Throughout her time at NC, Niagara Falls native Jillian Kosior embraced opportunities inside and outside the classroom, from case competitions across Canada and Europe to a co-op placement with Da-Lee Pavement Products, where she’s now employed full time.
As she prepares to cross the convocation stage on June 14, Kosior reflects on her NC journey that challenged and shaped her. With plans to continue growing her skills, she credits NC for giving her the confidence and experience to take the next step in her career.
Q&A with Jillian Kosior:
How do you feel about your upcoming convocation day and what does it personally mean to you?
Convocation will take place on June 14, 2025, and I am thrilled to be celebrating this milestone alongside both of my parents and my boyfriend, Zach. I am truly excited to share this special day with the friends I’ve made throughout this three-year program, and to mark the end of an incredible journey of learning and growth together.
What were you doing before attending NC?
Prior to attending Niagara College, I spent a few years after high school exploring my options to determine the right career path for me. During that time, I worked full-time at a retirement residence while conducting extensive research before enrolling in college. Through this process, I discovered my passion for business marketing, which appealed to me because it allowed me to combine critical thinking, creativity, and strong interpersonal skills to achieve common goals.
What interests you in and why are you passionate about your field of study?
When I first started at Niagara, I was interested in pursuing a career in food and beverage, particularly in wineries. However, my interests quickly broadened as I was exposed to a variety of industries through extracurricular activities and competitions. I had the privilege of participating in several prestigious competitions, including the Ontario Colleges Marketing Competition, the Vanier National Case Competition, and the Corvinus Undergraduate Business Experience in Budapest, Hungary. These experiences helped me develop a diverse set of skills that I later applied during my co-op term at Da-Lee Pavement Products.
Did you face and overcome any challenges to graduate?
Balancing my co-op placement with my academic responsibilities was challenging, but I successfully managed both and maintained part-time employment as well. This hard work paid off when I was offered a full-time post-graduate contract with Da-Lee beginning in May 2025. I am confident that without these experiences, I would not feel as prepared or self-assured as I do about entering the workforce after graduation.
Do you feel your NC experience has helped prepare you for the future?
Amidst the demands of school and work, I was also fortunate to study abroad in Germany with some of my closest friends. This opportunity gave me a global perspective on business and allowed me to see firsthand how organizations operate in different parts of the world. Niagara College empowered me to express myself and showcase my talents through all of these incredible opportunities, shaping me into the professional I am today.
What have you been doing since you completed your studies at NC?
Currently, I intend to continue my employment with Da-Lee Pavement Products for the foreseeable future. I am also considering furthering my education at Niagara College by enrolling in a graduate certificate program to enhance and expand my skill set.
