Joshua Boileau earned his elite CITP®|FIBP® designation in September 2025. The Certified International Trade Professional credential represents a significant milestone in the career of the E-Commerce Manager for White Cross Online.
Roots in international trade
Boileau’s interest in global commerce began during his childhood. He watched his family’s dedication to their work, which he saw as a natural extension of his upbringing.
“I grew up in a household of blue-collar workers who instilled a sense of work excellence and dedication that inspired me to work in a career that amplified those skills,” Boileau said. He connected the discipline of trade to the values of his family.
Global experience at Shopify
Boileau gained experience working at Shopify. He managed product management and marketing for international markets.
He noted the scale of these operations, especially when live orders arrived from countries he had never visited.
“There was something deeply rewarding about knowing that a product team in Ottawa could be making an impact so far from home,” he said.
The 2022 invasion of Ukraine changed his perspective. Shopify waived platform fees for Ukrainian merchants, and Boileau helped them set up online stores. He observed the resilience of these businesses.
“It was inspiring to see fashion, food, health and wellness, and retail shops pop up. A resilience through war and the pandemic,” he said.
Handling regulatory shifts
Boileau now works for White Cross Online, where he manages e-commerce operations. He focuses on handling changing trade environments.
Reacting to tariffs is one of the most difficult parts of his job. He feels the weight of these changes more intensely than someone working in a large corporation.
“Interacting with new international regulatory bodies, creating international market entry analyses, and creating international marketing plans has been stressful but rewarding,” he said.
He advises those entering the field to build a foundation before expanding.
“You need to learn how to crawl before you can run,” Boileau said. This approach emphasizes patience and commitment.
Building intercultural skills
Boileau completed the FITTskills program through Algonquin College. He appreciated the instructors’ deep experience and cultural awareness.
His favorite course, International Sales & Marketing, influenced his career path. He pursued a co-op placement in South Africa after a professor inspired him.
That experience exposed him to culture shock and global marketing trends. The lessons helped him understand the resilience of international trade.
The value of the CITP
The CITP designation provides credibility in a complex policy environment. Boileau sees this as essential for building trust with partners.
“I want to have a credible voice, backed by a world-recognized professional organization, when dealing with international brands, brokers, reps, and supply chains,” he said.
Looking ahead, Boileau plans to integrate the CITP designation with his work in e-commerce. He aims to expand the international markets for his current employer.