Brendon Ager
Facilities Planning and Development - Project Assistant
St. Joseph’s Health Care London
Courses/Programs taken at Continuing Studies?
Professional Certification in Project Management
What are your three key strengths?
1. Achiever
2. Efficient and Resourceful
3. Strong communication, motivation and leadership
Reason for taking course/program?
I have decided to take the Project Management course at Western as I work towards writing my PMI certification. I was looking for a course that would compliment the Architecture and Mechanical Engineering that I have already acquired as well as being a universal tool to add to my resume, help market myself and be beneficial to my future endeavors. The knowledge and experience gained through this course would be an asset in my current place of employment as well as opening up opportunities in the future.
What three adjectives would you use to describe the course/program?
1. Helpful
2. Encouraging
3. Great
What stands out about what you have learned?
The main feature that I feel really stands out about the Project Management course is how universal project management is. The skills, tools and knowledge attained her can be utilized from construction and automotive, to banking, information management etc. Anyone in the working world would be able to take a portion of this course and apply it to their careers and daily activities.
How are you using what you have learned, and what difference is it making in your professional and personal life?
At this time I am currently working towards completion of the Directed Studies portion of the course. This is enabling me to utilize the tools and knowledge gained through the previous four classes while putting them to use as the project manager on current jobs within the workplace. The skills and terminology gained through this course have allowed me to understand the steps necessary to take in order to achieve a successful project, on time and within budget while still providing a quality product. I feel that this course also provides you with the tools to prioritize your day to day activities (both personal and professional).
How would you describe your experience at Continuing Studies?
My experience with the Continuing Studies program here at Western has made me wonder why I never went to University in the first place. The people I have met in my classes come from many different work backgrounds and offer a various range of experience from beginner and individuals looking to get started, to those who are experienced and are looking for that advancement within their place of business. The instructors too, have been very knowledgeable of the topics at hand and have been able to share many insightful stories of their experiences in the workforce.
The staff at Continuing Studies have been very helpful and insightful when and questions have arisen or advice required. Based on my experience here, if I had to go back and do it over again, I would go to University apposed to College.
How was the experience of going back to school as an adult learner?
I can remember the day that I finished Architecture and how I said “this is it, finally finished, no more school for me”. Next thing you know I find myself back in school seeking further education to better myself. It is true what they say, there is always more one can learn and it is beneficial to keep current with information and technology.
I have found the experience to be a bit of an eye opener. I wanted to take this course to aid in the advancement at my current place of employment with the hopes of opening up opportunities in the future. I had previously received two diplomas from St. Clair College and had some skepticism as to the workload of an undergrad university level course. After working my way through the course I sit back and wonder what it would have been like if I had attended university instead of college.
Compared to other courses you may have taken elsewhere (other schools, in-house training), what makes Continuing Studies different?
I don’t know if it is Continuing Studies, or the fact that you become a small part of Western itself that makes the difference, but I find it to be a great atmosphere, uplifting and inspiring. I know that it is only a certificate program which I am taking, but my experience makes me wonder why I never chose to attend a degree program at Western in the first place. This experience has sparked a reevaluation of the choices made for schooling in the past, I must say if I had to do it all over again I would likely attend The University of Western. This has been an excellent learning experience and opportunity for me, met some great people and I would highly recommend it to others.
Any other thoughts or comments you would like to add.
I would just like to take a moment to thank all of those who have made this a positive and inspiring experience. Since the time spent in this course has been enlightening, it is likely that I will return in the future in seek of higher education both on a personal and professional level.
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