What is your current position?
Managing Director, Westdale Immigration Consulting Inc.
What attracted you to your program of study at the BSIA?
The variety of streams (I chose Global Political Economy), its interdisciplinary focus, and the supportive professors and staff were key factors for me to choose the BSIA over other schools were I got accepted.
What was the most impactful experience you had while completing your graduate degree?
Three years into my PhD program, I decided to pursue a corporate position and was offered a role as a research manager with RBC’s internal consulting team. At that time, most PhD students were focused solely on academic careers post-graduation, but I received full support from my PhD supervisor and committee to take this path. I transitioned to part-time studies while working full-time, using my research skills daily in this new role. Despite juggling multiple responsibilities, I graduated second in my cohort. Additionally, I delivered my first daughter just two weeks after defending my PhD thesis.
The professors at BSIA, especially Eric Helleiner and Kathryn Hochstetler, were instrumental in shaping my experience. I also received outstanding support from the BSIA staff, particularly Andrew Thompson and Kelly Brown, who guided me through my journey as an international student, then permanent resident, and later a part-time student. During my time at BSIA, I won several awards and attended multiple conferences that would not have been possible without the academic and operational support of the school.
Tell us about your job, what do you do?
As a Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), I work closely with clients from around the world, guiding them through Canada’s complex immigration system. My day-to-day involves a mix of legal research, LinkedIn outreach, and personal consultations. I dedicate significant time to staying updated on new policies and interpreting regulations to provide clients with the most current advice.
Interestingly, my PhD equipped me with high-level research skills and the ability to manage multiple complex projects. These skills contributed to my success in corporate research and strategy roles, where I later built a user experience practice from scratch and led product operations for a children’s financial management app. Now, as I run my own immigration practice, research remains a crucial part of my work, as does navigating the frequent changes in immigration regulations.
How does your work help make a difference?
Immigration is often stressful, emotional, and filled with uncertainty. I have seen firsthand the fear and misinformation that international students and workers in Canada encounter. Immigration has always been a passion for me, and in 2022, I finally pivoted my career fully into this field.
In my work, I strive to be an advocate, bridging knowledge gaps and offering emotional support. When clients tell me they feel seen, heard, and understood, it reaffirms why I do this work. For me, it’s more than a job title—it’s about creating humanity-driven outcomes that help people build new lives with dignity and confidence.
What are the next steps in your career progression… where do you see yourself going?
In the next five years, I see myself continuing to grow within the field of immigration and expanding my consulting practice to reach more people seeking guidance through Canada’s immigration pathways. I want to continue supporting clients in meaningful ways while also developing initiatives to make immigration information more accessible. My goal is to become a trusted advocate in this space.
What advice do you have for a potential student looking to complete their degree at the BSIA? Or for someone looking to work in Global Governance and International Policy?
Go for it! BSIA is a unique environment that fosters collaboration and intellectual growth in ways that few institutions do in Canada . The supportive atmosphere—thanks to dedicated professors and staff—gives students both freedom and structure to explore and grow. Take full advantage of BSIA’s resources and embrace the interdisciplinary approach that encourages you to think beyond traditional boundaries. The experience will not only give you a strong foundation in global governance and policy but will also help you build a resilient mindset.