Q&A: Building confidence in college
By Kevin Pilar, Current Student Communications
When Associate of Arts in Communications student Kia Ferrer started at Douglas, she never would have guessed the experiences she would have or the places her education would take her. From studying in the Philippines, Germany and Indonesia to gaining valuable hands-on experience and connections by volunteering at the Career Centre, Kia continues to make the most of her time in college.
What has your college and career journey looked like so far?
It definitely hasn’t been linear. After completing the Medical Office Assistant program, I decided to explore a different direction and returned to take courses in sociology and psychology. That’s when things started to shift. A Sociology instructor invited me to join a research project, which led to organizing events, creating my first zine, and travelling to present in Montreal and Toronto. Volunteering at the Career Centre grew into a student assistant role where I managed volunteers. I also studied abroad taking courses in business and sustainability. Giving myself permission to explore on my own terms, made all the difference!
Read more about Kia’s work on Inspired Journeys: A zine guide to careers in sexual violence prevention
How did studying abroad help you stand out when applying for jobs?
It gave me hands-on skills and meaningful experiences to draw from. Courses in international business and sustainable development taught me how to adapt quickly. In interviews, I can speak to working across cultures and overcoming challenges, and the global networks I built show employers that I bring a unique and well-rounded perspective.
What challenges have you faced in the job market, and how did your experiences help?
I started out working in retail and food service, which taught me a lot about communication, teamwork and time management. But when I wanted to explore roles in different settings, it was hard to know where to start. I didn’t feel confident applying to corporate jobs because I wasn’t sure I had the right experience. The Career Centre helped bridge that gap. I attended workshops, booked one-on-one appointments and got support building a LinkedIn profile. I went from zero connections to over 500 and even got recruited for a job through LinkedIn. Volunteering gave me real experience and helped me grow my skills, and study abroad taught me to be independent and open to new challenges.
What advice would you give other students thinking about Study Abroad, Co-op or Career Centre opportunities?
Think about the stories you want to tell after graduation. Co-op lets you test drive careers, and study abroad builds independence. If you’re unsure, book a Career Centre appointment or chat with Global Engagement. Financial support is available and your class projects already count as experience. Believe in yourself and take the first step.
All these opportunities made me more confident, globally aware and connected. I’m grateful I took that first leap and hope other students do the same.
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About Global Engagement
Kia participated in the 2023 Guided Study Tour to Germany, 2024 UMAP Discovery Camp in Indonesia and the 2025 Philippines Field School. If you are interested in studying abroad, explore opportunities through MyGlobal or contact Global Engagement at studyabroad@douglascollege.ca.
About the Career Centre
Kia has attended Career Centre workshops and events, and made use of CareerHUB. The Career Centre provides career resources, job postings, and programs including Co-op, the Business Internship Program, and the Advanced Career Development Program. Visit CareerHUB or contact the Career Centre at careercentre@douglascollege.ca.
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