After a career spent in various roles ranging from Brand Manager to Human Resource Assistant in her home of Kingston, Jamaica, Cape Breton University student-turned-employee, Nadarni Headlam, is ready to share her story with the hope of inspiring others to pursue their dreams.
Coming to Canada had been on Nadarni’s bucket list for quite some time, but that desire blossomed into a beautiful opportunity when she decided to step back into the role of a student after a number of years in the workforce. “My favorite part about coming to CBU was the supportive CBRM community that welcomed me as an international student, along with the many supports that exist on campus which made my transition here seamless,” says Nadarni. “What also helped was that the natural surroundings of Cape Breton Island reminded me of my home, Jamaica, which offered some comfort while I navigated life here”.
During her pursuit of a Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Business Analytics, Nadarni spent time forming friendships and exploring everything the CBU campus had to offer. “I cherished learning about my classmates’ cultures and forging new friendships while at CBU,” she begins. “I volunteered with the Students’ Union at the Women’s Centre and joined the executive team of the African Caribbean Society, eventually becoming Vice President, was a part of the Community-Student Research Connections Program (CSRP) and worked on campus as a Peer Mentor.”
Following her journey as a student, Nadarni successfully landed a role on the CBU International Student Advising (ISA) team. “In my final semester, I was selected as a Peer Mentor and after working alongside the ISAs for a few weeks, I was inspired by their drive to go above and beyond to help students everyday,” Nadarni says. “I have always had a passion for helping others; I enjoy helping students successfully navigate their own journey by providing guidance and support as they adapt to the Canadian culture and CBU’s academic environment.”
Nadarni feels that the lessons she learned and skills she gained from her business analytics program are a major asset to the department. From data-driven decision-making to trend analysis and forecasting, her time within CBU courses have given her the tools to enhance the student experience, while contributing to the overall effectiveness of student support services at CBU.
“My goals as an International Student Advisor are to leverage my transferable skills to enhance the student experience and provide excellent customer service,” Nadarni says. “Over time, I will continue to learn from my colleagues and experiences with students so that I may gain insights and knowledge that will help me grow personally and professionally.”
In the future, Nadarni hopes to continue traveling the world and taking steps toward advancing her career. She intends to seek out new challenges and opportunities for growth, while furthering her educational background and diversifying her skill set so she is always ready for the next big opportunity that comes her way.