Fitting a Certificate Into a Full Career: Braden Van Aert's PACE Story
Braden Van Aert was not looking to step away from his career to build new skills. He was looking for a way to do both at the same time.
As a Program Coordinator at CancerCare Manitoba, Braden needed practical project management skills he could apply directly to his work. PACE's Applied Project Management Certificate gave him exactly that, on a schedule that fit around his full-time role.
Learning That Works Around Your Life
The online format of PACE's Applied Project Management Certificate was the deciding factor for Braden. Studying remotely meant no commute, no fixed classroom schedule, and full control over when he completed his coursework.
"The best part about learning online is I'm able to do the course while I'm working full time. I'm also able to pick and choose when I'm doing my coursework."
That kind of flexibility is not just a convenience. For working professionals, it is often the difference between pursuing further education and putting it off indefinitely.
Skills That Transfer Directly
Braden's experience in the program was grounded in practical application. The certificate gave him tools and frameworks he could bring directly into his work at CancerCare Manitoba, making the learning immediately relevant rather than something to be applied later.
"PACE provided me with the skills and tools I could use to do project management efficiently in my work."
That direct connection between what he studied and what he does on the job is what makes the program worthwhile for professionals already working in coordinator and management roles.
Advice for Future Students
Braden's advice for anyone sitting on the fence is refreshingly straightforward: give it a shot.
Start with one course. See how it fits into your life. The program is designed to be manageable alongside a full-time career, and the only way to know if it works for you is to try.
Explore the Applied Project Management Certificate at PACE and take the next step in your career. Book a meeting with our recruitment coach today: https://bit.ly/PACE-Recruitment-Coach
Bridging Experience and Environment: How PACE Launched Olufemi Dada's Career in Canada
Olufemi Dada did not arrive in Canada as a beginner. He arrived as an experienced project management professional looking for a way to apply what he already knew in a new country, a new climate, and a different professional context.
PACE's Advanced Project Management and Technology program gave him exactly that bridge. Today he works as a Project Manager at JPH Consulting, doing the work he was trained for, in a place he now calls home.
Filling the Gaps That Experience Alone Cannot
Coming into a new country with an existing professional background is not the same as being ready for that country's job market. Olufemi understood this. His years of project management experience were an asset, but they needed a framework that fit the Canadian environment.
PACE's program provided that framework, adding structure and depth to the theoretical knowledge that underpins project management practice at a professional level.
"The PACE program puts details around the theories that govern project management. It helped me fit into the Canadian environment and have the progress I have been able to achieve so far."
That combination of existing experience and new context is what prepared him for the role he holds today.
Putting Learning Into Practice
As a Project Manager at JPH Consulting, Olufemi draws on both what he learned at PACE and the years of experience he brought with him. The two now work together in a way they could not before the program.
"It's been a lot of doing the things that we were taught in class, and of course implementing some of those experiences I've had over the years, but in a different climate, in a new place, and with a different set of people."
That is the practical outcome PACE is designed to produce, not just a credential, but the ability to actually do the work in a new environment.
A Community That Supports You
For newcomers to Canada, the professional transition is only part of the challenge. The social and personal adjustment matters just as much. Olufemi found that PACE addressed both.
"PACE offers an environment that creates a family-like sensation. You want to be in that place where people tell you where to go and what to do."
That sense of belonging, of having a community around you while you navigate something unfamiliar, is something Olufemi points to as one of the defining features of his PACE experience.
Advice for Future Students
Olufemi's message to anyone considering the program is direct: come. Winnipeg is welcoming, PACE is supportive, and the program will give you what you need to move your career forward in Canada.
Explore the Advanced Project Management and Technology program at PACE and take the next step in your career. Book a meeting with our recruitment coach today: https://bit.ly/PACE-Recruitment-Coach
Hands-On Learning, Real Career Results: Nadia Musoni's PACE Story
Nadia Musoni graduated from PACE's Supply Chain Management diploma with more than academic knowledge. She graduated with the practical skills to do the job.
Today, she works as a Supply Chain Analyst at PepsiCo, applying what she learned at PACE directly to her daily responsibilities.
Instructors Who Know the Industry
What set the program apart for Nadia was who was teaching it. Every instructor in PACE's Supply Chain Management diploma works in the industry. That meant the curriculum was never just theoretical. Case studies, assignments, and classroom discussions reflected real challenges supply chain professionals face on the job.
"Our instructors didn't give us only theories. They taught us how to use it and how it's applicable in our daily work."
That distinction matters. Many programs teach concepts. PACE taught Nadia how to apply them.
