From Student to Senior Software Engineer: How PACE Helped David Tobar Build His Tech Career
When David Tobar enrolled in the Web Application Development program at The University of Winnipeg PACE, he was looking for a program that combined practical skills with strong support for international students. What he found exceeded his expectations. Through hands-on projects and real-world assignments, David learned to work in teams and tackle software challenges that closely mirrored actual industry work. The instructors, who came from diverse professional backgrounds, provided practical knowledge that extended far beyond textbooks.
David’s experience was also shaped by the strong support network that PACE offers international students. He highlights how writing services, career coaching, and guidance from the career services team helped him navigate the Canadian job market and build confidence. In addition to technical training, PACE provided David with valuable career tools, including job search preparation, interview coaching, and resume guidance. Working closely with classmates from different countries also helped him develop strong teamwork and communication skills.
Today, David is a Senior Software Engineer at Techie Talent, where he applies the same real-world coding and teamwork experience he built at PACE. His advice to future students is simple: take the leap. The program, the university, and the career services are all designed to help you succeed both in your studies and your career.
Building Confidence and Career Readiness: Paola Romero’s Project Management Journey at PACE
Paola Romero joined The University of Winnipeg PACE to pursue the Project Management program with a goal of strengthening her professional skills and advancing her career. What she found at PACE was more than an academic experience—it was a journey that built her confidence and prepared her for success in the Canadian workplace.
One of the most impactful aspects of Paola’s experience was learning from industry professionals. Her instructors brought real-world knowledge into every class, helping her understand how to apply theoretical concepts in practical work environments. This approach made learning engaging, relevant, and directly aligned with the expectations of today’s workforce.
Beyond the classroom, Paola benefited from the strong support systems at PACE. Writing tutors helped her refine her communication skills, while career services provided guidance on building a professional resume, crafting an effective elevator pitch, and improving presentation abilities. These resources played a key role in helping her align her experience with Canadian market standards and present herself with confidence.
Paola also valued the diverse and collaborative learning environment at PACE. Working alongside classmates from different countries allowed her to gain new perspectives, strengthen her teamwork skills, and better understand cross-cultural communication—an essential skill in project management. She further expanded her professional network by participating in industry events and engaging with the Project Management Institute, which supported her goal of becoming a certified professional.
Today, Paola works as a Safety & Health Officer with the Government of Manitoba, applying the skills and knowledge she developed at PACE in a meaningful and impactful role. She credits her success to the practical learning, supportive community, and strong professional connections she built during her time at PACE.
Her advice to future students is to take full advantage of every resource available, stay proactive, and build meaningful connections. For Paola, PACE was not just about gaining knowledge—it was about discovering her potential and building a path forward.
Bridging Theory and Practice: Shane’s Journey as a Project Management Student at PACE
Tzu-Lin (Shane) Ho is a graduate of the Project Management program at The University of Winnipeg PACE, and their experience in the program was both practical and transformative. Shane entered the program with curiosity and a strong desire to grow and quickly discovered that PACE’s learning model offered far more than traditional instruction. Learning from instructors with real industry experience allowed Shane to connect academic concepts to real-world situations through practical examples and case studies. This approach provided a deeper understanding of how project management principles are applied in professional settings.
One of the most valuable aspects of Shane’s journey at PACE was the opportunity to collaborate with classmates from around the world. Studying in a multicultural environment helped Shane develop the ability to communicate effectively, manage cross-cultural teams, and build inclusive working relationships, skills that are essential for today’s project management professionals. Beyond technical learning, the program also supported Shane in refining their resume, strengthening interview skills, and building confidence to navigate Canadian workplace culture.
Today, Shane is applying these skills in their role as a Project Coordinator at the Canadian Immigrant Professional Alliance, where they continue to grow professionally. They credit their readiness for the workforce to supportive instructors, a practical learning approach, and meaningful connections formed during their time at PACE. Shane’s advice to future students is to step out of their comfort zone, stay engaged with the community, and take advantage of every opportunity to learn and connect because those experiences can open doors long after graduation.
Bridging Theory and Practice: Shane’s Journey as a Project Management Student at PACE
Tzu-Lin (Shane) Ho is a graduate of the Project Management program at The University of Winnipeg PACE, and their experience in the program was both practical and transformative. Shane entered the program with curiosity and a strong desire to grow and quickly discovered that PACE’s learning model offered far more than traditional instruction. Learning from instructors with real industry experience allowed Shane to connect academic concepts to real-world situations through practical examples and case studies. This approach provided a deeper understanding of how project management principles are applied in professional settings.
One of the most valuable aspects of Shane’s journey at PACE was the opportunity to collaborate with classmates from around the world. Studying in a multicultural environment helped Shane develop the ability to communicate effectively, manage cross-cultural teams, and build inclusive working relationships, skills that are essential for today’s project management professionals. Beyond technical learning, the program also supported Shane in refining their resume, strengthening interview skills, and building confidence to navigate Canadian workplace culture.
