“I chose UWinnipeg because a couple of my trusted friends went through the Project Management program at PACE and highly recommended I take the program there,” says Andrew Graham, who earned his Project Management Diploma from UWinnipeg PACE in 2021. Although he already held the Project Management Professional (PMP) designation, he chose PACE to enhance his knowledge and practical skills in project management and business.

Andrew says several aspects of the PACE program set it apart from others.

“The courses were delivered by industry recognized professionals that are active in the field,” says Andrew and added that the inclusion of management studies to earn multiple certifications during the 1-year program was impactful.

“PACE prepared me for the Canadian workforce with applicable and practical tools gained from all courses,” says Andrew. “Understanding cultural dimensions and the technique and strategies one has to use to build targeted resumes and conduct job searching activities were all new to me and played a significant role in helping me navigate the job market with improved public speaking skills and confidence.”

Upon graduation, Andrew found a position as an Asset Management Consultant for an asset management solutions firm, before becoming a Microsoft Evangelist at Bloom Software. His role combines executing business development and account management activities like managing relationships with clients and stakeholders, generating and tracking opportunities, and communicating and promoting Bloom’s Microsoft 365 services.

“The combination of project management and business courses in my program enhanced my skillsets to become more dynamic in taking on a role that incorporates both,” says Andrew.

Prior to studying at UWinnipeg PACE, Andrew held a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from The University of the Commonwealth Caribbean in Jamaica.

Andrew's advice to aspiring PACE program participants is straightforward yet crucial: take the program seriously and embrace it as a transformative journey.

“The Project Management program is not a walk in the park, you will have to take it very seriously,” says Andrew. “You will find yourself doing project management activities throughout the program and in your daily life. In other words, you will learn and apply new knowledge instantly as you progress whether it's scheduling group work (teamwork and collaboration) or meeting deadlines (deliverables).”

Despite completing his entire program online during the pandemic, Andrew says engaging and collaborating with people from all over the world and sharing culture and experiences was the most memorable aspect of this program.

“There was a beautiful sense of kinship and comradery as we supported each other throughout the program,” he says. “Great friendships were formed with over 30 people from over 16 countries within a year. I have never experienced anything like this before.”

Andrew Graham
Project Manager
Worker Compensation Board of Manitoba