From Uncertainty to Opportunity: How NorQuest Launched Two Insurance Careers

When Iryna Sapsai and Luda Nikitenko each came to Alberta from Ukraine, they were unsure what their new path in Canada would look like. They were both looking for a way to settle in Canada and enter a professional career, but didn’t originally plan for their ultimate destination to be in the insurance industry.

Starting with language: Luda’s first steps

Luda’s path to becoming an Insurance Professional had a first stop at NorQuest’s Language Instruction for Newcomers (LINC) program. Arriving in Canada in April 2022 because of the war in Ukraine, she says, “I had never planned to immigrate, so I didn’t know any English at the time. I quickly realized that learning English was essential to improving my quality of life and integrating into society.”

Through LINC, she gained skills and grew her confidence in English. “I balanced full-time classes with a full-time job, where I could use my new vocabulary and practice my speaking skills. It was a challenging time, but the results were worth it.”

Finding the right fit through opportunity

But once she completed her LINC program, Luda felt lost. “I didn’t know what to do next. I had a survival job, but I realized that I needed to make a change in my life.” It was time to decide on her next step, and she found it through a serendipitous offer.

“When I received an offer from NorQuest to participate in the Insurance Professional course, I knew nothing about insurance. But I thought, ‘Why not try?’ I was open to any opportunity — and it turned out to be the right choice.”

A strategic career shift: Iryna’s search for direction

As for Iryna, she was looking for a fresh direction in Canada that would make use of the strong analytical and communication skills she had developed from a career in the pharmaceutical industry in Ukraine.

“I needed to find something that would provide a solid foundation and let me apply the skills and experience from my previous roles in a new direction.” With that in mind, she began searching for a program that aligned with her goals and met the requirements of her open work permit. After researching various colleges across Alberta, she discovered NorQuest’s Insurance Professional Program. Its professional focus, flexible online learning, and four-month duration made it the perfect fit.

Discovering a future in insurance

For both Iryna and Luda, their choice opened a world of opportunity that was beyond what they had considered when they started. “The first important thing I learned,” explains Luda, “is that the insurance industry is huge, and it offers many opportunities. You can choose a field that aligns with your background and interests.”

Iryna agrees. “The program helped us develop both hard and soft skills essential for the industry. Insurance was a completely new field for me, but thanks to the program, I gained a clear understanding of how broad and diverse it is. I learned that people from various backgrounds can apply their existing skills to build a successful career in insurance.”

Where they are now

Now that they have completed their programs, Iryna and Luda have found the professional careers they were looking for. For Iryna, the experience was transformative: “This experience truly changed my life. After graduating, I was able to find a job in the industry, and I genuinely love what I do now. I’m excited to continue growing and developing my career in insurance.”

Luda not only found a career; she found her direction. “Now, I truly understand myself. I’m no longer lost—I know what I want and what I need to do to achieve it. I have a clear direction for my growth. I’m currently working at Millennium Insurance as a Claims Adjuster, and I see my future in the field of Auto Physical Damage. To pursue this goal, I’ve enrolled in the CIP program and have already started taking my first courses to become a professional in this area.”

Proud of how far they’ve come

The progress they’ve made from uncertain beginnings to professional career reflects their determination and their commitment to building a future in their new country. As Iryna reflects, she was initially unsure about pursuing a career in insurance or even finding a way into the industry. “But after completing the program and securing a job,” she says, “I truly believe that anything is possible with determination and hard work—especially in such a broad and growing field.”

Luda can’t believe what a difference a few years have made in her outlook. “It’s a huge achievement for me, especially as someone who didn’t speak any English just three years ago. Learning the language has given me the chance to build a new life in Canada, find my dream job, and stay true to myself.” Reflecting on how far she’s come, she adds, “I’m truly proud of what I’ve accomplished, and I’m deeply grateful to NorQuest for supporting me along the way—for the opportunities, the encouragement, and all the wonderful people I’ve met.”

Your opportunity starts here

Interested in the career opportunities you can find in insurance?The Insurance Professional Program at NorQuest gets you ready for an in-demand career in only four months!