There’s a good chance Beau Sutton could type this sentence faster than you can read it. Plunking out 109 words a minute with 100 per cent accuracy is his superpower, and one he discovered after a workplace injury forced him to reconsider his career path.
“I have been teaching for many years and have never witnessed a score this high,” his teacher Rhonda Burns told InsideNC.
Sutton found his calling when he chose to return to school at Niagara College to study in the Office Administration – Executive program. We caught up with the newly minted graduate to find out how where his fast fingers have taken him.
Name: Beau Sutton
Hometown: St. Catharines
Age: 35
Program: Sutton graduated this week from the Office Administration – Executive program in the School of Business and Management.
What motivates you to succeed?
The desire to reach my full potential and goals. I had a fantastic opportunity to return to school and I wanted to make the most of it.
How did you learn to type so fast and accurately?
We got our first family computer when I was six years old and I’ve been typing ever since. I used to play a lot of old ’80s PC adventure games as a kid that required typing and I actually think that helped me a lot in my early years to get familiar with the keyboard. I always liked using computers and through repetition of using them, my typing naturally progressed.
How did it feel to be hired by Niagara Region to work in its Pandemic Response Division?
I was excited for the opportunity to work for the region that I lived in my entire life. Being in the Pandemic Response Division also makes me feel like I’m making a real difference in the community and contributing towards something that has a great purpose.
Do you have a specific career goal in mind?
Having previously worked in factories for over a decade, I felt like being in more of an office setting was better suited for me. I’m hoping that I can excel with the Niagara Region and see my career blossom there.
What was your situation when you enrolled at NC?
I never thought I would be back at school. I was previously working at a factory and ended up injuring myself on the job. It was determined that the best course of action for me was to attend post-secondary and make a career change. I’m so happy it worked out this way.
How did you find your program experience – any highlights?
I had a great experience in my program. The faculty as well as my fellow students were all fantastic and treated each other with respect and kindness. One of the biggest highlights of my time at the College was seeing myself succeed and figuring out that I really can flourish as a student at a mature age.
Did you work a placement or co-op as part of your program?
I did a co-op placement at Nelson Steel in Stoney Creek. I handled all sorts of administrative duties there, such as answering phones and generating reports for customers and management. I really feel like that added experience helped me land the job I’m currently in.
Did you face any challenges over the course of your study?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was being a mature student and going back to school after so many years. I wasn’t sure how I would do, but I tried to focus on my studies as much as I could and gained confidence along the way, which was vital to my success.
What is it like to graduate at this time during the COVID-19 pandemic?
It was an interesting experience completing my studies during the pandemic. Switching to remote learning certainly came with challenges, such as creating a suitable office space and not getting distracted by things around the house. But I really do feel like that may help me going forward if I ever have to work from home in the future. It is a shame that my graduation couldn’t be held in person with all my colleagues, but this is something that I will remember forever regardless of that.
What do you think you will always remember about your time at NC?
The friendships and connections that I made with students and staff will be with me forever. Also, putting to use the skills I gained throughout my studies in my professional life will always remind me of my time at the college.
What does graduating mean to you personally?
Graduating means a great deal to me. Knowing that I am capable of doing something so far out of my comfort zone that I wouldn’t have dreamed about just a few years ago — and succeeding — really allows me to believe I can do anything I set my mind to.
What have you been doing since completing your studies?
Since completing my studies I landed a fantastic job at the Niagara Region and got married! It’s been a whirlwind couple of months, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store.
