Cindy Dunbar

Certificate in Internet Fundamentals (2010)
ITIL Foundation Certificate in Service Management (2010)
Certificate in Professional Management specializing in IT Management (In Progress)

"I used to be an executive assistant with a 'flair' for computers," says Cindy Dunbar, who now works as an analyst in the University of Calgary IT Support Centre. "People would ask me for help when they had problems with their computers, so eventually I decided to work with that and began to take courses to expand my knowledge and move forward in that field."

It was that thinking that led Cindy to the Certificate in Internet Fundamentals, a program from which she has since graduated. The knowledge she gained in that program helped her land her current position, and set her on a new career path.

Cindy started working at the University of Calgary over 10 years ago, after moving to Canada from the United States to be with her new husband. She first worked for U of C as a receptionist. Back then, she says, she was "shy and reserved." But today, she's filled with exuberance and has a "new-found confidence" that she credits to her school experience. "I know I wouldn't be the self-assured person I am now if I hadn't taken my courses," she says.

When Cindy discovered Continuing Education at U of C, she began working towards a management certificate. She was in the midst of that program when she discovered the Internet Fundamentals Certificate program. She didn't abandon her management program, just slowed the pace a little. Now she is close to completion of that certificate too, and is contemplating the Minor in Workplace Learning. If she is able to qualify for admittance to a U of C faculty, the minor could give her a year's credit toward an undergraduate degree, and move her closer to her ultimate goal—to work in the field of IT security.

Thanks to the knowledge she's gained through her Continuing Education courses, Cindy has transitioned her career and believes she will be able to move even further. "I think my certificates will help me go forward in IT. I feel I've learned a lot, and can see my studies taking me into management someday."

Cindy says she loves the classroom experience. "You meet people from everywhere, and are always hearing their views and experience. It helps you grow as a person and in your career...you get to know so many different people...it's so amazing." But liking the classroom doesn't mean Cindy dislikes online learning. "My online group was the best group experience I ever had."

"I guess what I like the most is having the choice," she adds.

Cindy also appreciated the quality of instruction she received at U of C. "I liked all of my instructors. I was worried going in to some of my courses, but the teachers were always understanding and trying to help."

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