GDI is a Saskatchewan-based educational, employment and cultural institute serving Métis across the province
May 27, 2019
Posted in: Scholarship, Success Story, Training and Employment
We recently caught up with Travis Sjogren for a chat about his experience since he first visited the Gabriel Dumont Institute. Travis is a Métis man. He graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan in 2018.
Travis works as a Financial Advisor at a large financial institution in Saskatoon. “The work experience and knowledge I have gained from my employment has been extremely beneficial toward my personal and professional growth,” he says, adding “I am very passionate about providing customers with advice and solutions to help them become better off financially.”
While currently enjoying his job, Travis discussed his future career goals noting, “I aim to continue increasing my knowledge in the banking industry as the sector is constantly changing.” He asserts, “With the knowledge gained, I hope to move though different roles so I may put this knowledge to use and assure myself that this is the career path I should pursue. My goal is to one day be an executive at one of the major banks.”
Travis first came to Gabriel Dumont Institute during his second year of university studies following advice by his great-aunt that the Institute provides financial assistance to Métis post-secondary students. Travis was assigned an Employment Counsellor at Gabriel Dumont Institute Training & Employment – Randi Ross – who worked closely with him. As he put it, “Randi provided me with guidance in regard to obtaining funding from other sources. Gabriel Dumont Institute pointed me in the right direction and paid for my fourth-year tuition and books.”
Asked about his experience with Gabriel Dumont Institute, Travis stated that “l have nothing but excellent things to say about Gabriel Dumont Institute. I had the opportunity of receiving a couple of scholarships from Gabriel Dumont Institute. Gabriel Dumont Institute also funded the last year of my Business School which made my life a whole lot easier and enabled me to concentrate on my studies.”
Travis was asked if there is anyone in his life who has inspired him to get to where he is today. He paid tribute to his “family and friends,” who “have played an important role in where I am at today. If I had to choose one person it would most certainly be my mother. My mother raised me and taught me everything she knew. She inspired me to better myself through receiving postsecondary education.” Travis asserted that “I am truly blessed to have my mother and to draw all my successes from her unconditional love and support.”
We asked Travis about the secret to his success despite challenges that he faced as a student. His response was as follows: “All my success stems from my family and friends as they have always been there for me through the good and through the bad.” He added, “Throughout my education and career journey, I had the opportunity of meeting someone special who has also been very influential in my success.”
That special person is “my girlfriend Colby Chisholm. I am extremely lucky to have her in my life.” Travis pointed out that “Colby has been very supportive of my choices and always encourage me to keep working hard for what I want in life. Now that I have completed my schooling and I am currently working, she continues to inspire me to be the best person I can be.”
Travis talked about the importance of self-discipline, determination, and resiliency in attaining success in anything one does. “I give credit to myself for my willingness to further my education and having the persistence to attain a Bachelor of Commerce degree which enabled me to get a job I like.”
Towards the end of our conversation, Travis had a word of advice for Indigenous students who may be thinking of post-secondary education after high school. “Please, just do it. You are probably not going to know what you want to do after high school until you give post-secondary a try. This is an opportunity to find out what you really want to do in life, as well as what you don’t like.” Travis stated that, “Overall, it doesn’t hurt to invest time and money into education as you may find that special something you enjoy doing. It may be easier said than done, but in this day and age, information is easier to access and help can be found through several avenues.”
Travis concluded our conversation by thanking “Gabriel Dumont Institute and my Employment Counsellor, Randi Ross, for providing me with the guidance, encouragement, and resources I needed to complete the Bachelor of Commerce program offered through the Edwards School of Business.”
Randi remembers Travis as “an incredibly positive person who is patient, and driven. Travis has a passion for his work and his personal life. He takes pride in his community, and in being there for his family and friends.”
GDI is a Saskatchewan-based educational, employment and cultural institute serving Métis across the province
