“The experience in Vancouver at ILAC IC was a huge success for me as it helped me a lot professionally.”
Student Profile: Mario Leita Neto
Country: Brazil
Dream: To become a Customer Service Manager at an internationally recognized hotel
Program: Service Excellence for Business – Co Op (48 weeks)
POSTED BY: ILAC International College
In 2014, I visited Vancouver for the first time and loved it so much I decided to come back and study business at ILAC International College. I wanted to take advantage of the growing economy and opportunities in Canada, including a chance to work and study at the same time.
I was really impressed with how helpful my teachers were throughout my learning process. They motivated me to discover my career path and during my time in Canada I had the chance to experience three different jobs. First, I was hired to work as a sales associate at Canucks Sports & Entertainment, which owns and operates the Vancouver Canucks, (a National Hockey League team) and their home arena, Rogers Arena. I also worked at ILAC supporting the Orientation and Marketing Department. Finally, I got a chance to work at the Fairmont Hotel in Downtown Vancouver, which is part of a chain of luxury hotels with a strong presence in the United States and Canada.
I was so excited when I heard that the Fairmont Hotel was looking for a Brazilian candidate and even though I didn’t have previous experience working in a hotel I was confident I could do it. I was offered to join the Guest Services Department, which was related to what I studied at ILAC IC – definitely studying the Service Excellence for Business program has taught me how to offer excellence and good quality service in any work place.
The experience studying at ILAC IC in Vancouver was a huge success for me as it helped me a lot professionally. I especially want to thank my teachers Mohammad Fallah (Front Desk Services & Customer Services Skills) and Lynnette Raymond (Sales Fundamentals). They showed me that I was capable and I could believe in myself to do everything I wanted, and that Canada is literally a country of opportunities – you just need to come to succeed!
My career continues and my dreams too… after 6 months of my co-op placement I was accepted to be transferred to France to continue working for Fairmont Hotel and explore the world while improving my work skills. Even though I never thought about working in the hospitality industry, my teachers and courses at ILAC International College made me realize the wide opportunities Canada offers in this area. I’ll definitely recommend ILAC IC to study and work in Canada, because you’ll have great teachers and an amazing experience that will change your life!
Do you want to study and work in Canada like Mario? Learn more about our Service for Excellence for Business Co-op program.