Gerardo Arzola
Certificate in Database Administration
Driving to work in the mornings, Gerardo Arzola repeatedly passed a University of Calgary billboard promoting Continuing Education. It was a daily reminder urging him to consider returning to school.
Having immigrated from Mexico in 2010 with his wife and two children, Gerardo knew a credential from University of Calgary could be helpful for his career in Canada. Although it had been hard to find a job at first, he was happily settled in an IT position for a grocery store chain.
It was important to Gerardo that his classes not conflict with his job, so he was relieved to discover that he would be able to take evening courses in his area of interest.
"It took one year for me to complete the Database Administration program," he says. "But I was able to use the information I was learning right away at work.
Gerardo did his courses in both learning formats: online and in-class. "What I especially liked about online courses in this program was that I could go back and listen to a class a second time if I wanted," he says.
Determined to do well in the program, Gerardo worked hard, wanting to set a good example for his children. "I would show my marks to my children and tell them, 'See, if I can do this, so can you.'"
After completing his certificate, Gerardo was given a promotion by his employer.
"I had to work hard and I had to focus to get through the program," he says. "But it was a very good experience for me. Now I know I have the right tools for my work and that I'm up to date, so I have more confidence."
Gerardo is considering returning to pursue the Fundamentals of Project Management Certificate.