George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Find out how George Brown helped these former students achieve their career goals.
Marketing
Folake Ayinde, Graduate, Class of 2025
Customer Experience (Relationship) Marketing and Analytics (Online) (Postgraduate) Program (B419)
“I highly recommend this program for anyone working with customers and their data. I started with little knowledge of tools like Salesforce and HubSpot, but I gained free certifications and real confidence using them on the job.
Working with people from diverse backgrounds also helped me improve my communication and relationship-building skills. As someone with an entrepreneurial background, I now understand how to target my customers more effectively than ever before.”
Currently a Sales and Marketing Specialist
Ronie Rentutar, Graduate, Class of 2024
“This program was a game changer, in every sense of the word, as it pushed me to think strategically, back decisions with data, and truly understand what drives meaningful customer relationships—skills I use every day in my marketing operations role. It laid the foundation for how I approach marketing today: with insight, intention, and impact.
I was also part of a standout cohort—sharp, driven, and collaborative—which made every discussion richer and every project smarter. We challenged each other to level up, and that energy was just as valuable as the curriculum itself.”
Currently a Marketing Operations Specialist
Lucia Nguyen, Graduate, Class of 2023
Customer Experience (Relationship) Marketing and Analytics (Online) (Postgraduate) Program (B419)
“I didn’t like numbers and data in marketing, I used to think marketing was all about creativity, but that changed. As I learned about customer experience and CRM, it all started to make sense. Building and nurturing relationships with customers isn’t something you just guess, it requires real insight, and that insight comes from data.
Using tools like Salesforce and HubSpot, I learned how to pull meaningful information and use it to craft personalized marketing strategies that connect. This program gave me a new perspective on marketing, and together with the internship experience, it helped me land my first job at a "big six" advertising agency group.”
Currently a Digital Marketing Specialist
Eva H, Graduate, Class of 2020
“I improved my analytical and customer-centric mindset with the program and particularly enjoyed the marketing seminars and business symposiums where we get to hear from and network with professionals in marketing.”
Currently a Senior Account Manager
Sean Reczulski, Graduate, Class of 2013
Sport and Event Marketing Program (Postgraduate) (B400)
"It has a great reputation all over Canada."
As his last term at the University of Western Ontario came to an end, varsity football player Sean Reczulski came to the realization that his playing days would soon be over. Mr. Reczulski, who'd majored in criminology, also realized he wanted to stay close to his passion – sports. But getting job-ready wasn't easy, the 24-year-old found out, and he decided to go back to school.
Faraz Thambi, Graduate, Class of 2012
Strategic Relationship Marketing Program (Postgraduate) (B409)
"The internship helped find my passion in advertising."
A few years ago Faraz Thambi moved to Toronto from Chennai, India to study international business at a local college. While working in customer service shortly after graduating, he decided to upgrade his credentials by taking a postgraduate program in marketing.
Lauren Reyes-Grange, Graduate, Class of 2011
Business Administration – Marketing Program (without Work Experience) / (with Work Experience) (B108/B158)
"The moment I got to George Brown I felt like the teacher and I were partners in my academic career. They had so many people that were just rooting for me, I was really set up for success."
Brad Kozak, Graduate, Class of 2011
Business Administration – Marketing Program (without Work Experience) / (with Work Experience) (B108/B158)
"It opened my eyes to a side of marketing and business that I had not seen before."
Brad Kozak's college experience is proof positive that homecoming can be the best thing for our career. After moving to the United States from Mississauga, Ontario to pursue a baseball scholarship, Kozak spent three years at two different colleges in New York and Pennsylvania to study sports business.
Sheldon D'Souza, Graduate, Class of 2010
Strategic Relationship Marketing Program (Postgraduate) (B409)
"After 9 years as a flight attendant, I was looking for a career change and George Brown made that easy. Strategic Relationship Marketing is a well-rounded program and I found it ideally suited for my goals of a career in loyalty marketing. In addition, the co-op experience at Porter Airlines further enhanced my knowledge gained in class and I was subsequently hired full time. Staff at GBC is ever so helpful to international students and it was this balance of all elements made my transition from student to professional really easy."
Mark T. Phillips, Graduate, Class of 2007
Strategic Relationship Marketing Program (Postgraduate) (B409)
"The ability to learn and benefit from being in downtown Toronto."
Choosing a downtown-campus school to pursue studies in marketing proved an advantageous choice for Mark Phillips. In 2004, his first year at George Brown Polytechnic's Business Administration - Marketing Program, the Dundas, Ontario-born student was granted a unique opportunity to see the inner project management workings of the Trump International Hotel & Tower before its construction.
In subsequent years, taking part in extracurriculars such as the Ontario Colleges Marketing Competition saw him place as a medal finalist twice.
In 2014, Mark was named as one of the Top 30 under 30 in Marketing Magazine.
Jonathan Chang, Graduate, Class of 2000
Sport and Event Marketing Program (Postgraduate) B400
"Working in Basketball Development for NBA Canada is a dream job for me. In Basketball Development we run a number of national programs, such as 'NBA Hoop it Up 3-on-3' and 'NBA Jam Session.' Basketball has always been an important part of my life, and in my job, I am driven by my knowledge and love of the game.
I was hired as an intern by Dan McKenzie, also a George Brown Polytechnic Sport and Event Marketing graduate, and this led to a full-time position. We, in turn, have hired 3 other George Brown students on intern (co-op) placements. There's no question: the Sport and Event Marketing program at George Brown Polytechnic helped me carve a path into a profession that is like no other."
Financial Services
Check out the inspiring and successful career paths of people just like you. Find out how George Brown helped these former students achieve their career goals.
Advanced Diploma
Anna Tyubina
Associate, RBC Dominion Securities
Business Administration - Financial Management Graduate 2018
Studying for my 3-year Diploma at George Brown Polytechnic was a truly amazing experience enabling me to learn industry essentials and be acquainted with a diverse pool of human capital. Being an international student, I felt welcomed and received great help from the faculty in navigating educational resources as well as Canadian Educational System in general. I have only positive things to say about professors and faculty. It was impressive to have industry professionals teaching the business acumen while sharing their real- world experiences. I learned a great deal of industry specific skills, such as formal business writing, clear and concise communication, computer technology, and, most importantly, financial services fundamentals. Gratefully, with my Diploma from Gorge Brown College, I was able to enroll in undergraduate studies at Ryerson University. Not only was I able to receive credits for all my courses taken at George Brown Polytechnic but also successfully graduate with a Bachelor of Commerce, Economics and Management Science Degree. Undoubtedly, George Brown Polytechnic provided me with strong foundation to excel in my undergraduate studies and successfully commence my career in financial services industry.
Emeka Ibeh
Financial Projects and Training Coordinator, Humber College Institute of Advanced Learning and Technology
Business Administration-Finance Graduate, 2017
I had never known how gratifying it could be to taking this program until I started working at Humber. Taking the Financial Planning Advanced Diploma Program was one of the best decisions I could have made, mainly because of the hands-on experience I got prior to my joining the workforce. I sincerely appreciate all of the support that George Brown provided me in my studies, not only the staff but the awards were instrumental in my success. I will always remember this, and I am looking forward to the day when I can pay it back ten-fold.
Ahmed Affan Mahmood
CS Service Excellence, Fidelity Investments
George Brown Polytechnic and Professors gave me tremendous insights, knowledge and great guidance in pursuing the career of my choice. I would strongly suggest taking this program as it will really expand your ability to comprehend the markets and the financial industry. Graduate from the finance program here at GBC and the opportunities are endless. The sky is the limit!!
Melly Guan
Business Administration - Accounting Graduate, 2013
"George Brown opened the door to the real world for me. Without it, I would not have gained the experience I now have."
George Brown started Melly Guan on an educational pathway that just keeps going. After completing the College's three-year Business Administration - Accounting program, she then moved on to Ryerson University's Bachelor of Commerce degree, and after she finishes, in Spring 2017, she is contemplating doing a master's degree focused on tax at the University of Waterloo. Or she may also go and find a job in her field. [Read Melly Guan's Story...]
Rushi Patel
Business Administration - Accounting Graduate, 2013
"George Brown Polytechnic provided me with a base that I needed to start my career in the accounting/financial industry."
