“One of the primary reasons I chose this program was its comprehensive approach, beginning with fundamental concepts and concluding with advanced AI models,” says Gisela Sanchez, who earned her Artificial Intelligence Diploma from UWinnipeg PACE in 2023.

“While I had prior experience in data, analytics, and business, I recognized that I needed to improve my skills and knowledge in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. The program facilitated this growth by leading me through each step of the development process,” she says.

Gisela says the highlight of her experience at PACE was learning from the diverse background of instructors and classmates in the program. She added that connecting the instructors, classmates, and PACE staff team has helped build her professional network in the local community.

“[The program] presents an excellent opportunity to connect with highly skilled professionals in the industry, learn from them, and build a network” says Gisela. “This experience provided me with invaluable insights into the skills and knowledge required to be a valued contributor of the local workforce.”

After completing her program, Gisela landed a role as IT Consultant at Integrationworx Ltd. In her role, Gisela leverages the skills she acquired at PACE in AI and machine learning. She credits her ability to integrate and analyze data, design impactful visuals, and help clients to make informed decisions.

“I enjoyed this one-year, full-time course. It was the perfect time for me to enhance my technical and soft skills, enabling me to make more significant contributions in the local market,” she says.

“The most memorable point of the program for me was midway when I connected the dots between what I had learned previously and the application of AI models,” Gisela says. Before studying at PACE, she held a  Bachelor and Master’s Degree in Business Administration at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina; and an MBA, which finished at Kellogg School of Management, USA.

Gisela leveraged the internship opportunity in her program and completed a 4-week placement with EMILI Canada. EMILI Canada is a firm that works with industry and academia to accelerate the adoption of intelligent technologies in digital agriculture.

“After the AI program, I got a job in the data field” she says. “While my background and prior experience were important, I believe that taking this program greatly enhanced my chances of getting a great job opportunity that would have been challenging to achieve otherwise.”

Gisela’s advice to aspiring PACE students? Embrace the program as an opportunity for academic growth, cultural enrichment, and networking.

“The program is not only an academic pursuit but also an immersion into the Canadian experience. ,” she says. “I gained a better understanding of Canadian culture, developed new skills and knowledge, and, most significantly, built connections with local peers . Additionally, the program gave to me a Canadian credential, which is recognized both in Canada and worldwide.”

“The field of AI is highly valued in Canada and worldwide, and undertaking an AI program can be a great opportunity to start learning from scratch and become a master in this field, says Gisela. “As companies in Manitoba increasingly require AI capabilities, the PACE program is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in this market. As a student, experienced professional, tech lover, and newcomer to Canada, I am immensely grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of this program and complete it with such a valuable professional experience.”

Gisela Sanchez
Senior Feature Engineer
Skip the Dishes

“I chose PACE because it fit my schedule and I could continue to work full time,” says Ian Peters, who earned his Digital & Social Media Marketing Certificate from Winnipeg PACE in 2021.

“I enjoyed the fact that the instructors currently worked in the profession that they were teaching on, which added a lot of validity to the subject matter,” says Ian. “The instructors were a lot of fun to be around and learn from, plus they taught in a way that wasn’t overwhelming.”

Ian is the Marketing Manager at Pinnacle Auto Group Winnipeg, a position he’s been in for the last two years. In his role he oversees inbound and outbound marketing initiatives, manages their websites along with the company’s social media presence, plus does everything from directing and producing video content for their digital channels to being involved in the execution of the company’s photography and graphic design. Prior to studying at PACE, Ian completed the Digital A/V Production Certificate program at RRC Polytech.

Ian says the program helped him fill in some of the gaps in areas where he already had experience, as well as giving him the chance to dive deeper into areas he’d been curious about.

“On top of gaining the extra knowledge in a multitude of areas, it gave me the confidence to really own the things that I touch and see things through from concept to completion,” says Ian.

Ian says his most valuable lesson from PACE was “what gets measured, gets done.”

“I learned this during the Google Analytics segment of the program, but it can be applied to many areas in life - being intentional with everything around you,” he says.

Ian’s advice to others interested in the Digital & Social Media Marketing Certificate at PACE is this: “It’s well worth it, and if you’re like me coming in with some knowledge already, it will only add to that.”

Ian Peters
Founder and Instructor
ICP Marketing (Self-employed) and The University of Winnipeg (Contract Part-time)

“I chose PACE as courses offered perfectly complements industry requirements while prepping students for the challenges ahead,” says Adrian James Menezes, who earned his Project Management Diploma from UWinnipeg PACE in 2017. Adrian had previously earned an Associate Degree in Specialized Business Management from Penn Foster College in Pennsylvania, USA.

Adrian is a Senior Manager in the Project Management Office at Cormer Group Industries Inc. In his work he oversees projects which supply the Aerospace and Defense industries with precision machine products.

“My previous work experience along with the PACE experience created the perfect environment to prepare me for the challenges and opportunities in my workplace,” he says.

Adrian says his experience was set apart by amazing instructors who provided an in-depth perspective with their own experiences, the diversity of his classmates, an affordable program, and the caring staff team who are always willing to listen and assist.

 “Having an outstanding faculty who care and being able to obtain invaluable feedback from students and alumni make PACE programs sought after,” says Adrian who has a few words of advice for new students.

“Prepare to be dedicated, focused, and put all your attention on your program, the results will speak for itself, and provide you the ability to face any challenge that comes along.”

Adrian James Menezes
Founder, President & CEO
AJM Canadian Immigration & Citizenship Services Inc. and IT'S ONLY HONEY INC.

