Dreaming Big

Alex Staniloff

My name is Alex Staniloff, and I am a student in the new, one-year Diploma in Marketing at Western Continuing Studies. Before beginning my time with Continuing Studies, the practicum was definitely the most intriguing part of the program for me, and the biggest factor in my decision to enroll. Having completed the in-class portion, I look back and could not be happier with my choice to stay in London as a student after my undergrad degree was finished. I graduated with a BMOS degree in April, and although it was difficult saying goodbye to all the friends I had made over the four years as they went their separate ways in search for jobs and new life experiences, I knew deep-down that I was making the right choice.
I am a huge sports fan, and the idea of completing my practicum placement at a professional sports team made my heart race. After several weeks of telling all my friends how excited I was to possibly be working with the Toronto Maple Leafs, we had our first practicum information session where the process was explained to us and the steps that needed to be taken to choose a site. There was a rather comprehensive list of various sites, ranging across industries.

The next statement likely changed my life more than anything else I have ever heard until that point…

“Remember, dream big…”

The speed of my thoughts took over me and I was unable to concentrate on anything else for the next several days. I called my father back home, and told him what I had heard, and he became excited as well. I couldn’t get the words ‘Dream Big’ out of my head, no matter what I was doing. Eventually I came to the decision that I was going to make the most of the opportunity and use it to work abroad, to gain international experience. I submitted a short list of companies that I researched and were of interest to me in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

I am currently completing my practicum in Hong Kong working for an amazing company called Walton International Ltd., and I must say, I’m having the time of my life. It is without a doubt the biggest decision I have ever made, but proving to be the most rewarding as well. I can’t imagine how different things would have been had I never enrolled in the Diploma in Marketing at Continuing Studies, but I know I would not be where I am today.

Alex, now a graduate of Western Continuing Studies’ Diploma in Marketing, is currently employed full-time as the Operations and Business Systems Coordinator for Walton International Ltd. in Hong Kong.