Kathy Coward
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Certificate in Professional Management
When Kathy Coward decided to pursue an educational program, she was already working full-time and commuting 90 minutes each way to work. Adding evening classes to her schedule meant she was in for some very long days. But that didn't stop her.
"Once I'd moved into management, I felt the need to learn," says Kathy, who had worked for several years as an underwriter with a Calgary insurance company before being promoted to a management position. Changing roles motivated Kathy to look for a program that would help her develop her management skills. She has since graduated with a Certificate in Professional Management.
Married, with two grown sons, Kathy was confident she could fit the certificate program into her life. "Time management was important," she says. "My job didn't slow down, so I had to be disciplined. At home, I didn't have as much time to ride my horses, but I still found a way to spend time with them. I would brush them every day, and the whole time I'd be going over my school work. It was a great way to study."
Despite the long commute, Kathy chose to take most of her classes on campus, adding in the occasional online course. She would go to class after work, and return home in the evening. Occasionally, in the winter, if the weather was poor, she would stay in town with family.
"Continuing Education worked great for me," she says. "I'm feeling more confident in the way I deal with my staff, and that makes them more able to trust me as a manager."
"The program has really built my skills and awareness as to why you do things. For me, the most valuable courses were the ones outside of my comfort zone, like business law and business strategy."
"I'm very grateful for Continuing Education and the opportunity to take classes while working," she says. "Continuing Education offers great programs and strong instructors."
"Now, I encourage my staff to pursue their own professional development. I like being an example. Age doesn't matter. You just need commitment."