For Evan Buie, CITP, the path into international trade began with a genuine interest in global business and early career experiences that opened doors into the world of cross-border commerce.
“I had always been drawn to international business and took many courses covering the subject for my undergraduate degree,” he says. After graduating, he entered a role as Coordinator of International Relations in Hokkaido, Japan, giving him a first taste of what a career that spanned across continents and cultures would be like.
As it turns out, “taste” would become a thematic word in his career journey, beginning with his next two roles upon returning to Canada, ones that would see him serving two multi-national food and beverage giants.
Those opportunities became the launchpad into his first formal trade role. “This experience helped me secure my first position in international trade, focusing on East Asia and Oceania, with the Government of Alberta’s Export Development Team within the Ministry of Agriculture,” he notes.
Bringing Alberta exporters to the world and the world to Alberta
During his time with the Government of Alberta, Evan had the opportunity to host several delegations from overseas. One of his most memorable experiences came early on:
“One of my first delegations involved a Chinese chef and his social media team in Calgary. We went to cattle ranches and multiple local, hidden gem restaurants. Seeing their excitement when they tasted the local delicacies or seeing the Rocky Mountains for the first time was hugely enjoyable.”
He also recalls the energy of taking Alberta companies abroad: “I also had a chance to lead an Alberta delegation of companies to Japan for a three-city tabletop expo.”
“Seeing the companies in their element, talking with prospective buyers, and making deals is why I do the work I do. Karaoke was a blast too!”
These moments, equal parts cultural exchange and trade development, reinforced his desire to help Canadian businesses grow internationally, while fostering meaningful relationships with exporters overseas.
A major milestone: becoming a Trade Commissioner
“One of my proudest professional accomplishments was being hired by Global Affairs Canada as a Trade Commissioner,” Evan says, describing the achievement as a highlight of his career. In this role, he has taken on leadership of one of Western Canada’s emerging agri-food showcases:
“I’ve had the pleasure of co-leading the Taste of Western Canada, a food and beverage tabletop showcase held during the iconic Calgary Stampede.”
A huge undertaking, the third iteration of the show will bring together 80 Western Canada agri-food and beverage companies and over 75 domestic and international buyers, making it one of the most targeted food and beverage events in all of Western Canada. “Its potential for further growth is enormous,” Evan states.
Discovering that business results don’t happen overnight
Over the years, Evan has developed a deeper appreciation for the persistence and patience required in global commerce. He notes that professionals in trade must have a deep level of dedication to make international transactions and partnerships come together. Reading about it may make it seem simple in theory, but “…it is another to live it.” he states.
“The time commitments that companies put into their international business development efforts can take years before they are rewarded. Overnight successes are not the norm.”
How FITTskills training strengthened his confidence
When Evan enrolled in FITTskills courses, he discovered how helpful comprehensive and structured learning could be. He enjoyed how the program pushed him to focus on the course content for an extended period of time, when otherwise, many topics may have only come up in passing or infrequently on the job. The fact that the topics were broken into digestible chapters made the process easier too.
In fact, the format became a practical tool he continues to rely on.
“I have since gone back to the textbooks for specific content when following up with clients. The courses have also made me feel more confident in my interactions with companies as I am better positioned to advise them on the FITTskills course topics.”
With his FITTskills training complete, Evan feels like a more well-rounded international trade professional, one that can confidently approach clients and international business with advice and solutions.
This confidence would become apparent after taking his favourite course, International Trade Finance: “I found it quite challenging as the content is material that I would have historically referred companies to other service providers for advice on (i.e. EDC), but I learned a lot and can speak more confidently to the content now,” he notes.
Pursuing the reputation of the CITP designation
Evan chose to apply for the Certified International Trade Professional CITP®|FIBP® designation to “highlight my educational achievement, knowledge obtained, and to add a reputable designation to my resume, LinkedIn page, and signature line,” he says. It’s a credential he views as both reputable and meaningful, something worth showcasing across his professional profile.
Earning it was also another proud milestone to add to his career highlights. Understanding how valuable the designation can be going forward, he feels it adds another layer of credibility to his work:
“I’ve been told that if I were to apply to a job in the future, and all things being equal otherwise, the candidate with the CITP designation would get the job.”
A bright future building Canada’s trade relationships with other countries
As he continues to support Canadian businesses entering international markets, Evan’s CITP designation will help reinforce the guidance he provides, grounded not only in experience, but in globally recognized best practices. It will also, if his trend in food and agriculture continues, be filled with flavourful adventures.
LinkedIn: Evan Buie, CITP
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