GANDER, NL – Courtney Vivian is a believer in following dreams.
“I have not only accomplished a dream career; in the process, I have transformed into a new more confident, healthy person,” said the College of the North Atlantic (CNA) graduate.
After finishing high school, Courtney transitioned to working in various service industry roles, until she decided to give her career a second chance.
“I was working with Bell Canada at the time, when I decided to further my career with the help of the Business Administration: Human Resources program offered through DL. It allowed me to find a balance between working as well as pursue my career goals with a better focus.”
According to Courtney, the affordability, flexibility and convenience of the DL offerings made it a very easy decision.
“Although I was attending classes virtually, I never felt the difference. If I had any questions my instructors, peers were very approachable.”
Business Case Competition
Courtney’s experience at CNA’s Business Case Competition in 2012 changed her life in many ways.
“I was struggling to balance my hours of learning, studying with my routine life, as a first-year student. At one point I just felt like I should just re-evaluate everything until I decided to participate in the Business Case Competition. It changed everything.”
Although her team did not place that year, she recalled the experience as it strongly impacted her life and motivated her to better focus on not only her career goals, but her lifestyle as well.
“I travelled, transformed and above all, excelled with the guidance of some amazing peers, instructors and coaches,” she recalled.
Courtney’s team, which included Mallory Yates, Jessica Bakri, Lisa Skinner and Tina Dean, participated again in 2014. This time they placed third and went on to represent CNA at the nationals at Vanier College, where made it to the finals out of 34 teams. The following year, after claiming first place in the provincial competition, she, along with teammates Mallory Yates and Wendy Hodder, had the opportunity to represent CNA on the international stage at College of the North Atlantic – Qatar campus, where they placed second.
Gander International Airport
A Gander native, Courtney was delighted at the prospect of returning to her hometown, where she is currently the Flight Operations Duty Manager with Allied Aviation at Gander International Airport.
“After graduating, I moved to Labrador and worked with PAL Airlines, which helped me gain the experience for my current job. I oversee the flight movements of heavy, military aircraft operations at the Gander International Airport, as well as co-ordinate, supervise our ramp attendants and counter agents. I am also the liaison for all international flights and I manage customs and other related paperwork.”
She credits her time at CNA with helping her reach her goals.
“Since I was a kid, I dreamed of working at the airport, CNA literally made my dreams come true,” Courtney said. “It can be intimidating to put yourself out there and try something new. Once you get past that initial step, you start to build confidence and your confidence grows exponentially.”
-30-
Media contact:
Minal Abhange
Public Relations Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
709-643-7870
minal.abhange@cna.nl.ca