Irina Novichkova is making the most of her time in Canada to prepare for a career in business management.
The 20-year-old student from Russia is in B.C. for five weeks as part of an International Rotary program created by the university she attends in Irkutsk, a city with a population of about 600,000 in Siberia.
Dale Collins, owner of in Langford, said she feels fortunate to have Novichkova working with her. B次元官网网址淲e were lucky to get her for a whole three days, considering how busy she is,B次元官网网址 said Collins, a member of the Rotary Club of West Shore for the past seven years. B次元官网网址淪heB次元官网网址檚 got an incredibly busy schedule, working at more than 10 businesses while sheB次元官网网址檚 here.B次元官网网址
Novichkova has just completed her second year at the Siberian American School of Management in the Baikal International Business School at Irkutsk State University. The internship was arranged by Vladimir Donskoy, who has arranged for more than 150 student internships in the Watch and Learn program arranged by the Baikal-Eco Rotary Club as part of a Rotary International initiative.
Novichkova, who is working on a four-year bachelorB次元官网网址檚 degree in strategic and operational management, plans to work for a couple of years before pursuing her masterB次元官网网址檚 degree.
B次元官网网址淚 would like to work for an international corporation where I can use my English skills,B次元官网网址 said Novichkova, who demonstrates a remarkable command of the language. B次元官网网址淚 want to work on my masterB次元官网网址檚 while IB次元官网网址檓 working with the goal of starting my own business.B次元官网网址
Although she has travelled extensively, this marks her first trip to Canada. B次元官网网址淚 love the people and the natural beauty,B次元官网网址 she noted. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 getting hands-on experience and learning more about Canadian business. IB次元官网网址檝e been here two weeks so far, and IB次元官网网址檓 really happy with my decision to come here.B次元官网网址
Collins said the opportunity to spend time with Novichkova has encouraged her to go to Russia. B次元官网网址淯ntil I met Irina, IB次元官网网址檇 never thought about how people in Russia prepare for retirement. IB次元官网网址檇 like to see how business is conducted there,B次元官网网址 she explained.
B次元官网网址淭here are some similarities such as pension funds and government programs, but thereB次元官网网址檚 some striking differences as well. IB次元官网网址檝e learned as much from her as sheB次元官网网址檚 learning here. SheB次元官网网址檚 been a real asset and an absolute pleasure to work with.B次元官网网址
Novichkova said learning about how business finances are handled in Canada is great preparation for the studies she is preparing for this year. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 been impressive spending time with a woman who owns her own business,B次元官网网址 she noted. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 very empowering and has inspired me.B次元官网网址
One of the highlights for her so far was arriving early enough to take part in Canada Day celebrations.
B次元官网网址淚 loved the energy, the music and the celebration,B次元官网网址 she said.