Pete Barker
Professional Management (2013)
Security Management (2014)
When Pete Barker realized that for the first time in a long time he had spare time on his hands, he decided to enrol in courses through University of Calgary Continuing Education.
"My kids are grown, my wife works in the day, and I work shifts. I had time on my hands and wanted to fill it with something beneficial," says Pete, a sergeant with the Calgary Police Service, and a graduate of both the Professional Management Certificate program and the Security Management Certificate program.
"I enjoyed doing the Professional Management program, and it really got my brain working, so once I was done, I wanted to do more," says Pete.
After a phone call to student services and a one-on-one chat with a student advisor, Pete learned he could use some of his course credits towards a second certificate. The Security Management program was a great fit for someone with 36 years in police work: 10 in the military, 20 in the UK, and another seven with the Calgary Police Service.
"Taking Continuing Education courses has made think about things I've never thought of before," says Pete. "And the learning has definitely benefitted me. It's helped me be more productive as a policeman, and likely played a role in my recent promotion to sergeant. I can see it opening many new doors for me."
Pete has taken courses in class and online, but has found online to be the better option for him.
"I work shiftwork, so I like the online format. I can work on my classes in the day, and can walk my dog or take breaks whenever I want. This past winter, I took a holiday to Phoenix, and rather than not taking courses that semester, I just took my laptop along. It worked great."
Pete enjoyed the class discussions with students and instructors. "You learn to appreciate that people think differently and that they may not always see things the same way as you."
"The instructors were totally accommodating ... available 12 to 14 hours a day ... and absolutely amazing and awesome," says Pete. "They were all extremely respectful in how they marked, criticized and appraised your work."
Pete has taken a break from classes to concentrate on some courses in his workplace, but says he will be back for more with Continuing Education.
"I like to challenge myself and see where it leads me."