EDC Relationship Manager Marc-Andre Beaupre Spotlighted
Marc-André Beaupré, a Senior Relationship Manager at Export Development Canada (EDC), earned his elite CITP®|FIBP® designation in September 2024. His career in international trade was not something he initially planned; rather, it was a field he grew into through curiosity and an appreciation for global business.
Before joining EDC, Beaupré worked in the banking sector and frequently collaborated with EDC teams. Those early interactions left a mark. “I collaborated with them on many clients. I was impressed by their knowledge and what they were able to do to help entrepreneurs export or import products or services,” he explains.
He was also drawn to the global mindset the organization embodied. “I always had an interest in other cultures from around the world. So, when the opportunity came to become an employee, I took my chance and applied. Four years later, I’m still as happy as I was on my first day working here.”
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A Career Built on Reinvention
When asked about his favorite career story, Beaupré does not point to a single transaction or deal. Instead, he points to the journey itself. “My career so far is my favorite story,” he reflects.
That journey began far from the world of finance. “When I finished high school, I earned a vocational diploma in machining. I worked for about two years in that industry before realizing that I wanted more.” That realization led him back to school to complete his B.A.A. (Bachelor of Business Administration), marking the beginning of a complete career shift.
“Having no financial background or experience in the banking business, I started from the bottom and worked my way up to becoming a Senior Account Manager in the business sector and now, a Senior Relationship Manager at EDC.”
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It is a path built on determination—one that mirrors the resilience required for international business itself. As a Senior Relationship Manager, Beaupré now works closely with companies seeking to grow beyond Canadian borders. His progression into this role has been shaped by each step of his earlier experience, from frontline banking to complex client portfolio management.
“The path I took to get to where I am today,” he says, is one of his proudest professional accomplishments.
The Role of Continuous Learning
Beaupré credits FITTskills training with strengthening his ability to support clients more effectively. “FITT helped me better understand the reality of an exporter. Helped me have better conversations and provide better counsel for my clients. It enhanced my knowledge of the international trade business.”
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His favorite course focused on international market entry strategies. “Because you learn about other culture and way of doing business to make sure that your strategies will succeed.” The frameworks, models, and case-based learning have become tools he uses on a daily basis for when advising businesses preparing to scale globally.
Encouraged by other certified professionals, Beaupré saw the CITP designation as the natural next step in deepening his expertise.
