For Philippe Ferland, CITP, the path into international trade was organic, unfolding naturally as his curiosity and analytical strengths aligned with a growing opportunity.
After completing his master’s degree, he was approached by the manager of the Business Intelligence team at Invest in Canada, who encouraged him to apply for her newly forming team. He did, and it changed the course of his career.
“I began in a research-focused role where I developed reports related to foreign direct investments and international trade and transitioned to a client-focused role later in my career,” Philippe explains. The shift not only expanded his responsibilities, but deepened his understanding of global investment flows and the human connections behind them.
From research to real-world trade interactions
One of Philippe’s most memorable experiences came when he hosted his first site visit—a week-long tour across Quebec and Ontario with the CEO of an Austrian company. Coordinating the agenda required meticulous planning involving extensive collaboration between two provincial partners.
“It wasn’t until the Saturday before the visit that I completed the agenda and sent it to the company,” he recalls. The CEO jokingly admired how “hard-working public servants must be in Canada for doing work on a Saturday.”
The week that followed was a success on every front. Philippe served not only as a guide to Canadian opportunities but as a cultural bridge between Canada and Austria. When the visit ended, the company identified several ideal factory locations and expressed continued interest in investing. The CEO even gifted Philippe Austrian chocolates and wine, small tokens of gratitude for a job exceptionally well done.
Seeing world leaders in action
Another favourite moment in Phillipe’s career came during the 2023 CERAWeek in Texas, one of the world’s premier energy events, founded by Cambridge Energy Research Associates. There, Philippe unexpectedly found himself sharing the convention floor with a notable guest:
“We saw John Kerry just casually walk by the Canadian booth every morning… it was always a surprise to us—seeing him in person.”
He adds that he was impressed that the Former US secretary of state did not have an extensive security detail and seemed entirely at ease.
Shaping the energy sector with a cornerstone report
While Philippe’s client-facing work keeps him engaged daily, one of his proudest professional achievements comes from his earlier research days as a Business Intelligence Analyst: “I wrote a comprehensive report on the battery supply chain that broke down opportunities to attract investment across every stage of it,” he explains. It was a major undertaking—months of interviews with industry experts and analysis condensed into a single strategic document.
The result? The report received significant praise internally and became a cornerstone of Invest in Canada’s national strategy for the sector. It also gave Philippe a deep expertise in an industry critical to Canada’s future competitiveness, expertise he continues to apply in his work today.
“Getting to write such a useful piece of research to the organization was really rewarding. The knowledge I gained writing it has supported all the work I’ve done in the sector ever since.”
Patience and experience lead to “second-nature” instincts
Reflecting on what he wishes he knew earlier in his career, Philippe emphasizes patience and persistence, stating:
“It takes time to fully develop into a role in this space. International trade is a complex subject with many nuances, and you won’t have all the answers immediately. However, over time, you’ll be exposed to enough scenarios that your ability to handle most situations will become second nature.”
It’s advice that mirrors his own growth—from researcher, to advisor, to a trusted liaison between foreign investors and Canadian opportunity.
How the FITTskills program expanded his global perspective
Philippe’s decision to pursue the FITTskills program helped broaden his horizons beyond niche focuses. He liked how the courses were straightforward and accessible while also offering important information to anyone looking to work in international trade. He also found particular value in the rounded view of trade that the program gave him:
“These courses helped broaden my horizons and see the bigger picture when interacting with my own clients.”
He also felt that his favourite course, International Market Entry Strategies, stood out for its cultural insights. “The component on cultural considerations was really interesting… and pushed me to be more conscious of these matters in my own day-to-day work interacting with clients from different European countries,” he says.
Wanting the CITP from the get-go
For Philippe, applying for the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP®|FIBP®) designation was a natural extension of his learning.
“It was the goal I was aiming for by taking the courses. Being designated as a Certified International Trade Professional shows I have the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this field,” he explains.
“Like being a certified accountant, the designation builds trust from your clients.”
He also felt a deep sense of satisfaction in achieving something new in his career progression.
A path to an established community and new opportunities
Looking ahead, he sees the CITP as an asset for future opportunities—particularly in roles within the foreign service, where the credential is known and respected.
“Seeing that the CITP designation is quite common for those working on the trade side in the foreign service,” he says, adding, “it can open doors for me there should I decide to apply in the future.”
Already a meaningful contributor to Canada’s trade ecosystem, Philippe is well-positioned to deepen his impact in the years ahead. His strong research foundation, analytical approach, and steady dedication set the stage for many more achievements to come.
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