Edgar Gonzalez
Certificate in Professional Management – Professional Engineers and Geoscientists (PEG)
"Being able to go on to the PMP designation after the PEG program was fantastic added value for me," says Edgar Gonzalez, a recent graduate of the Certificate in Professional Management – PEG. "I hadn't expected that when I started."
Edgar, an electrical engineer, graduated with his degree in Columbia Colombia in 1998. After working for some years in Africa, he decided to move with his family to Canada and in 2011, chose to accept a position with a large engineering and construction firm in Calgary.
Once he was settled in Calgary, Edgar began looking for ways to extend his education – something he felt was important to his career.
"I considered an MBA first, but I was working and needed the flexibility of evening or compressed daytime classes. I have two little girls and it was important for me to make time for them too," says Edgar. "So with the help of my wife, I was able to fit in my studies through Continuing Education."
"I began taking some courses for professional development and eventually decided to complete the PEG certificate," he says. "I particularly enjoyed the project management courses."
On the recommendation of his instructor, after he'd completed Project Management Levels I and II, Edgar went on to earn his PMP (Project Management Professional) designation.
"I've definitely been able to apply my learning and it's been very helpful in my work, especially in project management. Now I've got the vocabulary and the tools I need in that area."
It took Edgar two years to complete the program, doing a mix of online and classroom courses.
"Taking evening courses at the downtown campus worked best for me. I found it very convenient," he says.
Edgar is taking a break from his studies, so his wife can take her turn. "Now she's the one taking courses to develop her career."