In 2007 I graduated with a Public Relations Diploma and Management Certificate (now the Public Relations, Marketing & Strategic Communication Diploma). This program helped to enhance my BA, which I had received previously.
After graduating, I worked in the lifestyles and entertainment industry, doing a variety of promotional work, including event management. My studies helped me to create low-cost events, while increasing the client’s visibility, sales and customer traffic.
After my time in that industry, I switched gears and began my current role as a Marketing and Communications Specialist. Being part of a not-for-profit organization means that I am the communications department. I am responsible for the company’s image, brand and all the supporting efforts needed to reinforce our reputation.
One of the duties required of me is to create a yearly integrated marketing and communications strategic plan to meet the organization’s needs. This plan guides the various communications and marketing techniques and tools that I use throughout the year.
Creating, designing and editing newsletters, promotional materials, and advertisements are some of the tools used to meet the objectives of the marketing and communications plan. This is in addition to media buying, sponsorships and media outreach.
Professional development is very important to me and that is why I have sustained my membership with the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) since I was a PR student. Networking with other professionals and having access to various professional development opportunities led me to not just be a member, but be part of the board.
After graduation, I served as IABC Manitoba’s President. This experience was very rewarding and provided me with opportunities to travel and meet other professionals from around the world. I don’t think I would have been part of this organization if I was not introduced to it while attending the PR program.
There were many benefits to being a part of U of W’s program. It helped to build a foundation of knowledge for me to be able to execute my duties as a communications professional. The projects and assignments that were given to us as students were based on “real job” responsibilities, which helped prepare me to enter the workforce. The classes were delivered by professionals in the field, which enhanced the learning experience. The smaller class size lead to building relationships with classmates that have lasted through the years, often times running into them at industry events and working with them on projects.
Understanding how my initial experience at U of W has positively impacted my career, I decided to continue my studies in the evenings and in 2012 I graduated with a Marketing Management Diploma. I am dedicated to my profession and to continually learning. As in any industry, trends and tools change; this is why I will look to U of W whenever I need to update my education.
Danielle Keenan graduated from PACE’s Public Relations, Marketing & Strategic Communication Diploma program in October of 2015, which she said led to her landing a position that provides her with the ability to combine her love of politics and public relations. Danielle is the Director of Communications, Liberal Research Bureau for the Government of Canada.
Danielle said the PACE program was demanding but highly rewarding. “You’re essentially learning a four-year program in 13 months. Learning to prioritize, work within tight timelines, and consistently deliver quality work are all skills that are needed if you want to succeed in public relations.”
She also said PACE is the perfect choice for someone looking to build on previous education and experience, adding, “The combination of small class sizes and a hands-on approach allows you to apply concepts you’re learning to actual projects.”
Danielle said gaining technical skills in the program has helped her overcome a hesitance to get creative with messaging — such as through photography and graphic design. “I feel confident in my ability to create content, which is necessary in today’s industry.”
Danielle puts those skills to good use in her fast-paced position. Every day is different and there is always a blend of responsibilities. “There are days when I’m helping promote a new government announcement, organizing a community event, or hosting a media scrum,” she said, adding that she also appreciates “the immense privilege of working with people who are committed to making a difference.”
Danielle Keenan Director of Communications, Liberal Research Bureau Government of Canada
Public Relations & Strategic Communication Diploma
Surrounded by ballerinas and the art of dance, Natasha Havrilenko is the Public Relations Coordinator at Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Prior to graduating from the Public Relations, Marketing and Strategic Communication Management Diploma at UWinnipeg PACE, she earned a BA in rhetoric, writing and communications — and felt that a PACE diploma would complement her degree.
“Further education was the next necessary step for my career,” she says. “And being able to return to the working world in 13 months was appealing.”
Natasha recognized that the current job market requires flexibility and broad knowledge in public relations, marketing, and communications. She believes the PACE program was instrumental in providing her a well-rounded education that reflects today’s job market. She enjoyed the program’s fast pace, which prepared her for the real world of deadlines. Beyond the classroom, PACE facilitated events that allowed students to network and gain feedback from industry professionals.
