For Julie Carmichael, convocation represents the culmination of hard work, growth and commitment, and marks the achievement of a goal she has pursued since the day she entered the Office Administration – Executive program.
A St. Catharines resident originally from North Bay, Julie enrolled at NC after building experience in the food service, retail and manufacturing sectors. Drawn to the program’s practical, career-focused approach, she quickly found herself thriving in an environment that aligned with her strengths in organization, accuracy and problem-solving.
Her dedication and academic excellence earned her the Dean’s Academic Award for the School of Business and Management with an outstanding 97 per cent average.
“Receiving the Dean’s Award has further strengthened my confidence, and I am sincerely grateful for the recognition, especially knowing how dedicated and deserving my classmates were,” said Julie.
What were you doing before attending Niagara College?
I was unable to attend college right after high school. During that time, I gained valuable experience working in the food service industry, as well as in retail and manufacturing. These roles helped me develop strong work habits, adaptability, and a solid foundation of transferable skills that supported my transition into post-secondary studies.
What led you to study at Niagara College and choose your program?
I have always excelled in organization, accuracy, and working within structured environments, and I genuinely enjoy contributing behind the scenes to keep operations running smoothly.
The Office Administration – Executive program stood out to me because it offered practical, job-ready skills rather than just theory, and I knew it would help me build a career that aligned with my strengths and long-term goals.
What interests you about your field of study? Why are you passionate about it?
I get genuine satisfaction from turning messy information into something clear, organized, and functional, and administrative roles will allow me to do that every day in meaningful and varied ways.
What did you find rewarding about your program? Does anything stand out that you’ll never forget about your time at NC?
Something that will always stand out to me is how important everyone in my program became to one another. We formed a tight-knit group of friends who consistently supported each other–whether it was studying together, offering encouragement when someone needed it, or sharing notes from a missed class.
I am incredibly grateful for the friendships I made during my time at NC. I was also especially fortunate to complete my studies alongside my best friend of over 40 years. She attended Orientation Day as my support person and ended up enrolling herself the very next day, which made the experience even more meaningful.
Did you complete a co-op placement as part of your program?
I completed my summer co-op placement as an Office Assistant with the Ministry of the Environment, where my primary responsibility was digitizing their physical files. It was a substantial project that required strong attention to detail and accuracy, but it was incredibly rewarding and I learned so much.
How has your Niagara College experience prepared you for the future?
The program provided me with valuable real-world experience and hands-on skills. It strengthened my abilities in teamwork, professionalism and communication, which are essential skills needed in administrative roles.
It also gave me the confidence and practical foundation I need to succeed in this field. As an added benefit, the connections I made throughout my time at NC have become a supportive and meaningful network as I begin my career.
What have you been doing since completing your studies?
Since completing my studies, I have been applying for roles that align with my goals and the skills I’ve developed. I haven’t found the right opportunity yet, but I’m confident that the perfect role will come at the right time.
What’s next for you?
My immediate goal is to secure an administrative position, but I am also considering further studies in either Accounting or the Law Clerk program to expand my skills and deepen my knowledge for future career growth.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I would like to express my sincere thanks to all my professors, who were incredibly knowledgeable and supportive throughout my time in the program. They worked tirelessly to ensure our success, and I am truly grateful for everything I learned from them.
I also want to thank my classmates, whose encouragement and support helped me stay motivated and never give up.
