"One tip to current students is to focus on deeply mastering one programming language and one software, rather than being spread thin across many tools," advises Aishwarya Hatti, a graduate of the Predictive Analytics Diploma program at PACE in September 2023. "Excelling in one language and software can help land you a good job."
Aishwarya, now working as a Data Analyst at Economic Development Winnipeg, credits PACE's Predictive Analytics program for aiding her professional journey and equipping her with essential skills beyond just data and software.
"The course covered much more than just data or software - it also taught valuable soft skills and how to leverage social media platforms effectively," Aishwarya explains. "It's not just about data analysis or learning programming; it's also about the soft skills that PACE taught us, helping me land a job with a top employer in Winnipeg."
With a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a passion for data analysis, Aishwarya was drawn to PACE's structured curriculum that progressively builds from basics to advanced concepts, adapting to the ever-evolving data landscape.
"The reason I believe you should join PACE is the way the courses are organized, from basics to advanced levels, and how they evolve based on data advancements," Aishwarya notes. "This approach, combined with the diverse student population, truly enriched my learning experience."
Aishwarya's success story showcases how PACE's Predictive Analytics program empowered her with a well-rounded skill set, enabling a seamless transition into her dream career while emphasizing the importance of focused mastery in today's data-driven landscape.
Aishwarya Hatti Data Analyst Economic Development of Winnipeg
“I chose UWinnipeg because a couple of my trusted friends went through the Project Management program at PACE and highly recommended I take the program there,” says Andrew Graham, who earned his Project Management Diploma from UWinnipeg PACE in 2021. Although he already held the Project Management Professional (PMP) designation, he chose PACE to enhance his knowledge and practical skills in project management and business.
Andrew says several aspects of the PACE program set it apart from others.
“The courses were delivered by industry recognized professionals that are active in the field,” says Andrew and added that the inclusion of management studies to earn multiple certifications during the 1-year program was impactful.
“PACE prepared me for the Canadian workforce with applicable and practical tools gained from all courses,” says Andrew. “Understanding cultural dimensions and the technique and strategies one has to use to build targeted resumes and conduct job searching activities were all new to me and played a significant role in helping me navigate the job market with improved public speaking skills and confidence.”
Upon graduation, Andrew found a position as an Asset Management Consultant for an asset management solutions firm, before becoming a Microsoft Evangelist at Bloom Software. His role combines executing business development and account management activities like managing relationships with clients and stakeholders, generating and tracking opportunities, and communicating and promoting Bloom’s Microsoft 365 services.
“The combination of project management and business courses in my program enhanced my skillsets to become more dynamic in taking on a role that incorporates both,” says Andrew.
Prior to studying at UWinnipeg PACE, Andrew held a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from The University of the Commonwealth Caribbean in Jamaica.
Andrew's advice to aspiring PACE program participants is straightforward yet crucial: take the program seriously and embrace it as a transformative journey.
“The Project Management program is not a walk in the park, you will have to take it very seriously,” says Andrew. “You will find yourself doing project management activities throughout the program and in your daily life. In other words, you will learn and apply new knowledge instantly as you progress whether it's scheduling group work (teamwork and collaboration) or meeting deadlines (deliverables).”
Despite completing his entire program online during the pandemic, Andrew says engaging and collaborating with people from all over the world and sharing culture and experiences was the most memorable aspect of this program.
“There was a beautiful sense of kinship and comradery as we supported each other throughout the program,” he says. “Great friendships were formed with over 30 people from over 16 countries within a year. I have never experienced anything like this before.”
Andrew Graham Project Manager Worker Compensation Board of Manitoba
Aran Lawrence took the foundational skills and mentorship he received in the Project Management Diploma Program and used them to found his own company after graduation.
After an accident prevented Lawrence from returning to his position as a locomotive technician, he looked to PACE to find a new career path. Lawrence had previous training in creative arts and business, but he knew he needed supplemental education to achieve his goals. The Project Management Diploma Program provided exactly that.
