Dario Spiteri didn’t begin his postsecondary journey in business, but once he made the switch to NC’s Business Administration – Marketing (Co-op) program, he found his true path. Now graduating alongside his twin brother, Dario reflects on a transformative NC experience shaped by real-world learning, global travel, and several case competition wins.
From completing a co-op with Interfaced Technologies Inc. to representing NC at international case competitions, including a third-place win in Hungary, he made the most of the opportunities available to him. Now working full time in his field, Spiteri credits NC’s applied learning and faculty support for helping him launch his career post-graduation.
Q&A with Dario Spiteri:
What were you doing before attending NC?
Before enrolling in the School of Business, I was actually in the Carpentry and Renovation Techniques program at NC. That was my initial post-secondary experience, but not what I wanted to do long term, more of a ‘side quest’ as some would say. I was always drawn to college as I’m a very practical learner. What really made NC stand out is the amazing faculty, most of which have in-depth real-world experience with the subjects they teach.
What interests you in / why are you passionate about your field of study?
I have always had an interest in businesses. When I was growing up my mother was a small business owner, running a small Italian store that we all helped with at one point or another. This experience is what pushed me to explore business, and once I started learning more about marketing, I knew it was what I wanted to pursue. One of the things I love most about marketing is that it’s a chance to apply creative thinking across so many different fields. You could be promoting food products, industrial equipment, video games, anything really.
Do you have a specific career goal in mind when you enrolled in your program. Did it change since you started?
When I started in my program, I didn’t have any set career goals. My time at NC was very formative, exposing me to many different career possibilities. I am a naturally curious person, so now my main career goal is to keep growing and learning as much as I can.
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?
Marketing at NC is a very rewarding program as often-times, your assignments are based on helping local companies overcome their problems and achieve growth. It’s a very rewarding feeling knowing the work you’ve put into an assignment is going to help real people address real issues, and an even better feeling getting to meet and present your solutions to them.
How did you find your program experience – any highlights?
There are so many highlights from my time at NC that it’s hard to just name a few. One would have to be attending an International Field Study at Hochschule Osnabrück in Germany, making many new friendships along a truly once in a lifetime experience. Another highlight is my time on Niagara College’s case competition team. I got the opportunity to compete in 5 marketing and general business competitions, spanning from provincial all the way to international events. Competing in and winning 3rd place in CUBE, a general business competition that takes place in Budapest, Hungary, alongside 16 universities from across the world. I will never forget the sense pride and accomplishment felt hearing our team, Niagara College, announced as a winner.
Did you face and overcome any challenges to graduate?
My journey wasn’t without its challenges. In the first 2 years of my co-op, I worked part time as an egg farmer. Balancing school, my part time job, and the extra work that came along with training for competitions, I often found myself spending 12-hour days at school. While it was difficult, I can gladly say that every hour I spent was worth the effort.
Did you work a placement or co-op as part of your program?
My program had a co-op placement, meaning I was employed in my field for school credit. I worked for Interfaced Technologies Inc., a manufacturing technology company based in St Catharines.
What have you been doing since you completed your studies at NC?
Since completing my studies at NC, I have been working full time as a Business Development Assistant for my co-op employer, Interfaced Technologies Inc. The team I work with is truly amazing and have been instrumental in helping me transition from an educational environment to the workplace while learning about a new industry.
What’s next for you /are you working/ or working towards a career goal or are you planning to pursue further education?
I have debated on pursuing further education but felt that the most effective next step would be to continue applying what I’ve learned in the real world. My experience at NC has allowed me to enter the workforce and hit the ground running.
Any other info you feel is important and would like to share?
The only other point I feel is important is to urge anyone at NC or soon joining NC to take advantage of every opportunity possible. You get as much out as you put in, and I am a true believer that our lives are defined by our choices. Making the choice to push yourself and do the most that you can do is the only way to get the most that life has to offer.
