Niagara College grad Brooklyn Balanowski is already making her mark in the fashion marketing world.
The St. Catharines native, graduating from NC’s three-year Business Administration – Marketing program, has secured a full-time role in product development at Boathouse’s national head office. Her job blends creativity and strategy, from fashion buying to sales forecasting, and builds on the real-world foundation she gained at NC.
Highlights of her NC journey include placing third at the international CUBE competition in Budapest and competing in several national case competitions. Now, with convocation here, Brooklyn reflects on the opportunities, challenges, and support that shaped her NC experience.
Q&A with Brooklyn Balanowski:
How do you feel about your upcoming convocation day/ what does it personally mean to you?
Convocation day feels incredibly meaningful to me–it represents the hard work, growth, and perseverance that have brought me to this point. It’s a moment to reflect on the journey, to honour the support of my family, mentors and Niagara College professors, and to look ahead with excitement to the future. It’s a celebration of both the challenges and the opportunities that lie ahead.
What were you doing before attending NC?
I enrolled at Niagara College after attending Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School in St. Catharines.
What led you to study at NC and to your program of study?
I chose to study at Niagara College because of its strong reputation for hands-on learning and its supportive learning environment. The Business Administration – Marketing program stood out to me because it offered both practical skills and real-world experience, which I knew would prepare me well for a successful career.
What interests you in and why are you passionate about your field of study?
What really draws me to marketing is its blend of creativity and strategy. I love the challenge of understanding people–what influences their choices and how to connect with them in meaningful ways. Marketing allows me to combine analytical thinking with creative problem-solving, and that balance is something I’m truly passionate about.
Do you have a specific career goal in mind when you enrolled in your program. Did it change since you started?
When I first enrolled in the program, I knew I wanted to build a career in the marketing field, but I was still exploring what that could look like. Through hands-on experiences, competitions, and especially my co-op at Boathouse, I discovered a strong interest in product development, fashion marketing, and buying. Since accepting a full-time offer, I’ve gained even more insight into the industry, and my career goals have become more focused. I’m excited to keep growing in this direction and exploring where it can lead
How did you find your program experience – any highlights?
One of the standout moments of my time at Niagara College was placing 3rd at the international CUBE competition in Budapest.
What did you find rewarding about your program and area of study? Does something stand out to you that you will never forget about your time at NC?
A major highlight for me was placing 3rd overall at the Corvinus Undergraduate Business Experience (CUBE) in Budapest, where we competed against accredited universities from around the world. It was an unforgettable opportunity to apply what I had learned in a global setting, and it really validated the quality of education and preparation I received at NC. That experience not only strengthened my skills in case analysis and teamwork but also gave me the confidence to take on future challenges in the business world. What I found most rewarding about studying Business Administration – Marketing at Niagara College was the opportunity to apply what we learned in the classroom to real-world challenges. The balance of theory and hands-on learning really brought the material to life and helped me grow both personally and professionally.
Did you face and overcome any challenges to graduate?
Yes, balancing my studies with training for competitions like OCMC and the Corvinus Undergraduate Business Experience, while also working at my co-op placement, was definitely a challenge. It required a lot of time management, discipline, and commitment. There were moments when it felt overwhelming, but those experiences taught me how to stay focused, prioritize effectively, and push through under pressure. Looking back, I’m proud of how I managed to maintain strong academic performance while also gaining valuable hands-on experience. It was tough–but incredibly rewarding.
Were you involved in any clubs/ teams or extracurricular activities during your time at NC?
During my time at NC, I was actively involved in several extracurricular activities during my time at Niagara College. I participated in business case competitions such as the Ontario Colleges’ Marketing Competition (OCMC), the Vanier College National Marketing Competition, and the Corvinus Undergraduate Business Experience (CUBE) in Budapest.
Do you feel your NC experience has helped prepare you for the future?
My experience in the Business Administration – Marketing program at Niagara College has been incredibly rewarding. One of the most memorable highlights was representing the college at the Corvinus Undergraduate Business Experience in Budapest, Hungary. Participating in the CUBE competition significantly enriched my educational journey at NC. It provided real-world exposure to problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking under pressure. Building on experiences like the Ontario Colleges’ Marketing Competition and Vanier, this opportunity allowed me to step beyond the classroom and apply my knowledge in real-world scenarios, particularly through advanced case analysis.
I’m especially grateful for the guidance of our dedicated coaches and the collaboration with my teammates, whose support was instrumental to our success. These experiences not only strengthened my skills and confidence but also shaped my personal and professional growth. As I approach graduation, I carry these lessons with me, knowing they’ve laid a strong foundation for my future.
Did you work a placement or co-op as part of your program?
Yes, I completed a co-op placement as part of my program at the Boathouse national head office, where I worked in product development and marketing within the fashion industry. It was an incredible opportunity to apply what I had learned in the classroom to a fast-paced, real-world environment. I gained valuable insights into brand strategy, trend forecasting, and customer engagement, all while contributing to projects that had a direct impact on the company. The experience not only deepened my understanding of the marketing field but also confirmed my passion for working in a creative and dynamic industry.
What have you been doing since you completed your studies at NC?
Since completing my studies at Niagara College, I’ve started working full-time at Boathouse’s national head office in the product development side of marketing. My role includes product placement, fashion buying, product development and design, as well as market research and sales forecasting.
Are you currently working or looking for a job in your field?
Yes – Since completing my studies at Niagara College, I’ve started working full-time at Boathouse’s national head office in the product development side of marketing. My role includes product placement, fashion buying, product development and design, as well as market research and sales forecasting.