“The program allowed me to embrace my creative side, while applying structure and updated business concepts that formed a well-rounded skill set to tackle any project,” he said.
Lawrence’s two biggest takeaways from the program were that proper planning is the biggest factor in a project’s success, and that not all risks are negative if you have an understanding of them beforehand. He also benefitted from ongoing mentorship from industry professionals that helped him co-found Bluewater Digital Arts, a creative arts company that builds websites and mobile applications.
Despite his successes, Lawrence isn’t content with slowing down. He plans to continue taking new courses every year, saying that any education has the power to change your life.
“It could be something very small that you learn within a program that can trigger or unlock vast potential.”
Aran Lawrence Territory Manager Standard Motor Products
When Maria arrived in Canada from the Philippines with her family in 2014, she brought with her a strong background in math but no job prospects. When she learned about the University of Winnipeg’s Professional, Applied and Continuing Education (PACE) in an information session, she jumped at the chance to learn how she could sharpen her skills.
She says the full-time Project Management Diploma program featured great instructors, and as soon as she completed the 10-month program in July, she was offered a job right up her alley as a data analyst with Skip the Dishes.
The food delivery network connects restaurants and customers through a fleet of couriers. Maria analyzes different factors to better predict order volume and optimize scheduling — such as during long weekends or big sporting events, when demand for restaurant food rises.
She feels she is now using her skills in a way that is connected to her career goals.
Maria’s advice to prospective students is simple: consider the Project Management Diploma, because it gives people the chance to pursue whatever dream job they envision.
“I chose PACE mainly because the students were success stories themselves,” says Teslim Akindele, Project Manager at Red River College Polytechnic and graduate of the Project Management Diploma in 2018. Teslim says the success of previous graduates influenced his decision to enroll at UWinnipeg PACE. “[The students] had excellent things to say about PACE and also had excellent jobs.”
“PACE gives you a unique learning experience that propels your career,” says Teslim. “I found that activities, assignments, and projects assigned seemed like real-life projects. This made me comfortable in my field and also allowed me to ace my PMP a month after graduation.”
“The intensity and tools provided by instructors were very similar to tools that my current role demands. All the courses had valuable lessons I am able to apply to my current role, from Project Management Fundamentals, and Planning and Estimating to Effective Project Reporting,” he says.
Teslim combines what he learned at PACE with the knowledge and skills from his BSc in Architecture, and Master’s in Environmental Design, both from University of Lagos, in Nigeria.
Teslim has many responsibilities at Winnipeg Housing. From creating and managing budgets and schedules for construction projects to working with proposals for new builds to gain new stakeholders. He also manages post-construction activities like deficiency reviews to ensure work done meets quality standards and scope, as well as helping develop and review designs for residential projects.
Teslim Akindele Project Manager - Capital Projects Red River College Polytechnic
“The students came from various countries, speaking different languages but all of us had one common goal and that was to learn and educate ourselves,” says Nitin Sharma, UWinnipeg PACE Project Management Diploma graduate and Business Analyst at HEB MANITOBA.
“PACE has the programs that best suit the need of the professionals like me who want to have an international education experience that gives an added advantage when entering the Canadian workforce.”
Prior to coming to PACE Nitin completed a Bachelor of Engineering at Maharshi Dayanand University in New Dehli, India.
“The PACE project management program is intense and keeps you on your toes throughout but will greatly help you to gain a solid understanding of the project management concepts,” says Nitin. “The courses, assignments, and projects are designed in such way that will enable you to see the project’s bigger picture, empowers you to confidently take decisions, and promotes ‘outside the box’ thinking.”
“The lesson that I learned is not to take things for granted and to give your best all the time as a success only comes with hard work and discipline,” says Nitin. “The program has helped me in take the project management tools and techniques I learned and use them to carry out my day-to-day activities.”
Ivan had an eclectic employment background in Kyiv, working in everything from IT to government as well as obtaining his Masters with honors in Economics from Dnipropetrovsk National University in 2008.
Originally from Kyiv, Ukraine, Ivan makde the big move to Canada to follow his dreams.
