Shawna J. Serniak

A career forged in the name of cooperation

Across Alberta, NorQuest has partnerships that help build new careers and better lives. The college’s affiliation with Rupertsland Institute, an organization dedicated to assisting Métis individuals obtain training and education, helped Shawna J. Serniak achieve her dream job.

When Serniak’s 21-year old son Trylan started his studies in Hospitality Management at NorQuest, he suggested it would also be a good fit for his mother. Serniak was interested in working at a hotel, but didn’t have any luck finding the right position. The hospitality training led her to a new career in the hotel industry. Only months after she completed her studies, she is now thriving in a management role within the hotel industry.

Rupertsland modified the normally online only Hospitality Management program into a six-month program that better suited their learners and helped put them on the fast track to employment. The institute assisted Serniak with funding, which covered her education and living costs. Throughout it all, Serniak didn’t feel rushed, despite the accelerated learning curve.

“The instructors were excellent and informative, and the students were very good at helping one another. My training certainly opened my eyes and made me a lot more confident going into this position. I love what I do.”

The instructors were excellent and informative, and the students were very good at helping one another. My training certainly opened my eyes and made me a lot more confident going into this position. I love what I do.