Lincoln graduated from his one-year full-time Financial Management Diploma (formerly Managerial and Financial Leadership Diploma) program delivered through Professional and Applied Continuing Education (PACE) at The University of Winnipeg in October 2016 — and quickly secured a position as a Financial Analyst with the Loblaws supermarket chain. It helped that during his studies, he was placed at Loblaws for a three-week internship.
“I started in the payroll department and that allowed me to build a network within the company,” says Lincoln. “I am very excited to be working on the financial and accounting side of the business.”
Originally from Sao Paulo, an area known as the financial capital of Brazil, Lincoln has a background in logistics. He wanted to gain international experience, and researched many places before selecting the PACE diploma program. “It was a perfect fit for me. It is very hands-on and up-to-date with current events in the classroom. We were also exposed to visiting professionals from the financial sector and really experienced instructors.”
Lincoln says the best parts of his year of study were the close friendships that formed among classmates and the small class sizes, which allowed for a lot of contact with instructors.
“It was a very open atmosphere, and we got immediate feedback on our work.”
Lincoln Amemiya Financial Systems Analyst Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
“PACE stands out due to its recognition in the industry, quality of the professionals teaching each course, the program structure, content, and tempo,” says Odjus Edah-Dike. Odjus graduated with a Financial Management Diploma from UWinnipeg PACE in 2019 and works as Marketing Rewards Team Analyst for SkipTheDishes.
From preparing annual auditing packages and financial information to maintaining the national tax receipt and donor database, Odjus says the PACE experience provided the necessary knowledge and know-how to navigate the needs of his current role.
Before enrolling in the Financial Management program at PACE, Odjus earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Covenant University in Ota, Nigeria in 2015 and worked at an auditing firm as well as an investment firm for two years.
“The PACE program is quite intense and has a condensed curriculum. The program is designed to ensure maximum value for effort required,” says Odjus. “The most valuable aspect of the PACE diploma is the vast experience provided by peers as well as the keen insights into the technicalities in the world of finance.”
Odjus Edah-Dike Marketing Rewards Team Analyst SkipTheDishes
“I chose PACE because I was looking for a course that could take me to the next level in my career,” says Sandra Alencar, who earned her Human Resource Management Diploma from UWinnipeg PACE in 2021. “I had some experience in human resources and wanted to get the education behind it.”
Prior to studying at PACE, Sandra held a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from the – Federal University of Ceara, in Brazil.
Sandra completed her program with PACE online during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"It took resilience and courage to walk through all that and hold on until the end,” says Sandra. “It was worth it. At the time the world was facing its worst moment, we were together giving each other support to move on and pursue our dream.”
Sandra completed the 4-week internship at the end of program. By the end of her four weeks, she’d landed three job offers. Sandra is a Talent Acquisition Coordinator at Canadian Western Bank, a diversified financial services organization providing specialized services in banking, trust and wealth management.
“My job is to help find top talented candidates to be part of our workforce,” she says. Her job includes full-cycle recruitment from communicating with candidates and reviewing resumes, to checking references and communicating with the hiring manager.
“Even though I had some experience from my home country, PACE gave me the tools to succeed in the Canadian market. As an international student that was very crucial,” she says. “When I was a student, we had a subject named Recruitment and Selection, the instructor was a very experienced recruiter that shared valuable knowledge with us. Even today I am able to apply their lessons in my job.”
“PACE was a life-changing experience for me. It was my steppingstone into the Canadian job market and thanks to the great instructors, amazing material, and all the companionship we developed with our classmates, I was able to make my biggest dream come true: start my career as a recruiter in Canada.”
“I chose PACE because this 12-month diploma program was a perfect fit to advance my technical expertise and marketability in the field of data analytics,” says Mahesh Kumar Batti Venkata Naga, who earned his Predictive Analytics Diploma from UWinnipeg PACE in 2022. “The post-degree diploma program provided me with the perfect opportunity in taking my data science skills to the next level and explore the field of predictive analytics.
Prior to studying at UWinnipeg PACE, Mahesh held an Integrated Honors Dual Degree with a Bachelor of Engineering and Master of Science from Birla Institute of Technology and Science in India.
