A graduate of the Honours Bachelor of Business Administration – International Commerce and Global Development program, Roberto Villao made the most of every opportunity that came his way at NC, whether it was working at the Research & Innovation Centre in his first term, earning a spot at Microsoft’s Canadian HQ for co-op, or placing in international business competitions in Hungary and the U.S.
Now preparing to cross the stage at his convocation ceremony on Saturday, June 14, with family travelling from Ecuador to cheer him on, Roberto reflects on how far he’s come, and looks ahead to the next chapter as he prepares to move to the GTA to begin his professional life.
Roberto shared reflections on his Niagara College experience, the support system that helped him along the way, and what he is looking forward to next in his bright future.
Q&A with Roberto Villao:
What does convocation mean to you?
It’s more than a ceremony; it’s a testament to resilience. To every early morning class, every silent moment of doubt, and every loud celebration of small wins. I came to Canada alone, but I never walked this journey without the unwavering support of my family back home. Convocation feels like crossing a finish line we all ran together.
What were you doing before attending NC?
I enrolled at NC right after graduating from high school in Ecuador. I was 18, wide-eyed, and ready to leap into the unknown.
What led you to NC and this program?
I was drawn to the unique blend of global business and development. The program stood out because it didn’t just teach business in a vacuum, it taught how commerce can become a force for positive change in the world.
Why are you passionate about your field of study?
I truly believe in the power of commerce to transform lives. International trade, when done ethically and inclusively, becomes a tool for mutual growth. A transaction between countries can mean jobs, innovation, and better living standards for entire communities.
Did you have a career goal in mind? Has it changed?
From the beginning, my goal was simple: make the most of every opportunity. Whether that meant working, competing, or learning, I was ready to go all in. That mindset hasn’t changed. It’s only gotten stronger.
How was your program experience? Any highlights?
It was a whirlwind of growth. In my first term, I started working at NC’s Research & Innovation Centre, helping real businesses solve real problems. That early experience defined my path.
- In 2022, I competed in the Ontario Colleges Marketing Competition, securing 5th place in my category and helping NC place second overall.
- In 2023, I landed a COOP placement at Microsoft’s Canadian HQ in Toronto, one of the most defining moments of my career so far. I was the only college student there, surrounded by top university students from across the country, and I proved that I belonged.
- In 2024, I represented NC at the Corvinus Undergraduate Business Experience in Budapest, Hungary, our team won third place globally. I also took first place at the World Trade Center Case Competition in Buffalo, competing against top U.S. and Canadian schools.
Each of these milestones showed me just how far I could go with the right support and determination.
What did you find most rewarding? What will you never forget?
What I’ll never forget is how close we became to our professors. They didn’t just teach, they believed in us, mentored us, and encouraged us when things got tough. Their investment in us made all the difference.
Did you face any challenges while studying?
Absolutely. As an international student, everything, from grocery shopping to classroom discussions, came with an extra layer of complexity. But I learned to balance classes, work, and extracurriculars with intention. Those long nights and early mornings taught me discipline and grit.
Did you complete a placement or co-op?
Yes, at Microsoft, from April to September 2023. I worked as an Integrated Marketing Intern for the Central Marketing Organization, supporting B2B campaigns across North America and Latin America. I even worked on internal projects like AI-powered bots to improve operations. It was intense, rewarding, and transformative.
Were you involved in any extracurriculars?
Yes, several! I was the Social Media Manager for the Business & Growth team, where we created spaces for students to connect over entrepreneurship and finance.
In my final term, I joined NC’s Powerlifting team, something totally outside my comfort zone. Alongside my teammate, America Castillo, we competed against other colleges in NC’s first-ever powerlifting tournament.
I also ran three times for student leadership roles, while I wasn’t elected, I gained valuable experience and connected with students to hear what they needed.
Do you feel NC prepared you for the future?
Without a doubt. NC taught me to thrive in multicultural, fast-paced environments. It showed me that excellence isn’t reserved for big universities, it lives wherever there’s passion, hard work, and opportunity.
Post-Graduation
What have you been doing since graduating?
It’s been just a month since classes ended, I’ve been actively job hunting, attending events, and networking with industry professionals. I’m looking for a position that allows me to apply everything I’ve learned in international business, marketing, or strategy.
What’s next for you?
Right now, the focus is work. I want to apply my skills, gain more experience, and continue growing. Eventually, I would love to pursue a Masters, perhaps an MBA or a program that fuses AI and business.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Niagara College wasn’t my first choice – it wasn’t even my second. But the moment I stepped into this community, I realized I had found something rare. I discovered how powerful it can be when an institution believes in its students. NC gave me every chance to grow, and I grabbed them with both hands. It changed my life.