“Being able to take creative liberty with assignments was a huge bonus, as were the friendships I made in the program,” says Natasha.
Natasha Havrilenko Director of Marketing and Communications Health Sciences Centre Foundation
Public Relations & Strategic Communication Diploma
Shawna Fagundes has a Bachelor of Arts from UWinnipeg. Prior to attending PACE, she held a number of work and volunteer positions, including: supporting adults with developmental disabilities, planning programs for at-risk youth, and providing guidance as a career advisor for a local high school.
After working for a few years, Fagundes decided to go back to school. “I had a great undergraduate experience at UWinnipeg, but I felt I needed to add to my ‘skills toolkit’ and I had always thought about a career in communications,” she says.
“Enrolling in the PR and Management program was more targeted to my long-term career goals,” says Shauna. “I originally wanted to focus on a career in event planning, but through the program, I was exposed to the whole world of communications — including possible career paths I didn’t realize existed.”
As a full-time student, Shauna loved that she was able to finish the program within one year, which allowed her to get started on her new career faster.
“The instructors were very hands-on and knowledgeable,” she says. “The coursework and internship helped me prepare for the real world. Since the program, I've used most – if not all – of the skills I learned from each course.”
Shauna is currently working as a Manager Executive Communications for Canada Life and volunteering for the International Association of Business Communicator’s Canada (IABCC) West Region Board.
Shawna Fagundes Manager Executive Communications Canada Life
Public Relations & Strategic Communication Diploma
Senior Manager, Media & Community Relations at CentrePort Canada, Jill Chapman says it was her PACE diploma (2002) that allowed her to pursue her dream career in communications.
“I had received my Bachelor of Arts degree from UWinnipeg, and was still really motivated to continue my education while maintaining my first full-time job after university,” explains Chapman. “I wanted to strengthen my skill set to add to my workplace experience.”
Chapman’s employer was very supportive of her taking time to complete the Public Relations Diploma program. “I felt it was a natural extension of my arts degree. It allowed me to specialize in an area of work that I felt passionate about. It also has helped me tremendously over the last 10 years to move into more senior roles.”
Chapman enjoyed the intimate setting and her diverse classmates who ranged in age, experience and education. “I learned a lot by working with real life case studies and being taught by instructors who are experts in the subject. This made the difference.”
Upon graduating from the University of Winnipeg in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, I knew I was entering the job market with a distinction that many other job-seekers already had and in order to stand out to employers, I had to set myself apart from the rest of the competition.
Communications was always a field I was interested in, so I enrolled in the full-time PACE Public Relations and Marketing Management program and was surprised to learn just how broad the public relations industry in Winnipeg really was. After having successfully completed the program, I obtained a PR internship at the Canadian Wheat Board and it was during my time there that I discovered Canada’s largest and fastest growing industry, agriculture.
Within one year of graduating from PACE, I found myself working as the Communications Manager in Corporate Affairs at Cargill, one of the world’s largest agriculture and food production companies.
The PACE program equipped me with the tools I need to fulfill my day-to-day functions at Cargill, such as: written and oral communications; influencing the media; speech writing; PR fundamentals; organizational behavior and ethics; and corporate social responsibility.
Within my role at Cargill, I am responsible for managing Cargill’s brand and reputation amongst our Canadian stakeholders. On a daily basis I interact with government officials, policy makers, executive directors in the not-for-profit sector, as well as Cargill customers. Thanks to the communication fundamentals that I learned during my PACE studies, I am able to confidently position myself as an expert in my field and continue to grow within my role.
Brigitte Burgoyne Director, Communications & Community Engagement Cambrian Credit Union
Public Relations & Strategic Communication Diploma
The UWinnipeg Project Management Diploma Program was the launching point to my new career in formal Project Management. The practical knowledge gained from acting as Project Manager on team assignments helped me better understand the future career I had chosen. Also, the knowledge gained from the program's instructors who had worked in the field as Project Managers for decades made the experience more relevant. Case studies of actual projects and real-life stories from instructors definitely enriched the learning experience.
