Studying and working while being far from her family in France and staying focused on her study project despite a global pandemic are just some of the challenges that Ludivine Roche, 28, a vocational training graduate, has successfully overcome. The young accounting clerk tells us about her journey from France to Montreal.
Accounting Ludivine chose accounting after injuring herself while working as a massage therapist. With a baccalauréat in economics and social studies, Ludivine decided to change course and moved to Québec. Ludivine Roche was born in 1992 in Lyon, a French city in the Rhône-Alpes region. She studied massage therapy and worked as a massage therapist until she left for Canada. Suffering from tendonitis, she started to think about other career options. As a result, she took a private course in spa management. "That's where I discovered accounting. It made me want to learn more. This profession corresponded to my initial career path, as I did my baccalauréat in economics and social studies."
The Love of Québec Ludivine Roche chose the Centre de formation professionnelle Léonard-De Vinci with the help of Québec métiers d’avenir. Québec is attracting more and more people from France. The French language, the North American culture and a strong job market are undeniable assets in attracting these French nationals searching for new professional prospects.
The idea of living in Québec developed slowly in the young woman's mind. "I wanted to experience somewhere else, but leaving is not an easy decision. I didn't realize it at the time, I guess because of the recklessness that comes with youth." Ludivine saved her money for two years to finance her project.
During her research, she discovered the support offered by the organization Québec métiers d'avenir. "They are the ones who established communication with my training centre. They facilitated a lot of formalities so that I could come to Canada." In August 2018, she spent a week on holiday in Québec, which allowed her to solidify her project, and then, in June 2019, she settled in for good, on her own, in an apartment in downtown Montreal.
During her studies, she worked part-time while receiving financial support from her parents.
Individualized Training With a duration of twelve months (1,350 hours), the DVS in Accounting is also offered in a personalized learning format. The Centre de formation professionnelle Léonard-De Vinci, where Ludivine enrolled, offers individualized training; the start and end of the course can vary, depending on each student's availability. On the day of her first class, seven other students were starting their training. The majority left after only a few days.
Of this small group, no other students completed the training. But the young woman made friends in other classes with whom she was friendly throughout her studies.
"It allows each person to go at their own pace, and the teacher is always there to answer our questions. Even when we found ourselves in a virtual teaching format because of COVID-19, the teacher was there to guide us."
Ludivine Roche, Accounting Clerk The DVS in Accounting lasts twelve months (1,350 hours), including four weeks of internship, and is also offered in a personalized learning format (or individualized or hybrid). This educational formula allows students to develop their skills independently, with tools such as learning guides and computer applications and programs, while accompanied by a multi-level teacher who is always present in class.
Like most students, Ludivine appreciated the flexibility of this educational approach. "It allows each person to go at their own pace, and the teacher is always there to answer our questions. Even when we found ourselves in a virtual teaching format because of COVID-19, the teacher was there to guide us."
"To be successful, I think you have to stay focused on your goal while taking it one step at a time. Of course, it takes willpower, and I believe that encouragement from our loved ones helps us to persevere."
Ludivine Roche, Accounting Clerk Workplace Practicum During a Pandemic "To be successful, I think you have to stay focused on your goal while taking it one step at a time. Of course, it takes willpower, and I believe that encouragement from our loved ones helps us to persevere." Ludivine Roche, Accounting Clerk Vocational school students, just like CEGEP and university students, were affected by the pandemic. Health regulations, including mandatory remote work in companies, had jeopardized many internships. By the time Ludivine was celebrating her graduation in April 2021 with a virtual toast with her family, she still hadn't found an internship.
On top of this, her mother had just spent five months visiting her home, as the French government had forbidden people to return to France during the pandemic. Her departure coincided with the end of school and accentuated the distance felt by the young woman.
"I didn't have classes anymore. I had lost my part-time job as a salesperson because of the pandemic, and I was faced with nothing. It was an extremely stressful time." Fortunately, this story has a happy ending: her vocational centre found a workplace practicum for her.
Occupation: Accounting Clerk Nowadays, Ludivine is working at La Boîte immobilière, a company specializing in fiscal management of small and medium-sized co-ownerships in greater Montreal. Accounting clerks calculate and prepare documents such as invoices and payrolls. They can work in various sectors, such as accounting firms, law firms, trading companies and cultural enterprises. "Most companies employ them," says Ludivine. "They handle cash (deposits, transfer of funds, etc.) as well as accounts payable and accounts receivable." Ludivine works for La Boîte immobilière, a company specializing in fiscal management of small and medium-sized co-ownerships in greater Montreal.
Her tasks include calculating, preparing and processing accounts payable and accounts receivable. She also handles email correspondence with clients and partners and produces other documents, such as tax statements and direct deposit authorization forms. "Beyond the conventional wisdom, my job is not routine. There is friendly human contact. I enjoy it."
Consult other videos related to the trade and training under the Useful links and videos tab on the Accounting program page.
Advice From a Seasoned Girl Ludivine admits that she wanted to come to Québec on a whim, without rationalizing her desire to surpass herself. Beyond the rigour required for the administrative part (visa, working holiday program, work permit, permanent residence), she advises people to plan their projects well. "It's easy to get discouraged. It's motivating to have a goal and take it step by step. It encourages you to persevere."
Won over by the welcoming Quebecers, the snow and a job that fulfills her, she plans to settle here for good. "I love Montreal; each neighbourhood has its own atmosphere and character. Old Montreal reminds me of Europe, Chinatown makes me travel to Asia...
"I feel more freedom and more secure in Québec. It's a good feeling. I also find my host community very open-minded." She hopes to continue working, evolve in the company that employs her, and plan trips with friends. She dreams of one day going to Yukon with her family to admire the northern lights. She is even learning Québec idioms. "I am proud of myself and what I have accomplished."
What would she say to someone like her who is considering coming to Québec to gain vocational training skills? "Don't hesitate and go for it. You can always turn back if you change your mind. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain."