Building a Future Through Community and Confidence: Nancy Leung Finding Direction in Newfoundland and Labrador
For international students, the transition from education to employment can be filled with uncertainty. Finding a place in a new labour market takes time, and building professional connections can be an important part of that journey. For Nancy Leung, participating in the Study and Stay NL 2023–2024 cohort helped her navigate that transition while developing connections, professional confidence, and a vision for her future in Newfoundland and Labrador. Today, Nancy is a Strategic Initiatives Coordinator at the Centre for Social Enterprise. Through her current role, she has continued to strengthen her professional network and apply her project management skills within the community sector.
“I have developed stronger networks within my current role. I am able to demonstrate my project management expertise and build my credit within the community sector.”
Finding support through mentorship
For Nancy, mentorship was an important part of her Study and Stay NL experience. Having a mentor provided her with practical guidance as she learned more about the labour market and considered her career options. “Mentorship is really helpful – My mentor helped me understand the labour market and provided advice in selecting offers, negotiating for salary, and more.” This guidance helped Nancy navigate decisions that can be challenging for newcomers entering a new professional environment. Beyond employment itself, mentorship gave her an opportunity to learn from someone with experience and gain a better understanding of the choices involved in building a career.
Navigating the transition together
The journey from student to professional was not without challenges. For Nancy, one of the most significant challenges was the uncertainty and emotional stress that students experienced during the transition. “The most significant challenge is the uncertainty and emotional stress that students went through.” Being part of a community of international students helped make that experience easier to navigate. Rather than going through the process alone, Nancy was able to share the experience with others who were facing similar questions about their careers and futures. “I am super glad to be in the program, going through the process together with other international students.”
The support and encouragement from the Study and Stay NL team also gave Nancy reassurance during uncertain moments. “The study and stay NL team told us, it’s stressful, but it’s okay, and a lot of alumni secured a job when they finish a program. That gave me a sense of comfort.” That sense of community and reassurance became an important part of Nancy’s experience as she worked through the transition from student to professional.
Seeing a future in Newfoundland and Labrador
Study and Stay NL also influenced how Nancy viewed her future in the province. The program helped her see that remaining in Newfoundland and Labrador and developing a career here was a realistic possibility. “I think study and stay NL incepted the idea of staying in the province to thrive is possible. It definitely influenced my decision to stay in the province.” Today, Nancy is contributing to the community sector through her role as Strategic Initiatives Coordinator at the Centre for Social Enterprise. Her professional experience continues to grow as she builds networks, applies her project management expertise, and develops her career in Newfoundland and Labrador. Her journey demonstrates how the transition from student to professional can involve more than finding a first job. It can also involve developing relationships, learning about the labour market, gaining confidence, and discovering possibilities for building a future in the province.
A message to fellow international students
Nancy recognizes that every student’s transition will look different. Some may find their desired opportunity quickly, while others may need more time. “The transition from students to professionals is a process. Some might take shorter time to land a desired job, some might take a longer time. Let time takes its course and be confident about yourself. You are an asset to the province!” For Nancy, Study and Stay NL became part of a journey that connected her with other international students, provided access to mentorship and labour market guidance, and helped shape her decision to continue building her professional life in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Her story is a reminder that career journeys take time, and that international students bring valuable skills, experiences, and perspectives to the communities where they choose to build their futures.