In today's fast-paced digital media landscape, staying ahead of the curve is essential for professionals in the communications industry. Andrea Danelak, a writer and social media enthusiast, discovered the power of UWinnipeg PACE to enhance her skills and propel her career forward. We touched base with Andrea to find out how PACE played a role in her journey.

Before continuing her education with the Digital & Social Media Marketing Certificate at PACE, Andrea had earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from UWinnipeg and the Diploma in Creative Communications from Red River Polytech as part of a joint program. However, recognizing the ever-changing nature of the industry, she sought to expand her knowledge and expertise in digital and social media marketing.

“The communications industry is always evolving, and I wanted to brush up on my digital and social media marketing skills,” says Andrea. “I loved my time at The University of Winnipeg in the mid-2000s, so I researched its program offerings in the industry. Because I was working full-time at the time, PACE offered exactly the type of part-time program I was looking for.”

Andrea says the diverse mix of students with varying levels of experience and backgrounds created a blend of perspectives and experiences, fostering an environment of collaboration and shared learning.

“I loved how PACE brought together people with varying levels of experience and backgrounds. Some had never worked in a marketing role, whereas others (like me!) were going back to school to enhance their existing skill set,” she says.

For those considering a PACE program, Andrea advises making the most of the experience.

“Participate in class discussions, ask questions of the instructors, follow up on resources referenced in class and brainstorm with your fellow students,” she says.

Although it had been over a decade since Andrea last attended school, she says it’s there is not limit limit to invest in one's education and professional growth.

“It’s never too late to go back to school to further your skill set,” she says.  “I was a little nervous since I hadn’t been in school for over a decade, but enrolling in PACE proved to be the best decision for me in terms of my career progression.”

Armed with the skills developed during her program, she felt ready to leave her full-time communications job and start her own venture in April 2022, where she offers a range of writing and social media management services.

“PACE gave me the confidence to branch off on my own and pursue freelancing ’full-time’ with the skill set I acquired—and I am happier than I’ve ever been!” says Andrea.

As a freelance writer and social media manager, Andrea showcases her versatility and passion for marketing. She handles diverse projects, including blog posts, web copy, and annual reports, applying her writing prowess across various mediums. Additionally, she offers social media services, creating engaging content and managing clients' accounts across different industries.

Andrea attributes her smooth transition into freelancing full-time to her PACE experience. The program equipped her with the necessary skills to excel in social media management.

“PACE provided me with the skills I needed to pursue social media as a service offering. Coupled with my existing skill set and knowledge of marketing strategy, I felt prepared to dive in feet-first,” she says.

“Choosing PACE was a wonderful decision for me. I’ve met so many remarkable people—from fellow students to instructors to guest speakers—and learned so much through my journey. One of my former instructors even hired me to work with some of her social media and digital marketing clients!”

Andrea Danelak
Freelance Writer & Social Media Manager
Andrea Danelak Writing Services

“PACE changed my life for the better in so many ways,” says Heather Barry, who earned her Management Certificate from UWinnipeg PACE in December of 2019. She completed the Project Management Fundamentals course as an elective in the Management Certificate program and says that course helped guide her down a new path.

“It was obvious to me immediately that I found my realm,” she says. Heather returned to PACE and earned her Applied Project Management Certificate in 2022. “It’s an amazing program that opens up lots of opportunities.”

“Before PACE, my personal goal was to be a Manager by the time I was 40,” says Heather. “With the knowledge that I have gained from the courses I took at PACE, I have changed my goal to be a great leader and the manager title will come.”

Heather is the Northern Division Coordinator for Matrix Lumber, a locally-owned and operated building supply center in Headingley. The department she works in manages construction projects for Northern communities.

“Both of my certifications have prepared me to manage the operational change in a project management environment,” says Heather. “I understand the needs and goals of the project managers, project coordinators, management, and support staff.   With the project knowledge that I gained at PACE, I can create processes that work for the industry.”

Heather says her advice to others pursuing studies at PACE is that study techniques matter and that they are also translatable to your work life.

“Study in small manageable chunks. For example, if you are going to be sitting in a doctor’s office waiting room, bring a text book with you and learn while you wait. I do this with work tasks now that seem to be too large to handle.”

Heather Barry
Northern Division Coordinator/Project Manager
Matix Lumber

“I chose PACE because it felt like the perfect choice for continuing education,” says Aseem Attrey, who graduated from the Advanced Business Management program at UWinnipeg PACE in 2021.

Aseem’s cohort completed their entire program online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I loved interacting with my classmates and the instructors, I learned a lot from them and made some lifelong friends, despite not getting to be on campus,” he says.

Prior to studying at PACE, Aseem earned a Bachelor of Commerce from Delhi University and a Diploma in International Business Operations from Indira Gandhi National Open University in India.

“Advanced Business Management is one of the best programs to choose. It teaches you so many different aspects of business, from accounting to project management and even adaptive leadership,” says Aseem.

Aseem works in Accounting Services at Trevello, a Canadian leader in travel industry marketing and support services. He says his experience at PACE helped prepare him for the Canadian workplace.

“PACE gave me a head start in the Canadian corporate world and helped me to understand Canadian work culture,” says Aseem. “Additionally, the University is very well recognized among the employers here.”

Aseem says his experience at PACE taught him a lot about teamwork, which has helped him in his workplace.

“I would say that my most valuable lesson was how to work in teams and how to be a good listener and respect your team’s opinion even when you disagree with them. PACE has helped me be a good team player.”

“Taking this program was a great decision and I ended up being successful in my dreams and building so many good relationships,” says Aseem.

Aseem Attrey
Membership and Engagement Specialist
Manitoba Trucking Association