Ngan Ngo

Certificate in Professional Management with a specialization in Construction Administration (2010)

Ngan Ngo began her career in the construction industry as a file clerk. At the time, she was a young mother with a grade 12 education. Today, she is a project coordinator with a large construction company, and a recent graduate of Continuing Education's Professional Management Certificate with a specialization in Construction Administration.

"I knew right away that I loved the industry," says Ngan.

With a husband and two young daughters—one still an infant at the time—Ngan didn't have the option of pursuing a full-time degree program, so a certificate program that involved evening courses on a part-time basis was the ideal solution. When Ngan discovered the Professional Management Certificate program, she could see the courses covered exactly what she needed. "It was very specific. It was perfect," she says.

For two and a half years, Ngan juggled school with a full-time job and the demands of raising her young family. She knows she couldn't have finished her program without her support network—her husband, her extended family, and her employer. "They made it possible for me to take at least one course each session."

"Graduating from this program has given me a great feeling of pride and accomplishment," says Ngan. She loves that she can feel confident working alongside other industry professionals: "Sometimes I would meet those same people in my classes. I thought it was great that we were taking the same courses."

For Ngan, one of the most positive aspects of her Continuing Education experience was the instructors' recognition and understanding of adult learners. "That's the really great thing about Continuing Education...it is so flexible. The instructors understand you are busy and they are always willing to work with you."

Ngan loved the classroom experience, and has made lasting friendships as a result. "I think the diversity in classes—age and ethnicity—is great. You learn so much from everyone's experiences."

Ngan has already recommended the Professional Management Certificate program to others in her workplace and has begun considering taking a second certificate for herself. She knows she has support from her family and her employer.

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