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
Julie has a challenging and exciting career with Manitoba Hydro International Ltd., which provides services and solutions to customers in the energy and telecommunications sectors around the world. As a Business Development Officer, Julie offers project support to a team of utility experts currently working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
She already holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce but aspired to augment that background with a solid foundation in project management fundamentals. Attending the part-time Masters Certificate in Project Management at PACE allows working professionals to take courses during the evenings, on the weekends, and online.
According to Julie, the program provided her practical knowledge and pertinent tools that she plans to use and implement at her current job and in future endeavours. She credits her final PACE instructor, Celine Goodine, with compiling and presenting all the modules from the program in a pragmatic and comprehensible manner.
As a manager at Great-West Life, Jamie Williamson understands how quickly the business world changes. Having completed the Management Certificate at PACE, he’s now in position to stay ahead of the pack.
Williamson came to PACE as a manager of nearly 30 people in a range of service areas, including quality assurance and process development. Although he had prior, on-the-job training in his position, he wanted to gain new perspectives on management from both instructors and fellow students.
Following his graduation in 2014, Williamson returned to his position with more practical tools for problem solving. He also learned some of the secrets to being a great leader. “I learned that while the best leaders make it seem almost effortless — planning, research, and situational judgment are critical to effectively lead a team.” He also returns with the affirmation that trust, respect, and transparency are all essential to great leadership.
Williamson considers his PACE experience to be a worthwhile investment and encourages anyone who may be content in their career to explore more education. “Although returning to school as an adult after a long absence can be intimidating, I found the environment to be very open, supportive and collaborative.”
Jamie Williamson Director, Strategic Projects & Omni Channel Service Optimization Canada Life
“I had been looking to compliment my BSc Comp Sci degree, I found out about PACE’s offerings and decided that evening to enroll,” says Louie Orbeta, a graduate of the Management Certificate program, which he completed in just over a year and a half.
“I chose this program due to the scheduling flexibility, having online offerings, and the school’s downtown location which is a 5 minute walk from my office.”
This flexibility allowed Louie to maintain his busy family and personal life, a full-time job, and training for his first Ironman Triathlon.
Louie was a very active student, embracing the collaborative learning in both the classroom and in the online courses.
“The instructors were more than willing to encourage class discussions and collaboration, one of the many things I was able to bring back to my current role as team lead at work. I enhanced my communication, negotiation, and leadership skills, and see our organization as a holistic entity that is working towards a common goal,” he says.
“I am happy to recommend this program to anyone who is pursuing a career in leadership and management.”
Louie Orbeta Manager, Cybersecurity and IT Infrastructure Winnipeg Airports Authority (WAA)
Jo-Ann Trudeau holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Sociology from The University of Winnipeg. She returned to her alma mater to attend PACE. Trudeau excelled in the program and graduated with the highest GPA in her PACE program year.
“As a UWinnipeg alumna I didn’t give it a second thought,” said Trudeau. She liked that she could take the program part-time and that PACE was conveniently located downtown.
Trudeau enjoyed how PACE allowed her to work collaboratively with students while developing her leadership skills and learning best practices. She found that these skills could be immediately applied to her work at Manitoba Public Insurance where she currently is a Senior Case Manager in the Bodily Injury Division.
“PACE assisted in strengthening my oral and written communication skills,” said Trudeau. “PACE provided an environment to learn and appreciate other ways to learn and how other students analyze problems. There is a relaxed environment to discuss and share.”
Trudeau appreciated the PACE instructors’ willingness to share their knowledge and network and how her fellow students shared similar challenges. This allowed the group to collectively strategize to administer change in their respective work place and fields of work.
Trudeau notes that the instructors are all specialized in their diverse fields of instruction. This provided her with relevant and practical information on trending topics, best practices and what is actually being implemented with other employers.
She also liked the maturity of the students who attend PACE: “We are all working full time, caring for family and juggling career development; we all shared a like- mindedness of wanting to better ourselves for our families and community. I took PACE to further develop my skills set and ameliorate my chances for future career opportunities with MPI.”
Dana Cherski credits Professional, Applied and Continuing Education (PACE) at The University of Winnipeg with helping her make the move from front-of-house to the head office at one of Winnipeg’s most popular restaurant enterprises.
Before pursuing the Human Resource Management Diploma program at PACE, Dana — who also has a BA (Hons) in psychology from The University of Winnipeg — was working full-time as a server at Stella’s Café & Bakery. A chance conversation about PACE with a guest inspired her to enrol.
“I felt that human resource management was a perfect link between psychology and business, and an area in which I could apply what I learned in the restaurant industry and at school into my future career,” she says.
After graduating from PACE in 2016, Dana was promoted to Director of Human Resources within Stella’s — a position that sees her recruiting, training, onboarding, and developing policies for the company’s seven Winnipeg locations. She says the skills she learned at PACE, such as the theory behind human resources in business and the qualities of a good manager, have been extremely relevant in her day-to-day responsibilities.
For Dana, one of the biggest benefits of the Human Resource Management program was the ability to study part-time. “I was able to work almost full-time serving at Stella’s on the main floor of the Buhler Centre, while going to school in the evenings upstairs at PACE. I don’t think I would’ve been able to further my career goals if the program wasn’t offered part-time.”
Dana Cherski Director of Human Resources Stella’s Café & Bakery
As a trainer and facilitator for one of the largest employers in Manitoba, Paul Carrick enrolled in the Human Resource Management Diploma program delivered through Professional, Applied and Continuing Education (PACE) at The University of Winnipeg, to better support his clients. Having worked in the field of therapy and conflict resolution for over 20 years, he decided to pursue a PACE diploma in human resource (HR) management to respond to the growing requirements of HR-related knowledge and legislation in various workplaces.
He also has a master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of Manitoba, and is a therapist and conflict resolution specialist.
Paul has extensive experience designing and delivering presentations and workshops on topics such as conflict resolution, bullying, and respectful workplaces. He aims to deliver practical and engaging seminars to a wide range of participants working in both the private and public sectors.
“I felt it was imperative when intervening and consulting with workplaces, managers and human resources to have depth and breadth in human resource knowledge,” he says.
Both the part- and full-time Human Resource Management Programs offered by PACE align with industry-recognized standards and best professional practice.
Paull adds that being able to complete his PACE diploma part-time gave him the flexibility to upgrade his skills while simultaneously juggling work and home-life.
Paul Carrick Private Therapist, Facilitor, and Human Rights and Conflict Advisor (Paul Carrick Consulting) Therapist and Trainer (Province of Manitoba)
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