In the halls of the University of Waterloo, one of Canada’s most prestigious institutions, a Barbadian voice echoes with passion and purpose. Dr Tisha King, an accomplished academic and professional accountant, has been making waves in the field of accounting and ethics for the past two years.
King’s journey began in Barbados, where she laid the foundation for her impressive career. After completing her secondary education at Queen’s College, she pursued a bachelor’s degree in accounting at the University of West Indies (UWI). It was during this time that her passion for teaching first took root.
“Growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher,” she reminisced. “I just didn’t know how it would look.”
Following her graduation from UWI in 2007, King wasted no time in gaining diverse professional experience. She worked in various sectors including banking, insurance, retail, and accounting firms. Simultaneously, she maintained her connection to academia by teaching part-time at UWI.
“Although I would work in different industries, my heart just always led me back to teaching,” she explained. This period also saw her completing a master’s degree in finance from the University of Leicester, further solidifying her expertise in the field.
King’s journey took a significant turn when she and her family decided to relocate to Canada. The move presented its own set of challenges, as is often the case with immigration. One of the primary hurdles was the classic catch-22 situation faced by many newcomers to the country.
“You kind of need to have working experience in Canada to get a start in the job market. It’s hard to get the Canadian experience when you are an immigrant,” she noted.
King found her footing in Canadian academia through teaching positions at Seneca College and Durham College, which she found to be receptive to international faculty.
Two years ago, she joined the faculty at the University of Waterloo, marking a significant milestone in her career. Her role encompasses research, teaching, and service, with a focus on accounting ethics. She earned her PhD from Wilfrid Laurier University.
“I teach a course called connections to business ethics,” she stated. “It ties in what we do in our regular accounting and finance professions with the ethical values that students should have, or should learn and develop to be able to conduct business in an ethical way.”
The move to Canada wasn’t just about King’s career . . . it was a family journey. Her husband and two children – a son and a daughter – have also adapted to their new home. She elaborated on her children’s experience: “My daughter was born here, so her experience is pretty much Canadian.
If anything, Barbados is different for her. My son was around four or five so he adapted quite easily as well.” Her husband was fortunate to find employment in his field quickly, thanks to “a lady he met who works at a place that helps immigrants find jobs”. She described it as “a big blessing”.
Support
King spoke warmly of the reception she has received at the University of Waterloo and Canada at large.
“Overall, I think everyone has tried to be welcoming,” she said. She’s found support through various channels, including the Black Collective group at the university and the Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region.
Drawing from her own experience, King offered valuable advice for others aspiring to teach internationally.
“To thrive in academia at the international level, you probably have to be willing to go beyond your first degree and also be strategic in where you complete your second degree,” she advised. She emphasised the importance of gaining international credentials to enhance one’s prospects.
She added, “You may have to consider getting that second degree outside of Barbados. That’s not to say that the calibre of degrees in Barbados aren’t good, because they are . . . but it’s just building that capital externally outside of Barbados. International universities may be more biased and accepting of you because you have that international degree.”
As King continues to make her mark at the University of Waterloo, she remains devoted to her work.
“I just enjoy teaching students and interacting with students from different locations, different parts of the world,” she said.
Her own experiences as an international academic allows her to empathise with her international students’ trials and tribulations. She added, “I like understanding their challenges of moving there; understanding them trying to get an education and do better for themselves. I like being able to relate to some of the issues they face in a new place.” (DS)
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