A business match made at Douglas

Canadian Western Bank Assistant Vice President Ron Baker says Career Start gave Kathy Nowak the chance to prove she was a right fit for the company.

For Kathy Nowak, combining the skills she learned in the Business Management Program with the opportunities of Career Start has proven a perfect match.

"Career Start gives you the chance to explore your options while you're in school," says Nowak, who, with no prior banking experience, started working at Canadian Western Bank in February.

Career Start is a pilot project that matches employers with students. The employer may sponsor the student with tuition assistance and/or part-time work while attending college, along with opportunities for summer employment and, if the match proves successful, a job on graduation. Career Start will be fully implemented at Douglas in 2009.

Nowak graduated with a Business Management Diploma in June, specializing in the Business Administration Option. Today, she is on track to a promising career with Canadian Western Bank, designated one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada 2008 by Report on Business.

From his initial meeting with Nowak, Canadian Western Bank Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager Ron Baker says it was clear she was a great match for the company.

"I knew right away that Kathy would fit with our culture at the bank and at the branch. She is enthusiastic and creative," says Baker.

The admiration is mutual.

"It's a great feeling to work for a company that allows you to think outside of the box," says Nowak.

When Nowak came to Canada from Poland in 2005, she had completed two years towards a BA in politics and journalism. Her credits weren't recognized by local universities, so she decided to take the opportunity to change careers.

She saw the differences between university and college immediately.

"The instructors spend time with you and are very approachable. At university, you're one of 200 students in the class. You're just a student number. At Douglas, there were up to 35 students in each class, so there was much more interaction and communication," says Nowak. Indeed, it was Business Management Chair George Stroppa who got Nowak's resume into Baker's hands.

Nowak is currently taking part in Canadian Western Bank's retail management program, an 18-24 month training program where she is getting a flavour of the many roles at the bank in preparation for a management position. Baker predicts Nowak will complete the program close to the 18-month mark.

Asked if he would hire a Business Management graduate again, Baker doesn't hesitate. "There is no doubt I would."

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