Taking the next step towards leveling up through Continuing Education

After a decade working as a journeyman electrician, Nygel Ryan felt drawn toward an opportunity to expand the horizons of his career. "I'd been a tradesman for quite a long time," he says. "I felt that it was time to level up — and to get to the next step, you've got to take the first step."

That step was enrolling in the Project Management Certificate Program at University of Calgary Continuing Education. With the support of his employer, who saw his potential and encouraged his growth, Nygel began evening and online classes while continuing to work full-time and navigate life as a new father.

To get to the next step, you've got to take the first step.

Even though Nygel hadn't been in school for a while before enrolling in the program, he believed Continuing Education was easily the best choice. "It was a seamless transition from not going to school for quite a long time to being back in school and everything that brings. The night school really worked for my family dynamic," says Nygel. "The best part? It reminded me that learning doesn't stop once you're out in the working world, it just changes form. The support and flexibility of Continuing Education made it possible to keep building my career while studying at the same time."

What started as a professional pivot became more impactful than he could have imagined. He was able to apply his newly acquired tools and skills immediately — building Gantt charts, managing stakeholders and leading projects. "The course met my needs more than I even knew I needed. It's jaw-dropping how much I use the tools I learned every single day," explains Nygel.

Nygel didn't just gain skills — he found a community. "I couldn't have hoped for a better group of people. Everyone was very accommodating. Some of the course load required breaking up into teams and building out projects together and there was never a time where I felt like anyone was left behind. I still have friends from that course that I will reach out from time to time," he says.

The support and flexibility of Continuing Education made it possible to keep building my career while studying.

The instructors also made a lasting impression with engaging classes, incredible knowledge, and humour that Nygel says made the course materials more inviting.

"They were able to impart a lot of their background knowledge and real-life situations to help us see why these courses and certificates are a great use from their experience."

The program has expanded new opportunities for Nygel, including a promotion into a leadership role. "I'm now the Facilities Manager at a medical imaging company in Calgary, overseeing multimillion-dollar projects because of this program." For Nygel, the program didn't just shift his career path — it gave him the tools, confidence, and community to grow. "This learning journey has changed my life. The sky's the limit. The path has been shown to me and it's up to me to take it."

Nygel Ryan, Graduate
Project Management Foundations Certificate