Mario Palma
Certificate in Graphic Design
When Mario Palma moved to Canada from Portugal in 2012, he settled in Calgary to be with his new wife and to start a new life.
He explored the many educational opportunities offered in the city, and chose to enrol in the Certificate in Graphic Design through University of Calgary Continuing Education. After completing his first course, he was confident he had chosen the right field.
"I liked that I was finally exploring my artistic side, and that I was enjoying the courses." he says. "I could see myself improving in my classes and that motivated me even more."
"When I went to school in Portugal, I earned a bachelor's degree in biomedical science, and went on to work in the sciences, but I'd always had an interest in design."
Shortly after arriving in Calgary, Mario found a job in sales with a graphic services company. Since the company also employed designers, he told them about the certificate program he was taking and asked if he could be given a chance at a design job the next time an opening came up. He has since moved into a graphic design position.
"I'm still growing as a designer, but I'm gaining more confidence all the time," he says.
"The Graphic Design program definitely met my needs. I had to start from scratch in this field. The program gave me the basics and then it was up to me to work toward something.
"The instructors were great. Once I had my job, I often had to turn to them for guidance. And still today, I turn to some of them for help."
"I would definitely recommend this program to others," says Mario. "I have only good things to say about it."