“The program challenged me to think critically and creatively, and I was able to develop a strong foundation in data science concepts. says Mahesh. “This perfectly crafted 1-year PACE course helped me fill in the gap in my current skill set, and to climb up my career ladder, with a minimal break in pursuing relevant education.”
Mahesh landed a role as an Information Technology Consultant at IntegrationWorx Ltd, a firm that develops custom data integration and data management solutions for cloud-based, on-premise and hybrid environments across a wide range of business problems and industries shortly after finishing his program.
“I was able to apply my new skills and knowledge to my work, and contribute to important projects,” says Mahesh. “As part of my work, I primarily design, develop, integrate, and implement information systems business solutions with a primary focus on data integration, data analytics and data science.”
Mahesh says he was well prepared for this role because PACE instructors discussed the real-world scenarios in data science through out the program.
“I was able to apply my existing knowledge to new domains, and I gained hands-on experience working with cutting-edge tools and technologies,” he says.
“My experience at The University of Winnipeg has been transformative, and I am grateful for the excellent education and support provided by the University of Winnipeg's PACE program and management, which has played a vital role in my career progression,” says Mahesh.
"I had been looking to shift my career from Supply Chain to HR when I came across PACE and the program, and the courses were perfect for me to get the education I needed to make a move in my career," says Alonso Aguayo Topete, who earned his Human Resource Management Diploma from UWinnipeg PACE in 2022.
Alonso says he found the PACE unique because of the industry-connected instructors in his program.
"The instructors are professionals that work in the HR field. All of them brought meaningful and valuable experience I could put into practice in the real world," says Alonso.
Alonso credits PACE with helping him reinvigorate his professional life.
"PACE helped me re-kindle the passion I was losing for my professional life. After PACE, I realized that I'm capable of much more than I gave myself credit for. PACE also served as a platform to find my current employment; without PACE, I would not be where I am today."
Alonso landed a role as a Recruitment Consultant at Pinnacle Staffing Solutions, a recruitment firm with two main areas of focus: staffing & recruiting and executive & professional search, shortly after graduation.
"My job is basically being a matchmaker between aspiring candidates and organizations to make sure they have a solid and rewarding professional relationship," says Alonso, who assists clients in finding the best talent to work in their organization by doing market research, interviewing, and selecting the best-suited talent for the opportunities.
Before studying at UWinnipeg PACE, Alonso earned a Bachelor's Degree in Administration and International Business from Universidad Panamericana in Mexico.
"PACE helped me understand the Canadian working culture," says Alonso. "Canada is such a diverse country, and PACE gave me the tools I needed to be able to thrive in a multicultural environment."
Alonso says the most memorable moment for him was hearing his name and walking to the stage to receive his diploma.
"Best feeling ever!" he says.
Alonso's advice to others taking the Human Resource Management program?
"Be ready to start your journey. This is a work-intensive program that will give you the necessary tools you need to consolidate your previous experience with new learning."
“PACE helped me level up my marketing skills and ensure a smooth transition into the Canadian work culture,” says Shaily Nag, who earned her Marketing Management Diploma from UWinnipeg PACE in 2021. Shaily spent nine years working in various roles in the travel and tourism industry, each with a marketing component, before deciding to pivot a pursue a career fully focused on marketing.
“Marketing is a dynamic and ever-evolving field. Staying up to date with the latest trends and best practices is critical for success. PACE was the right place for me to be in order to connect with like-minded people and exchange knowledge,” says Shaily. Before studying at UWinnipeg PACE, Shaily earned an MBA in 2009 from the University of Liverpool, UK.
“The intense program at PACE helps students earn an additional credential and also opens the doors to a lifetime of professional opportunities. PACE attracts students worldwide, creating a diverse and multicultural learning environment that is valuable in today’s globalized workforce.”
Shaily landed a job in client engagement at the Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba the month after completing the internship component of her program. In her role at the Centre, she is responsible for various tasks that involve providing administrative, communication, and event support to internal and external program stakeholders. Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba (WECM) supports women-owned and partnered businesses province-wide as they launch, scale, and expand their ventures.
“My favourite is creating WECM’s bi-weekly newsletter, which is tailored to serve the needs and interests of Manitoba’s business community,” says Shaily.
