Advancing Her HR Career Without Putting Life on Hold: Hannah Gagnon's PACE Story

Hannah Gagnon knew what she wanted: a better career in Human Resources. What she was not willing to do was pause her life to get there. 

With a full-time job, financial responsibilities, and a career she had already invested in, Hannah needed a program that could fit around her reality. She found it at PACE. Today, she is a Human Resources Manager at IHT Group, and she got there without ever stepping away from the workforce. 

Flexibility as a Starting Point 

When Hannah was researching programs, flexibility was not just a bonus feature; it was the deciding factor. PACE's part-time HR Management diploma, available entirely online through virtual and self-directed formats, gave her a realistic path forward. 

She could keep showing up to work Monday through Friday, meet her financial obligations, and dedicate her weekends to building the knowledge and credentials her career needed next. 

"Being able to complete the program entirely online made that possible for me." 

Making It Work in Practice 

For Hannah, the key was structure. Knowing that her weekdays belonged to her job and her weekends belonged to her studies meant she never had to choose between the two. The online format removed the pressure of commuting, fixed classroom schedules, and the logistical challenges that often make part-time study feel unsustainable for working professionals. 

The program was convenient without being easy. It asked something of her. She delivered. 

A Career Moved Forward, Not Interrupted 

Hannah's outcome speaks directly to what PACE's part-time model is designed to produce. She did not take a detour to build her career. She built it while staying on the road. 

"PACE allowed me to conveniently still pay my bills and develop myself professionally." 

That combination, career continuity and professional development happening at the same time, is what makes the part-time format more than just a scheduling convenience. For many working professionals, it is the only realistic path to growth. 

Advice for Future Students 

If you are weighing whether a part-time program is worth it while managing a full-time career, Hannah's experience offers a clear answer. The program can fit your life. You do not have to fit your life around the program. 

Find the schedule that works for you, commit to it, and trust that the outcome on the other side is worth the effort. 

Explore the HR Management diploma at PACE and take the next step in your career. Book a meeting with our recruitment coach today: https://bookings.cloud.microsoft/book/UPACERecruitment@webmailuwinnipeg.onmicrosoft.com/?ismsaljsauthenabled=true

Hannah Gagnon

Human Resources Manager,

IHT Group