidence and communication abilities. The courses also provided a sense of community. “The value of this certificate went way beyond the learning syllabus. It was a fantastic way to meet a diverse set of motivated people, which was really meaningful to me because I was very focused on getting my new life started, and had limited time for socializing. This course provided the community I craved.”
His determination and commitment to learning did not go unnoticed. “My studies allowed me to bring new skills, ideas, and tools to work. It was noticed and appreciated by my company. In fact, in just over two years, I received a total of four promotions, and I attribute this upward mobility to my learning at SCS,” reflects Daniel, who also received a Marilynn Booth Award of Excellence from SCS. “These courses really pushed me out of my comfort zone. It was a safe place to express myself, grow, and interact. I’m proud of the unique skills I bring to the Canadian market, and the fact that this certificate helped me earn my Certified Human Resources Professional designation.”
Daniel, who earned his SCS certificate in 2020 and is now an HR Manager at a tech company, says despite the challenges he faced, it was all worth it. “Learning, working, and starting a new life in Canada was a lot. But putting my learning first has paid off beyond anything I could have imagined,” smiles Daniel. “Being in a leadership position was my long-term Canadian dream, and I’ve already realized it. Now, I need to sit down and think about what my next dream is. SCS made the unexpected happen. I can’t wait to see what’s next.”