A Pathway to IT: Hafsa’s Career Transformation

Sometimes, all it takes is one opportunity to change course and start a new journey. That’s what happened to Hafsa, a graduate of Momentum’s IT Support Specialist (ITSS) Certificate program.

Before joining the ITSS program, Hafsa was working as a cook at a camp. While she was interested in pursuing a career in technology, breaking into Calgary’s tech sector felt like a mountain to climb. The training and work experience she gained through ITSS gave her the skills she needed to enter the industry.

Today, she is working full-time in IT, and she’s continuing to develop her skills by pursuing her Security+ certification.

"Momentum took me from feeling unsure about my future to stepping into a career with confidence,” she said. “It pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible."

A key component of ITSS program is an eight-week paid work practicum where participants apply their classroom learning in a real work environment with local employers. For Hafsa, that placement was with WCD—a Calgary- and Edmonton-based back-office optimization company.

"My internship made me 100 times more confident," she shared. "My manager and colleagues were welcoming and friendly, which made the experience even better."

During her work placement, Hafsa played an essential role in helping WCD transition its employees back to the office. She supported desktop setup, resolved connection issues, and ensured staff had the equipment they needed before returning.

"Thanks to Hafsa’s work, the move back to the office was far less challenging than expected," shared the team at WCD. "She kept the workload manageable and prevented the project from becoming stressful."

Beyond her technical contributions, Hafsa stood out for her professionalism, curiosity, and eagerness to learn.

"Our experience was extremely positive," the WCD team added. "Hafsa integrated well with the team, demonstrated steady growth throughout her internship, and showed genuine interest in our organization and workplace culture."

Her impact was so significant that Hafsa's internship ultimately led to a continued role with WCD, where she is now a full-time member of the team.

Her journey shows the benefits of combining classroom learning with practical experience.

"The Momentum internship is an excellent program that gives students real-world experience," said the WCD team. "The combination of skill-building and placement at an actual work site equips students with what they truly need to succeed."

For employers, hosting interns provides valuable support while creating opportunities to invest in emerging talent. For participants like Hafsa, it can be the bridge between uncertainty and a meaningful career.

WCD describes its experience with Momentum as "a well-run program that creates real value for both participants and host organizations."

The organization would gladly host another participant in the future, citing the mutual benefits of the experience.

Stories like Hafsa’s serve as a reminder that career transitions are possible with the right training and opportunity. Today, thanks to the practical experience she gained and the support she received from the community, Hafsa is well on her way to a promising career in IT.

Find out how you can grow your workforce while nurturing learners like Hafsa by becoming a Momentum Employer Partner.