Alumni Spotlight – 2013 Montreal Auto Show
“Working at the auto shows is like a CAI reunion…” – Elyse Thorne
The Automotive Business School of Canada provides one of the most exciting learning and coop experiences for our students. Our students come from all over the world, but share one common interest; they are all driven towards the automotive industry. Just like our students, our alumni share the same passion for cars and they are not afraid to make a career out of what they love. During the 2013 Montreal Auto Show, we gave our alumni the spotlight to share their nostalgic thoughts about our school and an idea of the futures you can build with the Automotive Business School of Canada. We will continue the “Alumni Spotlight” across Canada during the 2013 Auto Shows.
Jean-Daniel Bienvenue, 2006 Graduate - Ferrari Quebec
What excites or drives you the most about working in the auto industry?
I like what I do because of my passion for cars, especially like Ferrari. When you combine passion with business, you’ll love what you do and succeed.
What was the main reason you chose to study at CAI/ABSC?
To get an education and background of the car business. My family didn’t have a dealership, so I had to work my way up, you have to start somewhere.
What knowledge/experience did you receive from the program that you think is the most important?
I think it’s important to build a respected network in school and in the industry, and to keep in touch with these people because it’s such a small world.
Anything that you’re passionate about, you’ll make a business out of it and succeed; that’s the philosophy I learned while at CAI.
What advice do you have for current students about preparing for a career in the auto industry?
Forecast yourselves, make the path possible. If you’re determined to succeed, you can do it. Build your resume, every coop is an experience that adds credibility to your name. Work hard because CAI/ABSC is a good diving board for students to dive into the auto industry.
Sébastien Guay, 1999 Graduate - Michelin Canada
What excites or drives you the most about working in the auto industry?
It’s my passion in automobiles since I was young. I knew I wanted to work in the auto industry.
What was the main reason you chose to study at CAI/ABSC?
I was in secondary school when I saw an ad about CAI and because my love for automobiles, the program seemed interesting to me.
What knowledge/experience did you receive from the program that you think is the most important?
The transition from school into the industry. The variety of knowledge, experience and networking opportunities.
What advice do you have for current students about preparing for a career in the auto industry?
Build a good network and keep a positive reputation. Don’t take your studies and coops for granted.
Elyse Thorne, 1999 Graduate - Lincoln
What excites or drives you the most about working in the auto industry?
Passion for the cars, meeting and helping people. Helping them with their new purchases.
What was the main reason you chose to study at CAI/ABSC?
Wanted to learn English and the car business.
What knowledge/experience did you receive from the program that you think is the most important?
The coop was a great hands-on experience; it prepared me for the real world.
What advice do you have for current students about preparing for a career in the auto industry?
Pay attention to all classes and take the courses more seriously because they are really important. The materials you learn in the classes are essential tools for when you are ready to start your career in the auto industry.
Always be professional and keep a good reputation. Don’t burn bridges, it’s a small world!
Simon Brassard, 1999 Graduate - DuPropriAuto: www.dupropriauto.com
What excites or drives you the most about working in the auto industry?
Evolution. The evolution of the auto industry never stops; it’s amazing to see how fast it evolves.
What was the main reason you chose to study at CAI/ABSC?
It was the only place offering studies in the automotive industry. In addition, the school’s reputation is more than excellent.
What knowledge/experience did you receive from the program that you think is the most important?
Basic mechanic, sales, accounting, computer and information technology, and psychology of customers. This is a very great program.
What advice do you have for current students about preparing for a career in the auto industry?
If you have a passion for what you do, you will succeed. If you are thinking about starting your own business, Go Go Go!
Thank you to Jean-Daniel, Sébastien, Elyse, Simon, as well as other alumni that visited our booth at the Montreal Auto Show and the opportunity to share your past experiences at ABSC and advices to our students!
Careers
Enjoy a career in a dynamic industry! Canada is a nation on wheels. The automotive industry is one of the country’s largest employer – and your biggest opportunity. Automotive Business School of Canada alumni work in many sectors of the automotive industry across Canada.
Graduates of the Automotive Business program and the Bachelor of Business Automotive Management program will find career opportunities in various automotive sectors. We are proud to boast an over 90% job placement rate in the automotive industry for the past 28 years! Examples of some employers include, but are not limited to:
Dealership
- Georgian Chevrolet, Buick, GMC
- Pfaff Automotive Group
- Paul Sadlon Motors
- Autopark Superstore
- Policaro Automotive Family
- The Humberview Group
Aftermarket
- Active Green & Ross
- Canadian Tire
- UAP/NAPA
- Tenneco Automotive
- Ideal Supply
- Transbec
Finance & Insurance
- TD Auto Finance
- Mercedes-Benz Canada Financial
- Volvo Financial Services
- BMW Canada Financial
E-Commerce and Remarketing
- E-Bay
- Trader Corporation
- Wheels.ca
- SCI Marketview
- Dealer Socket
Corporate & Manufacturing Head Office
- Porsche Canada
- GM Canada
- Toyota Canada
- BMW Group Canada
- Audi Volkswagen Canada
- Ford Canada
- Honda Canada
- Subaru Canada
- Hyundai Canada
- Kia Canada
Marketing & Event Management
- Integrated Automotive Group
- Desperado Marketing
- Automotive Driving Solutions
- Charisma Marketing
Fleet Management
- ARI
- ADESA
- North Toronto Vehicle Auction
- Manheim Canada
- Ministry of Transportation
- City of Ottawa
Georgian College Alumni Association
Inspiring lifelong connections
More than 60,000 Georgian graduates are members of the Georgian College Alumni Association, which is advised by a dedicated Alumni Association Executive Council.
As a Georgian College student, your Alumni Association membership is a SWEET deal even before you graduate! Follow the Georgian College Alumni Association Facebook page for information on monthly prizes, upcoming events and college news, and check out the alumni website for discounts on services, entertainment, travel and more! Georgian graduates have full access to all of the alumni PERKS!
Call the Alumni Office at (705) 728-1968, ext. 1128 or connect with us on social media for more information.
“Growing up I always knew that I wanted to be in the “car business,” so after high school I enrolled in business administration at a local university. I felt like I was learning nothing about the car business. After my first year at university I heard about CAI and immediately enrolled. I had three of the best years of my life at CAI, both academically and socially. I still apply much of what I learned at CAI in my day-to-day business affairs, and I made friends and contacts for life.”
- Meredith Morris,
President of Sudbury Hyundai and Sudbury Used Cars
President and Chair of the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council
Automotive Business School of Canada alumna
Looking for a job? Check out www.georgiannc.experience.com
Just type the address exactly as you see it above, then follow the instructions provided on the login page to create your account and begin job searching for; part-time, on campus, seasonal, temporary, graduate jobs!
The Automotive Business School of Canada has over 3000 graduates around the world working in the automotive industry in various sectors.
The success of our programs can be contributed towards alumni support. Automotive Business School of Canada alumni hire co-op students and in turn may eventually hire graduates. They can relate to current students and know what amazing opportunities await them in the industry upon graduation! Automotive Business School of Canada alumni are leaders in the auto industry across Canada.
Keep in touch with the Automotive Business School of Canada by completing the alumni contact form. This is vital to our continued communication with our valued alumni.