“PACE was enormous in helping fulfill my goals by providing me with a professional education, with a focus on PM skills, networking opportunities and vastly improved his English,” says Ivan, who graduated with a Project Management Diploma in 2017.
Ivan chose PACE based on its global reputation and was not disappointed.
“[PACE] works: I secured a project management position in two months after graduation,” says Ivan, who landed a job in digital project managment. He has since since gone on to certify as a Full-Stack Developer and secure a National Energy Board Code for Canada Fellowship, focussed on making data about important energy projects more accessible for Canadians, so that scientists, landowners, and Indigenous communities can fully participate in the Canadian energy dialogue.
Ivan Duka Software Engineer Canada Energy Regulator
I work with TD Wealth as a Senior Financial Planner where I assist high net worth individuals, families, corporations, and trusts with portfolio management services and help them achieve their goals such as financial freedom, lifestyle and legacy planning.
The structure of the full-time Project Management program helped prepare me for the realities of the Canadian business environment. During our study period, the workload never seemed to end and the assignments were due back-to-back. While this was very stressful at times, it also prepared me for my current workplace.
Coming from Chandigarh, India (a town nearly the size of Winnipeg and extraordinarily beautiful too), there were lots of challenges in the early days of my studies. As a new immigrant, my life in Canada was very different - even the cars were driven on the opposite side of the road. Cultural shock shaped many of my first interactions with my domestic classmates at university.
Time management was essential to my success, which is especially important to an international student striving for the opportunity of Canadian work experience through the internship program. At one point in my studies, I was working two part-time jobs at almost 18 hours per week, in addition to 30 hours of course lectures during the week, and another 30 hours of homework. Nevertheless, I never had a professor complain about a late assignment, a lack of professionalism in the quality of my work, or poor exam results.
Volunteering through the Internship portion of the program was another valuable tool. Considering the fact that the Project Management Program is only 10 months long, there wasn't enough time for an international student to gain Canadian work experience during the program. That is why I felt it was necessary to give myself this competitive edge, by participating in the internship, as I approached my job search stage.
In the words of Shakespeare, "All's well that ends well." By building connections and staying connected to the right people in the industry, I was the first person in my class to land a great job opportunity. What made the difference? I believe that being proactive and assertive in my job search made me look beyond the want ads and network effectively.
In my estimation, the University of Winnipeg is an academic hub that brings together students from around the globe and nurtures them for a better life, while imparting unmatched quality education.
Attending PACE has proved invaluable to my career. PACE has given me the opportunity to give back what I have learnt. The academic mileage that I gained allowed an easy, smooth and rewarding transition to the Canadian workforce market. Besides providing academic excellence the PACE faculty also helped me in getting adjusted to this new country and helped me call it home. The competency and the professionalism of the faculty were nothings less than outstanding. All this gives me an increased sense of self-esteem and a feeling of great accomplishment.
Karma Lama Category Lead - Manitoba Labour, Consumer Protection and Government Services Government of Manitoba
Dhruv Mehta was a project manager with The Royal Bank of Scotland in India before coming to Canada. Even with his previous project management experience, Dhruv found PACE provided him with instrumental training — including the use of industry-related tools like analytical structuring, budgeting, and procuring, which have broad business applications.
“PACE gave me the best possible exposure to the latest project management practices,” shared Dhruv. “I am an experienced project manager, and it still gave me a competitive impetus to do better.”
Dhruv found that being in a diverse class improved his communication skills. “Working with colleagues from different countries helped me learn how to deal with people. This gave me insights and knowledge of cultures I was not exposed to before.”
He also found the program schedule was well-timed to make sure that students gain knowledge of current industrial practices, especially in the Canadian context.
“The fact that PACE had in-depth syllabus coverage of the end-to-end Project Management processes and practices motivated me to short list PACE as the first option to get my certification.”
Dhruv is now a Planner II - Development Planning at the City Of Hamilton.
Dhruv Mehta Planner II - Development Planning City Of Hamilton
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