Business graduate represents Mohawk College at showcase event for federal politicians

Blake Rubini, a recent Business Administration graduate, represented Mohawk College on October 3 in Ottawa, sharing his experience in the college’s Global Skills Opportunity (GSO) program with federal employees and MPs from across the country.  

The annual On the Hill advocacy initiative, organized by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CiCan), includes a student showcase reception to demonstrate the innovation and unique opportunities that are available to college students. This year’s focus was on the GSO program. 

In advance of GSO trips, Mohawk International works alongside faculty to ensure the students are adequately prepared to understand the value of a global opportunity as well as are briefed on safety and risk procedures.  Rubini was invited to speak about his experience travelling to Italy with the college in 2022. He and 14 other students visited several cities, attended workshops and lectures and visited eight businesses. Students had an opportunity to interact with CEOs and took a deep dive into innovation, culture, entrepreneurship and operations.

“People don’t often get the chance to speak with business leaders, take workshops with international professors at the top of their field, or learn from an entire countries tourism industry,” Rubini wrote after his trip to Italy. “GSO felt different than a simple trip to another nation. It was an exceptional, open arms approach to educating students and engulfing them in knowledge and culture.”

“Blake was a strong leader on the trip in a variety of situations,” commented Business professor Lisa Graham. “In the classroom and at company visits, Blake was an engaged participant who posed exceptional questions to both professors and company executives.”

Approaching its final year of funding, the GSO program has allowed more than 2,000 students gain experience in new cultural environments, challenges and ways of thinking, helping them gain the skills, confidence and appreciation for diversity they need to succeed in work and life. The GSO is administered jointly by CiCan and Universities Canada with funding from Employment and Social Development Canada.

This month’s On the Hill meetings focused on the importance of continued funding for the GSO program. Supporting that message, Rubini and 39 other college and university students from across Canada shared their experiences and connected with presidents and senior leaders from the colleges and government staff. 

If faculty, staff, and students would like to learn more or get involved in global learning, please reach out to Mohawk International: Sandra Gruosso, Manager, International Partnerships and Programs (
sandra.gruosso@mohawkcollege.ca).