“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
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