Skills That Transferred Directly
The practical structure of the program meant Nadia was not just absorbing information. She was building usable skills through homework and case studies designed to mirror real workplace scenarios.
"It really gives you skills. You feel like you master something because they make sure your homework and case studies actually get you something out of it."
That mastery is what carried directly into her current role at PepsiCo, where the analytical and problem-solving skills she built at PACE are part of her daily work.
Advice for Future Students
Nadia's advice for anyone considering the program is direct: apply.
"I would definitely encourage people to apply and get into the program. It will get you out of your comfort zone for sure."
Stepping outside your comfort zone, she says, is where the real growth happens.
Explore the Supply Chain Management diploma at PACE and take the next step in your career. Book a meeting with our recruitment coach today: https://bit.ly/PACE-Recruitment-Coach
From Internship to Full-Time: How PACE Launched Sumaita Khan's Communications Career in Canada
Sumaita Khan knew what she was good at. People, communication, and the kind of work that sits at the intersection of both. What she needed was a program that could take that foundation and turn it into a career in Canada.
She found it at PACE. Today, Sumaita works full-time as an Assistant Communications Coordinator in the Water and Waste Department at the City of Winnipeg, a role she traces directly back to a PACE internship that started while she was still a student.
Choosing the Right Program
Sumaita came to PACE from Bangladesh with a background in marketing and a natural instinct for working with people. The Public Relations and Strategic Communications diploma was a clear fit, not just because of its content, but because of the environment PACE offered.
She was drawn to the multicultural and diverse community at PACE, a place where students from different countries and backgrounds come together in one of Canada's most connected urban campuses. The downtown location added its own energy, with the kind of city life that made even lunch breaks feel like part of the experience.
"PACE is really unique in the sense that it has a great multicultural and diverse platform."
Building More Than Knowledge
The program delivered on its academic promise, but what Sumaita reflects on most is what she built beyond the curriculum. Hands-on experience that gave her practical skills she could speak to in job interviews. Networking opportunities that connected her to professionals and organizations in her field. And confidence, something she names repeatedly as one of the most valuable things she took away from her time at PACE.
"PACE has provided me with hands-on experience, great networking opportunities, but most importantly, it has helped me build my confidence."
That confidence matters in communications. It is the difference between someone who understands the theory and someone who can walk into a room, represent an organization, and do the work.
The Internship That Changed Everything
PACE's industry connections are built into the program by design. For Sumaita, that meant an internship with the City of Winnipeg before she had even graduated. It was a real role, with real responsibilities, inside one of the city's most essential public service departments.
The internship did not end when the program did. The City of Winnipeg offered her a full-time position, and she accepted.
"It was actually PACE that opened the door for me through an internship with the City of Winnipeg. And I get to work full time there now."
That is the clearest possible measure of what a well-connected program can do.
Looking Back and Looking Forward
Sumaita says without hesitation that she would do the program again. And when she thinks about students who are considering it now, her message is straightforward: explore it, commit to it, and stay open to where it can take you.
"I am excited to see future graduates explore this program and discover where the program can take them."
Explore the Public Relations and Strategic Communications diploma at PACE and take the next step in your career. Book a meeting with our recruitment coach today: https://bit.ly/PACE-Recruitment-Coach
Finding Purpose and Building a Career: Nickona Boyd’s Supply Chain Journey at PACE
Nickona Boyd moved to Winnipeg from Jamaica with the goal of building a new future in Canada. While the transition to a new country came with uncertainty, enrolling in the Supply Chain Management program at The University of Winnipeg PACE became a turning point in her journey.
At PACE, Nickona discovered a supportive community that helped her grow both personally and professionally. From the program manager to student services advisors, she received consistent guidance that made her feel welcomed and supported from the very beginning. She describes PACE as more than a learning environment—it was a place where she found purpose and direction.
A key part of Nickona’s experience was learning from industry professionals. Her instructors brought real-world knowledge into the classroom, helping her understand how supply chain concepts are applied in practice. Beyond academics, she also had the opportunity to participate in volunteer initiatives, which allowed her to give back, build confidence, and stay engaged within the PACE community.
Nickona also benefited from a diverse classroom environment, where she collaborated with peers from over a dozen countries. These interactions expanded her perspective and strengthened her ability to work in multicultural teams—an essential skill in today’s global workforce.
Today, Nickona works as a Customs Release Agent at Frontier Supply Chain Solutions, a role she secured through the job search strategies, networking skills, and practical knowledge she gained during her time at PACE. She credits her instructors and peers for shaping her growth and preparing her for the Canadian job market.
