On track to HR success

With a Bachelor of Law from her home country, Nigeria, Keno Eden-Ettah, had set her sights on a career transition after settling in Canada in 2018.

“I was looking for a program that would put me on track to getting my CPHR designation when I found the full time Human Resource Management Diploma at PACE,” said Keno Eden-Ettah, who is part of the graduating class of 2021.

Keno says what she got was far beyond that.

“The intensity, the depth, and the wealth of experience I was exposed to was incredible. Each instructor came with real-life experience that was relatable. My program helped me achieve my goals by arming me with knowledge of Canadian human resource practices.”

Participating in the 4-week internship to wrap up her program not only gave her the chance to ask questions and test the practical applications of what she’d learned in the program in the workplace, but it also led Keno to a full time job.

Thanks to the network she built at her internship site, she was referred to a position at another firm and after two rounds of intense interviews, Keno was offered a position as Executive Recruiter at Harris Leadership Strategies, an executive search firm with over 35 years of experience in the executive recruitment, coaching, and management consulting.

“I got the job even before my internship was over. I am grateful for that experience,” said Keno. “My number one takeaway from my internship experience is that a problem shared with the right people could be a problem solved. Help might be right next to you in the form of advice or a change in your perspective.”

When she’s ready, Keno can also apply to waive National Knowledge Exam to earn her Certified Human Resources Professional (CPHR) designation through CPHR Manitoba, thanks to the accreditation agreement between CPHR Manitoba and UWinnipeg.

“The most memorable part of program were my Fall 2020 Classmates. Despite being virtual, we connected over WhatsApp chats that are memorable for me as they touched every part of our remote learning lives at PACE. They came in different moods depending on how we felt, and I enjoyed the realness, support, laughter, and jokes.”

“My advice to anyone starting a PACE program is please don’t take it lightly. Put in the best you can, grades are important, but character shines out more, especially in group projects.”

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

Photo courtesy of Keno Eden-Ettah