I also enjoyed the Internship component of the full-time program, as it provided an opportunity to be mentored by an experienced Project Manager. As part of the internship, I got to experience the fast pace of my new career and it also showed me how my new-found knowledge would apply from an organizational perspective.
I think the Project Management program will help others to better understand the professional nature of project management and how the PMI Knowledge Areas apply to the real world of project management within the private and public sectors. The program will help instill a clear viewpoint of the role of a project manager; a viewpoint that includes taking responsibility for team members and their performance, as well as a project’s success.
Danel Leclaire Senior Information Technology Project Manager Pollard Banknote Limited
Ruth Brant worked with a local credit union for several years after earning an undergraduate degree in Global Political Economy, but she knew she wanted more.
“I wanted a career change and a challenge, so I started thinking about going back to school,” says Ruth. “I had a temporary role in the credit union that was project-related, and I liked it enough to consider pursuing a career in project management.”
After researching what project management programs are available on Manitoba campuses, Ruth picked PACE. Her decision was based on actual recommendations from project management professionals in Winnipeg; PACE was ranked highly for its comprehensive program and its reputation in the industry.
“PACE helped me gain skills I didn’t have before the program,” says Ruth. “The hands-on approach allowed me to take risks in the classroom that weren’t possible in the workplace. Not only did I learn about project management from experienced instructors among a diverse student body, but the courses and workshops in communication, leadership, negotiation, and resume-writing all rounded out the experience.”
After completing the program she became a Project Management Analyst for Investors Group.
“Going back to school was a leap of faith — I didn’t know a lot about project management before the program, but it turned out to be a fantastic fit.”
Ruth Brant Director, Distribution Planning IG Wealth Management
Cecilia Baker says she was following her dream to work in project management when she enrolled in the full time Project Management Diploma at PACE. She is now employed with the Province of Manitoba’s Department of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs, helping to coordinate projects that require consultation with First Nations communities.
“If you have the passion, drive, and the characteristics it takes to be a project manager, this is a great programe,” says Cecilia, who notes that prospective students should be prepared for a challenge that provides them with an in-depth study of risk management, communication, planning and facilitation.
Cecilia came to PACE having accomplished much in her career already, including eight years working at Manitoba Hydro and a secondment to the United Way in 2009 that helped her recognize she had leadership abilities she wanted to put to use.
“So I just took the leap,” she says, explaining that as a single parent she found that a full-time course load made more sense than trying to balance work with part-time studies. “PACE gave me the education and skills to become a project manager, to be able to work in a team environment, and to fine tune my leadership skills.”
Cecilia chose PACE because of its reputation and relationship with UWinnipeg, and says she valued the knowledgeable, informative, and helpful instructors at PACE, as well as the cultural diversity among her classmates.
“I recommend PACE if you want to challenge yourself and gain skills and knowledge which you can apply to your work and life,” says Cecilia. “As a project manager, your ability to build strong working relationships and communicate is key.”
Cecilia Baker Unit Manager National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, University of Manitoba
Online learning at PACE is allowing Tanya Anania to balance her studies with a life on the go. The mother of 4-year-old twins works full-time as an IT professional at The University of Winnipeg, where she also serves on the Association of Employees Supporting Education Service (AESES) Board and the Chair of the AESES Classification Committee. Anania says choosing to complete the the Management Certificate online was a no-brainer; she found herself applying new skills immediately.
“Some of the classes that I have completed have been extremely helpful with communication and delivery in my current role at the University,” says Tanya. “I have gained more knowledge about how to use resources to better the behavior of employees and how to deal with them effectively. PACE has helped me with the understanding of how businesses are run and managed successfully. ”
Tanya says for her busy schedule, studying online was the only option.
“For PACE to offer a part-time program like the one I am taking is outstanding. It gives us mothers a chance to do better for our families without the added stress of tight deadlines and constant studying.”
Tanya says she appreciates being able to study at night after her children are in bed, while regular deadlines within the course encourage effective time management.
“Online is just amazing,” she adds. “You get to prioritize what needs to be done.”
Tanya Anania IT Professional The University of Winnipeg
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