Looking Back - Danica Hidalgo

When I started my academic endeavor at PACE last year, I had zero knowledge about both public relations and marketing. After completing my internship at the end of the program, I was offered a full-time position as the Communications Coordinator at Dooley PR & Marketing.

My education at PACE paved the way to where I am now (coupled with immense hard work and dedication from my end of course!), and for that, I am truly grateful.

How it all started

My PACE journey started in October 2018, back when I was a supervisor at a hotel in downtown Winnipeg. I asked myself then if I wanted to continue with my career in hospitality. I knew there was something missing. That was when I realize what was missing. Creativity. That’s what was missing.

I have always been a creative – I love photography and filmmaking and only ever pursued those as hobbies.

I came across the Marketing Management program at UWinnipeg PACE when my friend Google recommended it to me. I applied for the program right away and got accepted on November 2018. I met with the program manager, Julie Schellenberg, shortly after. She advised me that I also passed the requirements for the public relations (PR) and marketing program, which was another program PACE offers that includes two diplomas in one year. I barely knew anything about marketing, and PR sounded very foreign to me.

After about a month of research and soul searching, I sent Julie an email, “I have applied for the Public Relations, Marketing and Strategic Communication Management Diploma.”

All about the PR, Marketing & Strategic Communications Management program

The whole PACE team are rockstars! From the industry-professional instructors to the support staff, they supported us all throughout and made sure we had everything we need before we face the world ahead. When I started my internship at Dooley PR & Marketing, I was confident with my skills and ready to face the challenges ahead.

My classmates also played an important role in my learning experience. They brought in diverse knowledge from different parts of the world and shared it with the whole class. They made the intense and fast-paced course easier with their support. It’s been a pleasure working alongside them for the past year.

The biggest lesson I learned this year is the importance of connecting with people. May it be with a fellow classmate, an instructor, a support staff, or an industry professional who you connected with during the program, it is always important to show kindness and professionalism no matter who you meet.

So, my advice for anyone who is thinking of taking the PR and marketing program… just do it! It is an incredible program that will teach you all you need to know, from the fundamentals to the most intricate strategies. Don’t forget to be kind!

Photo by Junice Savares, UWPACE Alumna, Web Development Diploma, Class of 2019.