We had the pleasure of connecting with Ralph Guerra, an Ashton College alumnus who graduated from our Immigration Consultancy Diploma in 2014. He is the CEO of RNG Immigration Consultancy Ltd, currently on the Board of Directors for CAPIC, and a Mentor for the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. Our conversation delved into his experiences regarding the program and about his professional experiences since he graduated.
What inspired you to become an immigration consultant?
I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in political science back in the Philippines. After completing my degree, I pursued law but before taking the bar exam, I trained as an air traffic controller. During that time, I was appointed to be the adjudication board vice chairman, which sparked my interest in legal matters. When I moved to Canada, I initially worked at Home Depot but felt drawn to the legal field. I considered studying law but was advised to pursue immigration law or consultancy due to the shorter route considering my age and background. So, I enrolled in the Immigration Consultancy Diploma at Ashton in 2013-2014.
What made you choose to study at Ashton College?
I heard Ashton is one of the best, if not the best, colleges in the field. They have exceptional staff and lecturers. One lecturer, Francis, was particularly outstanding and inspired us to excel in our careers. He encouraged some of my friends to enrol in the program at the time.
What was your experience like as a student at Ashton College?
Being a student at Ashton College was awesome. The instructors were very pleasant, the school was welcoming, and it was easy to approach instructors if you needed assistance. It was a very pleasant experience for me.
How has your time at Ashton College aided you with your career?
I learned immigration consultancy at Ashton, thanks to Francis and other teachers who shared their experiences. I try to remember every scenario they told us during lectures, which gives me insights into real-world situations. The examples they provided during their lectures closely resembled real-life scenarios, and they gave us tips on managing an immigration practice and resolving issues, even with complicated cases.
Can you explain the experiences and challenges that led to your current success?
Initially, there was no mentoring like there is now, such as with CICC for new immigration consultants. I relied on reading extensively, revisiting old lectures, and consulting books. It was scary at first, as I had no one to rely on but myself. I also tried to talk to Francis and some colleagues to compare notes, but some of the cases I handled were very complicated. However, through comprehensive research and utilizing my previous legal knowledge from the Philippines, I managed to succeed.
Of your various credentials and accomplishments, what would you say you are proudest of and why?
I am most proud of helping refugees in Canada, particularly those who are in dire need of assistance. I provide pro bono assistance to refugees, as it gives me a sense of significance. I define significance as giving value to others, and success is giving value to oneself. Helping refugees, who often have nothing but hope, is the most important aspect of my career. So, this aspect of my work is the most significant to me.
Do you have advice for those interested in pursuing a career as an immigration consultant?
Those who want to be immigration consultants must be honest, diligent, and competent. They must conduct thorough research and not rely solely on websites. Honesty and adherence to ethical standards are crucial, as the lives and futures of clients depend on it. It's important to remember that the money clients spend to come to Canada is hard-earned, and consultants must respect that.
Do you have any final thoughts you'd like to share?
I would like to thank Ashton for allowing me to share my story. Immigration consultancy practice isn't just a career; it brings significant change to the lives of others and adds value to clients. I hope to inspire more immigration consultants to do their best and to do it with integrity.
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