Welcome to Digital Nova Scotia, Maria!

For the first time ever, we are excited to offer an ISANS Professional Practice Placement. Welcome to our new Communications Coordinator, Maria!

Maria is an organized and creative individual with a passion for writing, editing, and social media management. With a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and self-directed “can do” attitude, Maria will be joining DNS for six weeks to assist with content creation and member engagement.

We asked Maria a couple of questions to find out a little more about her, and wanted to share them with you!

Maria, can you tell us a little about yourself?
I graduated from Kazan Federal University in Russia with a major in Journalism. During my student life, I had experience in writing, editing articles and blogs. I have 2+ years of experience in communications and a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. In my roles of journalist and communications specialist, I coordinated daily operations including sending business requests and communicating with experts from different companies. I also maintained company's social media pages such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Telegram.

Why Nova Scotia?
I moved to Nova Scotia 10 months ago via the Federal Skilled Worker Immigration Program. I got a lucky ticket to build my future in Nova Scotia. I really enjoy the Atlantic Ocean, Halifax and another parts of the province, and I'm really looking forward to exploring more.

Ok, we've got to know - why tech? What are you most looking forward to about working in this (we're bias) amazing industry?
I felt in love in the tech industry when I started to work for a technology newspaper: I was writing articles about Information and Communications technologies for a company website. During my ICT-journalism experience, I wrote about providers: mobile internet and connection, GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Networks) standard, Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) etc. In addition, I worked with IT-companies that introduced different technologies such as Artificial intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and The Internet of Things (IoT). I was really interested in the growing Russian tech-industry, and I am excited to dive into Nova Scotia's ICT community.

So you've been with us for about 6 hours now, what's your favourite thing so far?
I had my first-morning meeting with the Digital Nova Scotia staff today. I liked how people organize and arrange future tasks and events in advance..

What’s something you’re passionate about, that a stranger might be surprised by?
I have a passion for candles – I like to purchase candles with different flavors from different places I've traveled. I would like to open my own candle business sometime in future.

If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?
If I could go anywhere in the world for one year it would definitely be Italy. I would enjoy scenic paradise, with super tasty food and local traditions.

Quick hitters!
Spring or fall? Spring
Android or iPhone? Android
Comedy or mystery? Comedy
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Star Wars or Star Trek? Star Trek
Laptop or desktop? Laptop
Breakfast or dinner? Breakfast
Ocean or lake? Ocean

Maria, we are so lucky to have you for six weeks, and can't wait to see where this goes! Welcome to team DNS!

Interested in hosting your own placement? The ISANS Professional Practice Program is a free, low-risk opportunity for employers to assess the skills of a potential employee while helping a newcomer gain Nova Scotian work experience. The program offers companies a unique way to diversify their workforce by hosting an internationally trained professional in the workplace for six weeks.