“Every day I take pride in applying the knowledge and experience gained from my time at PACE and my years of prior experience to my work. As a result of my PACE experience, I feel confident and capable of completing tasks in my current role and adding value to WECM’s service offerings,” she says.
Shaily was among the students who experienced the sudden pivot to online learning in March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic reached Canada. Shaily reflected on the experience of pivoting to online learning coupled with being away from her husband and the rest of her family during those years.
“Since the shutdown in March 2020, we have all experienced a range of reactions, from pain and struggle to adjustment and triumph. Despite these obstacles, I am proud to say that I persevered and graduated with flying colours,” she says.
“In June 2022, after the travel restrictions were lifted, I finally reunited with my husband in Canada,” says Shaily. “It was an incredibly beautiful moment and one that I will cherish forever. On my Convocation day, it was even more special to have my husband by my side, supporting me as I achieved this important milestone.”
Shaily's advice to others pursuing a program at PACE: “Your patience, persistence, and perseverance are all key to your success.”
Shaily Nag Partner and Client Admin Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba
“I chose PACE because of the opportunity to update my professional knowledge in supply chain, improve my management skills, and the opportunity to get a Post Graduation Work Permit following the program,” says Albani Da Silva, who earned her Supply Chain Management Diploma from UWinnipeg PACE in 2022.
“PACE helped me to enhance my professional knowledge and managerial skills to be able to apply them to find solutions to achieve the best outcomes,” she says, adding that the program also helped her understand the workplace culture in Canada.
After graduating, Albani landed a position on the recruitment team at PACE and has since moved into another role as interim Program Coordinator of our Part Time and Web Development programs. As Program Coordinator, Albani works to ensure PACE continues to offer the best experience in our programs to increase our students’ knowledge and improve their skills to support them in achieving their professional goals.
Albani says the program’s diversity was a significant aspect that left a lasting impression on her. She says being part of a diverse class consisting of individuals from various cultures and backgrounds enriched her learning experience. Collaborating with professional instructors and classmates from different walks of life broadened her horizons and provided unique perspectives.
“My most valuable lesson from PACE was understanding other people’s cultures and respecting them accordingly,” says Albani. “I learned how in Canada we all are welcome no matter where we come from.”
She offers some valuable advice for aspiring students interested in a program at PACE.
“I would also suggest they keep in contact with PACE staff before and after being admitted to the program,” she says and adds that attending events like the webinars offered to prospective AND admitted students are a helpful resource to get valuable information and to be able to clarify any questions.
"My graduation ceremony was my most memorable moment," says Albani. "I was able to share and celebrate all my effort with my family in person, my husband, my twins, and my mother-in-law, and also with my family in Spain who was able to join the ceremony in real-time via the live steam."
Albani Da Silva Program Coordinator PACE, The University of Winnipeg
“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.”
"Graduating from PACE in the Artificial Intelligence Diploma program was the beginning of a rewarding journey," says Yuri H. Galvao. The immersive learning environment and diverse community at PACE provided Yuri with a foundation that extends beyond academic knowledge.
Reflecting on his time at PACE, Yuri remarks, "I had the opportunity to meet amazing people from all around the world. I learned from incredible instructors who are experts in their fields, and I had an exceptional experience in the ever-welcoming city of Winnipeg, Manitoba." This global exposure and expert guidance equipped him with a unique perspective on artificial intelligence and data science, fields that are pivotal to his current roles.
Currently, Yuri is making strides as a Software Engineer at JasperVOCAL, as well as Web Developer at PrintPro Digital while also managing responsibilities as a full stack web developer at a local print shop and a data engineer at a Winnipeg startup. His roles involve harnessing the power of AI to develop solutions that are both innovative and effective.
Yuri's journey is a testament to the practical and impactful education provided at PACE. "Seize this opportunity and get the most from the materials and the instructors that you have or will have here at PACE," he advises current students. This proactive approach has enabled Yuri to apply his learning directly to his professional tasks, showcasing the real-world applicability of the PACE curriculum.
For those contemplating a journey at PACE, Yuri’s story is a beacon of potential, highlighting how the institute not only nurtures technical skills but also fosters connections that are crucial in the professional world.
Yuri H. Galvao Current Designation: Software Engineer, JasperVOCAL Web Developer, PrintPro Digital
“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)
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