LSM People

Featured Student: Nikko Quinonez.

Meet Nikko Quinonez. Nikko is one of our Post Degree Diploma, Business Administration students completing his program. Nikko was able to spend some time with us and let us know why he chose Vancouver, Langara, and our Post-Degree Diploma in Business Administration.

Nikko is not just a great student, he has participates in a variety of on-campus activities including emceeing our Student Orientation, volunteering with Volt, and working as well. Nikko has proven that you can do it all at Langara – study, play, and have a job too!

Nikko, tell us about yourself. What brought you to Canada and why did you choose Vancouver?

Thank you for having me, I am Nikko Quinonez, a customer service specialist with over 13 years in the contact center industry, mainly in training for the travel industry. I graduated with a degree in Mass Communication from Liceo de Cagayan University in the Philippines. After a time, I was offered a promotion and relocated to Bogota, Colombia where I participated in establishing the training team for a new location. I found my career choice - training and development.

I came to Canada to pursue a Post-Degree Diploma in Business Administration at Langara College. My goal is to increase my skills and move into corporate management; in particular, the area of training and development. I chose Vancouver because I’ve visited before, love diversity and culture, and have relatives here to support me during my studies. Plus, Langara has a great reputation, so it felt like the right fit.

You already have a degree and experience in a career. Can you tell me about your career in Colombia as a Senior Training Specialist?

I graduated with a degree in Mass Communication from Liceo de Cagayan University in the Philippines. I started my career as a customer service representative in a contact center in the Philippines and, through hard work and dedication, was promoted to a training specialist. Thanks to my performance, I was relocated to Bogota, Colombia, to help establish the training team at a new company site.

In Colombia, I was a Senior Training Specialist at IGT Solutions. At IGT, I helped develop and deliver training for frontline agents in the travel sector.

Overall, working in Colombia was a big step for me. It challenged me in new ways and let me work in a diverse environment while contributing to our training efforts. That experience really fueled my passion for learning and made me want to further my education to advance my career.

You already have a degree in Mass Communication the Philippines, how has your PDD in Business Administration added to your education?

My degree in Mass Communication gave me a solid foundation in communication skills, which has been extremely beneficial throughout my career. However, pursuing a Post-Degree Diploma in Business Administration has really expanded my knowledge and perspective on the business side.

The PDD program introduced me to key business concepts like management, finance, and operational strategies that I didn’t cover in my undergrad. It’s helped me connect my communication background with practical business skills, making me more well-rounded. Plus, the hands-on projects and group work have really sharpened my teamwork and leadership abilities. Overall, the PDD is a game-changer for my career goals in corporate management.

What was your favourite experience here at Langara?

One of my favorite experiences at Langara has been meeting new friends and connecting with amazing people. Being part of the VOLT team has been a blast—helping out with events, especially hosting the new student orientation. Getting to emcee in front of a live audience was both thrilling and nerve-wracking, but it really boosted my confidence in public speaking. I also loved having a platform to talk about how Langara welcomes diverse communities, including the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Plus, the instructors and professors are fantastic—they really bring the material to life. It’s been a great environment for both personal and academic growth, and I’m grateful for all the experiences I've had!

What is your favourite advice to give to a new student coming to Langara?

My favorite piece of advice for new students coming to Langara is to get involved and make connections. Don't be shy about joining clubs, attending events, or volunteering—it's a great way to meet new friends and learn outside the classroom. Also, take advantage of your instructors; they’re super knowledgeable and genuinely want to help you succeed. Finally, remember to manage your time well and find a balance between work, studies, and fun. Enjoy the journey, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support when you need it!

You've done a variety of positions over the years, including management and training positions. How has this experience translated into your PDD education and future work here in Canada?

My background in customer service and training has really shaped my education and future here in Canada. Working in contact centers and the food industry taught me the importance of effective communication, teamwork, and understanding customer needs—skills that are critical in any field. My training roles allowed me to develop my leadership abilities and adapt my teaching style to different audiences, which is valuable in both academic settings and the workplace.

Who do you want to be in 10 years?

In 10 years, I see myself managing a training team in the airline industry, specifically focusing on contact center operations—both internally and with third-party partners. I want to lead a team that not only enhances training programs but also improves overall service quality across the board.

My goal is to create an environment where team members feel empowered to grow and excel while delivering exceptional customer service. I’m excited about the possibility of shaping training initiatives that adapt to the ever-evolving needs of the industry and ensuring that we’re always aligned with the latest best practices.

Nikko is currently completing his program. You can view his LinkedIn profile here.

More students and alumni!

Want to learn more about our students, alumni, faculty, and staff? They are here to tell you their story and experience.

Tatiane Procopio, LSM BBA Marketing Management Alum