Today, Shane is applying these skills in their role as a Project Coordinator at the Canadian Immigrant Professional Alliance, where they continue to grow professionally. They credit their readiness for the workforce to supportive instructors, a practical learning approach, and meaningful connections formed during their time at PACE. Shane’s advice to future students is to step out of their comfort zone, stay engaged with the community, and take advantage of every opportunity to learn and connect because those experiences can open doors long after graduation.
From Student to Specialist: How PACE Helped Suchini Fernando Launch Her IT Career in Canada
When Suchini Fernando arrived at PACE, she brought with her a solid background in IT but knew that transitioning to Canada’s job market would require more than technical knowledge.
That’s why she enrolled in the Project Management Diploma at PACE, and it changed everything.
“PACE offered more than just academics. It gave me the space to collaborate, learn about Canadian workplace culture, and grow beyond the classroom.”
Suchini highlights the role of her instructors whom she refers to as coaches as being instrumental in her growth. From resume-building sessions to pitch workshops and presentation coaching, every component prepared her to position her experience for Canadian employers.
“They told us from day one to build our network and that became my top priority. It worked. I landed a job from my first interview before I even finished the program.”
She now works as a Senior Software Quality Assurance Specialist at Pollard Banknote, and credits PACE for helping her make a smooth transition into the workforce.
Her advice to future students?
“Think ahead. Set realistic goals. Build your network. And always follow up. That’s how even the impossible becomes possible.”
From Student to Senior Software Engineer: How PACE Helped David Tobar Build His Tech Career
When David Tobar enrolled in the Web Application Development program at The University of Winnipeg PACE, he was looking for a program that combined practical skills with strong support for international students. What he found exceeded his expectations. Through hands-on projects and real-world assignments, David learned to work in teams and tackle software challenges that closely mirrored actual industry work. The instructors, who came from diverse professional backgrounds, provided practical knowledge that extended far beyond textbooks.
David’s experience was also shaped by the strong support network that PACE offers international students. He highlights how writing services, career coaching, and guidance from the career services team helped him navigate the Canadian job market and build confidence. In addition to technical training, PACE provided David with valuable career tools, including job search preparation, interview coaching, and resume guidance. Working closely with classmates from different countries also helped him develop strong teamwork and communication skills.
Today, David is a Senior Software Engineer at Techie Talent, where he applies the same real-world coding and teamwork experience, he built at PACE. His advice to future students is simple: take the leap. The program, the university, and the career services are all designed to help you succeed both in your studies and your career.
“PACE offered me both personal and professional development in ways I never imagined,” says Nadine King, a proud graduate of the Project Management Diploma program in 2020.
Nadine, originally from Jamaica, entered PACE with over a decade of experience in leadership roles, but she knew she needed to deepen her knowledge of project management to further her career in Canada. "The diversity in the classroom made me feel like I was in 16 countries all at once, and that was just the beginning of how amazing the experience was."
The Project Management Diploma program at PACE not only connected Nadine with fellow students from all over the world but also provided real-world insights from instructors who were active professionals in the industry. "What set PACE apart was the practical knowledge the instructors shared. They weren’t just teaching from textbooks—they brought in their own experiences from the field, which helped us relate to real-world situations."
Nadine transitioned from student to professional in no time. Today, she works as a Branch Manager at CIBC, a position she secured soon after graduation. "Although the program only lasted a year, it felt like five years' worth of experience packed into one. The professors were not just teachers; they were coaches, helping guide us through our journey," she says.
What makes Nadine’s story even more inspiring is that she has returned to PACE, now serving as an instructor. “I still feel like part of the PACE family,” Nadine shares. “I would tell anyone considering the program to take that bold step. You won’t regret it. PACE makes you feel like part of an elite professional group.”
“PACE offered me both personal and professional development in ways I never imagined,” says Nadine King, a proud graduate of the Project Management Diploma program in 2020.
Nadine, originally from Jamaica, entered PACE with over a decade of experience in leadership roles, but she knew she needed to deepen her knowledge of project management to further her career in Canada. "The diversity in the classroom made me feel like I was in 16 countries all at once, and that was just the beginning of how amazing the experience was."
The Project Management Diploma program at PACE not only connected Nadine with fellow students from all over the world but also provided real-world insights from instructors who were active professionals in the industry. "What set PACE apart was the practical knowledge the instructors shared. They weren’t just teaching from textbooks—they brought in their own experiences from the field, which helped us relate to real-world situations."
Nadine transitioned from student to professional in no time. Today, she works as a Branch Manager at CIBC, a position she secured soon after graduation. "Although the program only lasted a year, it felt like five years' worth of experience packed into one. The professors were not just teachers; they were coaches, helping guide us through our journey," she says.
What makes Nadine’s story even more inspiring is that she has returned to PACE, now serving as an instructor. “I still feel like part of the PACE family,” Nadine shares. “I would tell anyone considering the program to take that bold step. You won’t regret it. PACE makes you feel like part of an elite professional group.”
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