The following spotlight is part of a series of articles during National Career Month. Learn about NC’s Career Month programming for students on InsideNC and stay tuned for details on the annual Career Fair, coming February 2025.
Alumnus Christian McIntyre is passionate about helping students find the right fit for their educational and career goals. It’s a calling he uncovered at Niagara College, studying in the Business Administration – Human Resources (Co-op) program and working as a student in the Career Services department.
In his role as Student Services Assistant, McIntyre gained hands-on experience during his co-op work term in the department, where he supported other students looking to become career-ready and found a love for using his skills in a student-focused environment.
Following his co-op, McIntyre was hired on as a Career Coach to continue supporting students with resume writing, interview prep and job search strategies until he completed his program.
“My experience in Career Services, and working alongside Academic Advising, really solidified my passion for working in a student services role and altered my path on where I wanted to take my career,” said McIntyre. “I also really saw firsthand the impact that our support has on students’ confidence and success.”
After graduating in April 2024, McIntyre rejoined the NC family this past August when he was hired as a Recruitment Officer in the Student Recruitment department at the College.
His genuine ability to connect with prospective students and their families, along with his previous experience in Career Services, makes him a valuable member of the team.
“It’s given me a unique perspective on how education can shape careers and futures and I’m excited to continue helping students find their own paths through college,” he said.
So far, the most rewarding part of the job for McIntyre has been meeting students and hearing about their dreams and aspirations.
“Helping students find that path at Niagara College where they can really grow and succeed, that’s incredibly rewarding and probably the aspect of the job that I’ve really enjoyed the most,” he shared.
He credits the Career Services team, including Director of Academic Advising and Career Services (Welland Campus) Christina Farow, Career Consultants Karen Martin and Greg Davidson, and Administrative Assistant Felicia Cuoco, for providing him with career guidance as a student and helping him navigate his own professional goals.
“The department was so valuable for not only me as a student, but a lot of the students that we worked with,” said McIntyre. “There’s just so many resources and networking opportunities, and the staff there are amazing. I learned so much from them.”
As a recruitment officer, McIntyre spends a lot of time on the road travelling to high schools and events outside of Niagara promoting the College. When connecting with prospective students, he makes sure to highlight NC’s supportive community, small class sizes and the wealth of applied learning experiences available at the College, including through co-op opportunities. He also encourages students to think about what excites them and to take small steps towards that direction.
Outside of work, the Beamsville native enjoys hanging out with friends, exploring Niagara’s local craft brewery scene and running. McIntyre recently completed the Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon on October 20, which he described as “a main character moment” finishing in the top 38th percent.
Related articles:
Supporting student career success through Career Month programming this November
NC job fair for The Hope Centre builds connections for NC grads