Her advice to future students is to stay engaged, ask questions, and actively build connections. For Nickona, success came from making the most of every opportunity—whether in the classroom, through volunteering, or by connecting with others.
From Engineering to Insight: Chioma Onyekpere’s Predictive Analytics Journey at PACE
Chioma Onyekpere came to The University of Winnipeg PACE with a strong background in software engineering and a clear goal—to deepen her expertise in data science and learn how to turn data into meaningful insights. Enrolling in the Predictive Analytics program marked a significant step in her professional evolution.
At PACE, Chioma found a learning environment that emphasized hands-on, practical experience. Through projects, assignments, and presentations, she developed the ability to transform data, build predictive models, and communicate insights effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences. She credits this applied approach for helping her move beyond theory and truly understand how data can drive decision-making in real-world scenarios.
One of the most valuable aspects of Chioma’s experience was the opportunity to engage with the broader tech community through PACE’s connection with Tech Manitoba. By attending weekly networking events and professional development sessions, she gained exposure to current industry trends, strengthened her professional presence, and built meaningful connections. These experiences encouraged her to think more critically about her role in the evolving field of artificial intelligence and data analytics.
Chioma’s growth at PACE extended beyond technical skills. The program helped her build confidence in presenting ideas, collaborating with others, and approaching challenges with a data-driven mindset. Her journey even led her to the TEDx Winnipeg stage, where she speaks about how biased AI is shaping the future—demonstrating her ability to apply both her technical knowledge and her voice as a thought leader.
Today, Chioma reflects on her time at PACE as a transformative experience that expanded her capabilities and perspective. Her advice to future students is to fully engage with every aspect of the program, treat each assignment as an opportunity to learn deeply, and take advantage of networking opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.
Building Future-Ready Skills: Yenchi Wang’s AI Journey at PACE
Yenchi (Louis) Wang came to Canada from Taiwan with a clear goal to gain hands-on experience in the field of Artificial Intelligence and build a future-ready career. Choosing the PACE AI program at The University of Winnipeg was a strategic step toward that goal.
At PACE, Yenchi experienced a learning environment that emphasized practical, industry-relevant skills. He learned directly from instructors who are active professionals in the field, gaining exposure to key areas such as data analysis, Python programming, cloud computing, and machine learning. Through this hands-on approach, he developed the confidence to apply these skills across different industries, not just within AI.
One of the most valuable aspects of Yenchi’s experience was the opportunity to practice and refine his skills in real-world scenarios. Working closely with instructors and peers helped him become comfortable solving complex problems and adapting to industry expectations. This practical foundation prepared him to transition smoothly into the workforce.
After graduating, Yenchi began his career as a Digital Solutions Lead at Freedom Concepts, a company that designs customized bicycles for individuals with unique needs. In his role, he applies the skills he developed at PACE working on data analysis, building workflows, and improving enterprise systems—demonstrating how versatile and transferable AI skills can be.
Yenchi reflects on his time at PACE as a strong starting point for building a career in Canada’s technology sector. His advice to future students is to stay open to learning, actively engage with hands-on opportunities, and use the program as a foundation to explore diverse career paths. For him, PACE was more than an academic experience—it was the beginning of a meaningful professional journey.
From Experience to Opportunity: Bible’s Project Management Journey at PACE
Preechayan (Bible) Prapinwong came to Canada from Thailand with over 14 years of experience in architecture, looking to expand his skills and transition into project management. Choosing the Project Management program at The University of Winnipeg PACE became a key step in that journey.
At PACE, Bible found a learning environment that went beyond theory. He learned directly from industry professionals who brought real-world insights into the classroom. One of the most impactful experiences for him was participating in a field trip to a manufacturing facility, where he observed quality management processes in action. This hands-on exposure helped him connect classroom concepts with real industry practices and deepened his understanding of how projects operate in real settings.
Beyond academics, Bible found strong support through PACE’s academic and career services. As someone new to Canada, these services helped him understand the local job market, make informed career decisions, and plan his next steps with clarity. He also built meaningful connections with instructors, staff, and classmates from around the world, gaining perspectives that strengthened both his professional and personal growth.
Bible actively participated in industry events, including those hosted by the Project Management Institute (PMI), which further prepared him for a future career in project management. He credits these networking opportunities and collaborative experiences for helping him build confidence and expand his professional outlook.
Today, Bible reflects on his time at PACE as a transformative experience that equipped him with both the technical knowledge and practical skills needed for the next stage of his career. His advice to future students is to stay engaged, build strong connections, and make the most of every opportunity. For him, PACE was not just a place to learn, it was a place to grow.
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.”
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.
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