Alana Walker Carpenter

Human Resources Management, 1997

I came to Humber because I had heard that the Human Resources Post-Graduate Program was exceptional and I was looking to springboard my career. I had a university degree but I was looking for something practical in my chosen field.

I was not disappointed. I found like-minded students and teachers who mixed industry experience with passion for their subject and a genuine desire to help their students succeed. One could see that this was not just a job for the teachers. Each teacher was fully committed to their role and always available to assist regardless of the request.

I worked hard – we all felt that we did more work in one year than our combined university years – and was highly engaged in my studies. I was the President of my program and participated in numerous collaborative projects. There was a real feeling among my classmates that you got out what you put in.

More than anything, I learned how to be a leader at Humber as well as how to understand and collaborate with others to reach a shared goal. I took those skills into my career and quickly climbed the corporate ladder.

My course at Humber provided the springboard that I was looking for.

But, then I decided that was not what I was looking for after all. In 2004, I founded Intriciti, an organization for business leaders to integrate their faith and business. I have gone to places and done things that I could never have dreamed of. I have truly found my place in our world.

I still use skills that I learned at Humber every day, coaching people through crisis and other difficulties in their personal lives and corporate careers. I simply cannot think of a better springboard than Humber.

Humber taught me that it is possible to change yourself and in turn to change organizations, both for the better. I have lived that lesson in a way I could never have imagined.