A Grade 12 student attended Okanagan College’s 36th annual Career Fair to learn more about post-secondary education and got more than expected after winning the event’s grand prize, a $2,500 tuition credit.
Kelowna Secondary School student Braeden Lambert has always had a passion for business and went to the fair on Nov. 5 to research the college’s Bachelor of Business degree program.
“I want to open my own business one day,” said Lambert. “That’s why I went to Career Fair, to check out the program and its possibilities. I’ve heard good things about the college and the business school and really liked what I saw, so I decided to apply for it on the spot.”
The college’s Career Fair is one of the Interior’s longest running fairs and attracted hundreds of prospective students this year. Attendees were treated to post-secondary preparatory seminars, tours, activities, program information and draw prizes. Anyone who applied for a program at the fair was entered to win the grand prize.
“It totally took me by surprise when I got the phone call telling me I won the tuition money – I felt like I won the lottery or something,” said Lambert. “It’s like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders because I don’t have to stress as much about my job or how I’ll pay for tuition–I can just focus on my school now.”
Lambert spends his free time enjoying the four-season Okanagan lifestyle and feels fortunate to be able to live at home while studying at the college.
“The fact that I can stay home and save money while getting a quality education is such an amazing opportunity that I know most don’t get,” he said. “Also, the college is so familiar to me which makes moving into post-secondary much more comfortable.”
Last year more than 1,550 full-time equivalent students were enrolled in the Okanagan School of Business.
“This is an exciting time to study business in the Okanagan,” said Bill Gillett, dean of the Okanagan School of Business. “With the rising tech sector and a strong climate for entrepreneurialism, the region has a wealth of strong business leaders and is filled with opportunities for success.”
Lambert is currently completing his final year at KSS and will start classes at the College in September 2018.
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