My most valuable lesson was to be flexible

I chose PACE because of how well thought-out the program outline was. I loved that I would get such a valuable experience in a short time and that there was a track record of students doing well after the course to prove it. The University staff’s transparency and warm communication also made it very easy.

I loved that the program had a mixture of students from different countries and professional backgrounds. Since we had to work together on projects and other group assignments, it forced us to think outside the box and dig into uncomfortable topics or things that we wouldn’t have naturally gravitated to on our own.

My most valuable lesson from the program was to be flexible.

The Project Management program will give you the tools to understand the different stages in the project lifecycle and what important steps need to be taken to inch the project further along.

The internship taught me other ways to move through a project’s lifecycle and how to quickly work with a team to meet a goal. It also taught me that the individual shines through the group. By helping the team to move further along, you solidify yourself in the team’s mind and you help to create a collective win that you all share in.  

The Project Management program is intense. I would recommend anyone interested in this program to be sure that this course will help them get to where they need to be in the future. Know your why, because there will be moments when the work is overwhelming that you will have to rely on your why to continue. Besides that, get to know your classmates. Build friendships and connections. Work well and prioritize your time and mental space.

From a short-term perspective, PACE helped me achieve my goals of building project management skills that would make me ready to work in any environment. The internship helped me cultivate Canadian work experience which has given me valuable insight and somewhat of an edge as I apply for jobs. In the long run, I expect that PACE will have a tremendous amount of returns for the years to come.

You might remember Gabrielle for her Year in the Life Series where she chronicled her 12-month journey in a video diary for PACE.

Gabrielle landed a position as Communications Coordinator at the Manitoba Children's Museum shortly after graduation.

Gabrielle graduated from the Program Management program with the Class of 2021. Gabrielle held a BSc in Psychology from the Regent University in Virginia Beach, USA before continuing her education at PACE.

Photo courtesy of Gabrielle Bailey.