Khrystine Asia Ramirez
I began my career at Sycip, Gorres, Velayo & Company (SGV & Co.), where I gained hands-on experience in SOX compliance and internal audit for multinational clients. Later, as a U.S. Tax Accountant at Citco, I worked with hedge fund clients and saw how precision and collaboration drive meaningful results. Improving reporting accuracy taught me that small changes can create real impact.
I chose Canada for its inclusive, innovation-driven business landscape and the University of Niagara Falls Canada for its Master of Management program, which strengthens my skills in strategy, analytics, and leadership, perfectly aligning with my consulting goals.
Moving to Canada was truly a leap of faith for me. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced has been choosing to live with my grandparents instead of staying closer to my school in the Niagara area. While living with them has given me the comfort and support of family, it also means spending a total of six hours commuting to and from school. To make this manageable, I carefully plan my schedule so I can take all my classes in a single day whenever possible.
Thankfully, I’ve made friends at school who are facing the same challenges, and their companionship makes the commute to school more bearable. This experience has also made me admire my classmates who came to Canada alone, managing everything without family support.
Overall, moving to Canada has taught me resilience and deep gratitude. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but I’ve seen myself grow into a stronger and more independent person.
When I first arrived in Canada, I landed a part-time role as a beauty advisor, which I found through networking and by personally submitting my resume to nearby stores. It wasn’t easy at first, as I had to balance completing my training while only being able to take one shift per week. But I didn’t give up. I kept showing up and eventually secured additional shifts.
Although my role as a beauty advisor is outside my background in accounting and consulting, it has given me valuable insight into the Canadian workforce and customer service culture. I particularly enjoy the consulting aspect of the job and helping clients understand and experience skincare and makeup products. Working in a boutique setting surrounded by luxury brands has been both exciting and rewarding.
In addition to my job, I recently received an offer to volunteer at the Fort York Food Bank. This opportunity excites me because it will allow me to give back to the community and stay grounded in service while continuing to pursue my professional and personal growth.
My advice for other students at UNF is to take initiative, be adaptable, and have respect for other cultures. Know that nothing will be handed to you unless you do your part. Similarly, don’t come to Canada without a clear vision of the professional path you want to pursue. Preparation is key. Know your goals, understand the steps needed to achieve them, and act early. With the right mindset and determination, your dreams in Canada can become a reality. Finally, and above all, have faith and never give up. Challenges are a part of the journey, but with perseverance and a positive attitude, studying and working in Canada can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.
Canada offers rich diversity and high academic standards, but adjusting here involved learning and growing beyond my comfort zone. Through perseverance and being proactive, I’m excited to share that I have also secured a full-time position with one of the Big Four audit firms, which I will be starting after graduation!
I’m deeply grateful for the guidance and encouragement that helped me get here. Especially my professors, who never stopped believing in me. A special thanks to Holly Catalfamo – you are my role model and an inspiration. I also want to thank Kimberly Cleversey from Career Services for helping me craft a strong resume and cover letter, and for supporting me in preparing for my interview. Your patience in answering my questions never went unnoticed. You are the best career advisor.
A heartfelt thank you to my UNF family, an institution that recognized the potential of a student like me and continues to set high standards in innovative, quality education. Thank you for preparing us, your students, for our careers after UNF. I am proud to be a UNF student and excited to carry this spark into my future workplace.
Finally, this achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the prayers, unwavering love, and tangible support of my husband, grandparents, and my family in the Philippines. Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. Sa Diyos ang papuri!
This testimonial was sourced from Edition 5 of Journeys, UNF's digital storybook. This edition explores how students navigate uncertainty, adapt to change, and discover unexpected opportunities that help shape their long-term goals and personal growth.
