Durham College students do Oshawa proud at World Microsoft Office championships

A pair of Durham College business students put their software skills to use against the best in the world this month at the Microsoft Office Specialist World Championships in Orlando, Florida.

Ryanna Law (Accounting) and Blake Dawson (Marketing) qualified for the World’s after stellar performances at the Canadian championships in June.

Competitors travelled from across the globe to represent their countries at the Florida event earlier this month. Law put her PowerPoint 2019 skills to the test while Dawson gave it his all in Word 2019. Each student was tasked with completing an exam as well as a project in their respective program. They were graded on the results they produced as well as their speed.

Only the top ten in each category were revealed, and though neither student cracked that threshold, it was still a positive experience.

“I was grateful to be there,” said Dawson, who is already looking forward to next year’s event. “It was definitely fun. The support I received was great.”

For Law, the experience of testing her knowledge and skills against other students from around the world is one she won’t soon forget. “If you have the opportunity to go to this competition, or any other competition, definitely take it,” she said. “Being able to show your skills is so helpful in proving yourself for future career opportunities.”

After the competition, the pair and their fellow competitors were able to enjoy some time as tourists, including a trip to Walt Disney World.

Law, Dawson and the other members of Team Canada competed under the watchful eye of Lysa Amaral, director of Brand and Global Marketing for CCI Learning, which organizes the Canadian MOS events. She was impressed with both DC students, crediting Dawson for his critical thinking, attention to detail and tenacity, while lauding Law for her thoroughness, responsiveness, professionalism and leadership.

“These skills and traits are indicative of what Durham College instills in their students,” she said.