Rushi Patel has known since high school that he wanted to be an accountant. Growing up in the town of Nadiad in the state of Gujarat, India, he might not have known that he would carry out that quest via George Brown Polytechnic's Business Administration – Accounting Advanced diploma program. Or that he would end up as a Senior Investment Accountant with State Street Corporation just two years after graduation. [Read Rushi Patel's story...]
Igor Dubyk
SENIOR CONSULTANT, US & CANADIAN TAX, GLOBAL MO, KPMG LLP
GRADUATED 2012
Pursuing a diploma in Business Administration - Finance at George Brown taught me the inner workings of the finance industry while preparing me to succeed in a competitive business environment. During my studies, professors connected concepts from the classroom with real-world applications to ensure a smooth transition into the workplace. By providing networking opportunities and access to countless job fairs, the program was designed to facilitate both professional and personal growth. My experience at George Brown has given me the education and skills necessary to succeed in my career.
Graduate Certificate
Jing Jing Yang
Financial Planning Program (Postgraduate) Graduate, 2007
"George Brown certainly made me feel very welcome coming from a different background. This program will not just prepare you for a job in a bank or a stock brokerage firm, it'll just give you so much more."
Hear more about Jing Jing Yang's story in our video:
Degree
Ngawang Choedon
Underwriter, Zurich Canada
Honours Bachelor of Commerce – Financial Services
"I went through the Business Administration: financial services program and then moved forward with the B.Comm degree provided by George Brown Polytechnic. The professors and faculty members were helpful and highly knowledgeable. I participated in a consulting class where I worked with real-life problems and was also part of Enactus (formerly SIFE) in George Brown Polytechnic, where I developed my presentation skills while competing regionally and nationally against other colleges and universities. I gained practical skills and connections that have made positive contribution to my career."
Elena Fedotova
Small Business Advisor, Scotiabank
Honours Bachelor of Commerce – Financial Services Graduate 2015
"I am very grateful to George Brown Polytechnic and its faculty for priceless knowledge, experience, support and mentorship. The Business Administration - Financial Planning program gives students an opportunity to learn and receive an invaluable piece of advice from the industry professionals directly (faculty staff, guest speakers, and advisory board members). A George Brown Polytechnic Diploma gave me an opportunity to get a job at Scotiabank as a Financial Advisor, Associate Professional Banker and most recently continue my wonderful journey as a Small Business Advisor."
Gurjinder Singh
Honours Bachelor of Commerce – Financial Services Graduate, 2015
"George Brown helped me realize that education alone is not sufficient to obtain employment in today's job market. Alongside education, a successful candidate requires hands-on skills and experience."
As Gurjinder Singh talks about his career path, it's clear that he's constantly absorbing new experiences and adjusting his plans to find the best route. And the strategy is working—he loves his job as an analyst in Scotiabank's Commercial Banking Development Program, and was recently selected as one of a handful to participate in the company's nine-month leadership development rotation program. [Read Gurjinder Singh's story...]
Sharon Bernal
Honours Bachelor of Commerce – Financial Services Graduate, 2011
"I chose George Brown because it offered a degree program in the field."
One of the most valuable skills Sharon Bernal developed while studying at George Brown Polytechnic's Centre for Business wasn't on any formal curriculum. "I am not a very social person by nature," says Bernal, who graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Business, Financial Services with a major in Accounting in 2011. "Being exposed to students and teachers from different backgrounds every day made me appreciate each person's uniqueness and really made me come out of my shell." That ability to network and socialize with ease on campus not only helped her land a job after graduation, but also made Bernal's first years in Canada much more rewarding. [Read Sharon Bernal's story...]
Christopher Deir
Honours Bachelor of Commerce – Financial Services Graduate, 2007
"George Brown balanced our theoretical knowledge with hands–on lessons."
Explore your options. It's simple advice, but by following it, Christopher Deir has taken his education to new heights. It began with a potential problem. As part of Ontario's double cohort graduates, Christopher faced increased competition for a post-secondary education spot. While on the waiting list for two universities, a friend recommended the new Bachelor of Applied Business program at George Brown Polytechnic. [Read Christopher Deir's story...]