Elizabeth Simms
Certificate in Professional Management
Elizabeth Simms didn't have any post-secondary education before she enrolled in her first Continuing Education course in 2012. Believing students had to qualify for acceptance to any university program, it was a step she hadn't even considered.
When Elizabeth learned from her manager that anyone could enrol in continuing education courses, she began researching programs throughout the city, and decided that the Certificate in Professional Management at the University of Calgary would be the best program for her. She enrolled, hoping it might be a boost for her career.
"When I'd been in the program six months, I was offered a job in management," she says. "Right away I was using my new learning, and it proved to be incredibly valuable."
"I think being in the program definitely helped me get the new position. My supervisors could see I had an interest in moving up and that I'd taken the initiative to take the program. I think being in the program helped a lot."
Elizabeth moved into a management role with the telecommunications company where she was already employed, and began leading a network operations dispatch team of 18 people. It took Elizabeth approximately two years to complete the program, working around a busy job and raising a young son. She took her courses in the classroom and online. She liked both, but prefers the traditional classroom environment.
"I took more online courses at the beginning because my son was little and I could work around his life a bit more. As he got a little older, it got easier to find time to go to class."
Elizabeth is proud of her certificate, and plans to carry on learning. She is already working toward a Human Resource Management Certificate.
She enjoys learning and appreciates the friendships she's made along the way. She's also developed and a great network on LinkedIn and other social media.
"For me, it was definitely a great experience. I recommend the program to people all the time."