Finding Guidance Through Alumni Stories at Diwal

Learning from CapU Alumni During Diwali


Last weekend, I visited my friend’s home to celebrate Diwali with his wife and her friend. Both of them are Capilano University alumni who completed the same NABU program that I’m studying now. It was a friendly and warm visit, filled with light, food, and laughter. But beyond the celebration, this small gathering turned into one of the most valuable learning experiences for my career preparation.


During our conversation, I asked them about their journey after graduation and how they managed to find work in Canada as international students. They both shared honest stories about their struggles and progress — from doing part-time jobs to finally finding professional roles in offices and financial institutions. One of them mentioned that in her practicum, the biggest challenge was communication — not grammar, but understanding workplace culture and the way Canadians express ideas politely and professionally. She said learning to ask questions confidently and maintaining a positive attitude made a huge difference.


That reminded me of what Octavianus, another CapU alumnus I met earlier, told me about his experience at RBC. He said that employers value professionalism, reliability, and the ability to listen carefully to clients. He also encouraged me to always be curious and prepared — to research every company before applying and to practice answering questions with confidence. Hearing the same message again from these two alumni made me realize that successful people share similar habits — they work hard, stay consistent, and never stop learning.


I also learned that getting a practicum in a bank or office is not only about grades, but also about attitude. Both of them advised me to start early, build my resume carefully, and talk to professors for references. They also said it’s important to show genuine interest in helping others — something that connects directly to my goal of improving my banking and customer service skills.


That Diwali evening gave me more than good food and celebration. It gave me inspiration and a clear direction. I felt more confident about my practicum path and more motivated to build the communication and financial skills I’ll need for my future career in banking.

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