Preet Kamal Kalsi's journey through University of Calgary International Professional Programs

After a decade-long career in fashion and entrepreneurship, Preet Kamal Kalsi came to Calgary at a pivotal moment in her life, bringing with her years of professional experience and a desire for meaningful change. Now a graduate from the International Professional Programs at UCalgary Continuing Education, Preet saw the program as a way to both upskill and ground herself while transitioning to a new country.

What started as a solo journey... it turned into a shared experience that really helped us grow.

Before arriving in Canada, Preet had completed a master's degree in fashion merchandising and retail management and spent years running her own creative studio. "It had been almost a decade since I did my Master's," she explains, "and then I did work for almost a decade, and I was running my own business." When she decided to move to Calgary, studying felt like a natural next step — one that would provide structure while helping her understand Canadian work culture.

New beginnings, new connections

Reflecting on her experience in Calgary, Preet describes it as unexpectedly welcoming. "Canada, I would say specifically Calgary, it has been really warm for me," she says. While the move itself was challenging, she notes that the work culture and people helped make the transition smoother. "It's really welcoming. I like that about Calgary."

Much of that warmth came from her experience in Continuing Education. "All my experience at Continuing Education, including my instructors, my classmates... each and every person has been really valuable," Preet shares. Starting out on her own, she quickly joined a community of other learners. "What started as a solo journey... it turned into a shared experience that really helped us grow."

When everything around you is uncertain... this is something you're working on yourself, and it will eventually stay with you.

Her classmates, drawn from diverse industries and countries, became a strong source of support. "Everybody was from a different part of the world," she says. "Each of them, I would say they are now like family to me."

Finding stability during uncertainty

Academically, the program helped Preet formalize skills she had been using intuitively for years. Along with credentials, the program gave her clarity, structure, and confidence. "Now I know... this is exactly what I've been doing, and now I have the certification skills."

Continuing Education also provided stability during uncertainty. "It was just my only constant," Preet reflects. "When everything around you is uncertain... this is something you're working on yourself, and it will eventually stay with you."

For others considering a similar leap, her advice is grounded and honest: "Be intentional," she says. "It is surely not going to be in the same way that you thought...but then just show up."

For Preet, that decision to show up, stay present, and keep learning has made all the difference. Transforming uncertainty into opportunity, she now aims to create impact by using her skills to give back to the community.

Preet Kamal Kalsi, Graduate
International Professional Programs