From lieutenant commander to business student

At age 30, Carol Seabra thought she had everything she had strived to achieve in life – a job as a high-ranking official with the Brazilian navy, a nice apartment and enough money to travel and see the world. After a life-altering injury in 2019, she began doing some deep thinking about next steps and realized there was more she wanted to achieve. She had visited Canada in 2018 and she decided that living, studying and working here would be her next move.

She moved to Nanaimo this past May and is taking the Graduate Certificate in Business program at VIU. She also works in the Career Studio, where she says “the intercultural reality at VIU gives me energy to wake up every day to learn something new.”

We caught up with Carol to find out a little bit more about her background, her decision to come to Canada and VIU and her experience here so far.

Can you share a bit about yourself and your background, including where you were at in your life where you decided returning to school would be beneficial?

I grew up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I earned my bachelor's degree in Communication and Journalism in 2008. In 2014, I did my post-graduate in Integrated Communication. I worked at the main TV Channel in Brazil, and in 2015, I was approved to be a military officer in the Brazilian Navy. In 2019, I completed a master’s in Media and Daily Life at Federal Fluminense University. For the last eight years, I worked in the Communication Centre of the Brazilian Navy, where I worked as a reporter and communication manager. 

Why did you want to come to Canada?

­­­At age 30, I was a captain commander. I had money, I had travelled abroad, and I also bought my own apartment in one of the most expensive cities in the world. In 2018, I went to Canada. I spent 30 days studying English and traveling through many cities on the west coast. I returned to Brazil and continued working. In 2019, I had an accident during a camping mission and broke my ankle. After surgery, I spent three months in bed. I could not walk anymore, or run, which I also loved to do.

In 2021, I had a second surgery on my ankle to remove some pins. Once again, I spent 30 days in my bed, thinking about my life, my purpose and goals. I then knew what I should do. In 2023, I told my commander I wanted to move to Canada. I dedicated time to studying and enhancing my English and made the move in May 2024. 

Why did you choose VIU for your studies?

I wanted to live in Canada, but in a place with nature and good weather (not too cold). That’s when I discovered Vancouver Island and came across Vancouver Island University. It felt like a perfect match: A wonderful paradise island with a university where I could build great connections with different people around the world. Since I already have my master’s degree, I chose to study international business to develop my marketing skills and learn about the global job market.

Can you share a highlight of your time at VIU so far?

My first course at VIU was Graduate Preparation, where I made friends from Russia, India, Vietnam, Chile, China and Iran. It gave me the opportunity to experience an intercultural life and understand different behaviour. All my friends were so friendly and helpful. Since I arrived, I’ve never felt alone because when I started feeling homesick, I told them, and they were present.

Working in the Career Studio, is there anything you have learned so far that has surprised you?

I’m so happy and grateful for this job. I’m learning more than how to help people write their resumes and cover letters. I’ve been preparing to listen to people, helping them to find their own professional way, with balance, respect and care.

As a Career Peer, can you share your top piece of advice for students looking for work? 

Some international students arrive feeling vulnerable and not confident about their professional experiences. I tell them that knowing their skills, strengths and weaknesses is a big step in managing their knowledge to improve what needs to be improved and also to develop what is necessary.

What are the main things you hope to achieve this year at VIU?

I’m studying hard to enhance my English skills. After that, I want to learn more about marketing jobs in Canada. I want to use my professional background to help build a better society for all Canadian citizens, and also for all foreigners (like me) who choose Canada as their new home. 

What’s next for you after finishing your VIU program?

I’m currently transitioning in my career. I started as a journalist, then became a communication manager in the Brazilian Navy. Now, I’d like to combine my background with port security, navigation and import/export. In Canada, I hope to work in security roles focused on strategic planning, import and export. The International Business program gives me a broad understanding of the Canadian market and how companies here are working to achieve their goals, overcome challenges and stay profitable.