How a 22-Year-Old Discovered Her Career Purpose and Built a Path to Success
Finding a Program To Fast Track My Vision
In 2018, at 22 years old, I found myself at a crossroad and I realized it was time to align my passion with a clear path forward. Throughout my teens, I enjoyed website development, growth hacking platforms and found myself fascinated with video production, product packaging, brand development, and product creation, but I knew these creative pursuits needed a solid foundation to truly thrive.
I wasn’t looking for a traditional educational route. I wanted something fast-paced and hands-on, a program that would give me the fundamentals quickly so I could start building real-world experience. I had a vision for myself and my career, and I was determined to move forward without delay.
I was looking for an educational experience that was as fast-paced and focused as my ambitions, and that’s when I discovered the Professional, Applied and Continuing Education (PACE) program at the University of Winnipeg.
Immersing in the Fundamentals
I took the leap, enrolling in the program and committing myself to a transformative journey. During the 13-month full-time program, I immersed myself in learning the core principles that would drive my career. The courses covered the essentials: crafting marketing strategies, mastering communication techniques, and understanding the intricacies of public relations and management. It was exactly what I needed—focused, practical, and relevant to the industry. What stood out most was its accelerated structure, offering the tools and knowledge I needed in just over a year. I wasn’t looking to spend years in school; I wanted to dive into the real world and start building my career.
The experience wasn’t just about the technical knowledge; it also taught me how to think critically and approach problems strategically. Each project challenged me to apply what I had learned, bridging the gap between theory and real-world applications.
Gaining Real-World Insights
One of the most pivotal moments of this journey was my internship placement at CBC Manitoba’s Communications Department. Here, I stepped into a professional environment with my first real taste of the professional world, where I had the opportunity to apply everything I had learned in a dynamic, high-stakes environment. From managing internal communications to assisting with media relations and brand storytelling, I gained firsthand experience in how marketing and communications shape a brand's identity and public presence.
At CBC Manitoba, I honed my skills in event coordination, media relations, internal communications, and branding. Working alongside seasoned professionals, I gained a deeper understanding of how large organizations communicate their stories to diverse audiences.
A highlight of my time at CBC was my involvement in planning the Flow in the Dark yoga classes for Nuit Blanche. As part of this initiative, I worked closely with community partners, coordinated vendors, and contributed to merchandise planning. I was also exposed to the production of audio and video promotions, as well as the social media strategy for the event.
“Sonia has had a chance to meet with community partners, coordinate vendors and merchandise, be exposed to audio and video promo production, and plan social promotion of a Flow in the Dark yoga class. She's also the lead on planning the logistics of the event itself!” - Gabriela Klimes, Regional Manager, Communications, Marketing, and Brand at CBC Manitoba.
This exhilarating experience solidified my decision to pursue a career in marketing and communications. It validated the direction I was headed and deepened my understanding of the industry.
Graduation and Moving Forward
The intense year had prepared me not only with technical knowledge but also with the confidence to chase my dreams. By 2019, I was 23-years-old and I had not only completed my education but also positioned myself to step confidently into the world of marketing and communications. The accelerated program was the right decision for me—providing the fundamentals I needed to hit the ground running without years spent in school.
Looking back, I’m proud of how I took charge of my career trajectory. That year of focused learning and hands-on experience was a critical stepping stone, setting the foundation for everything I’ve built since.
Advice for Others
If you’re considering a career pivot or starting out with a clear vision, my advice is this: invest in learning the fundamentals, but don’t stop there. Seek out experiences that challenge you and push you to grow. Education can be a catalyst, but it’s the real-world application of what you’ve learned that will define your journey.
For me, this approach was a game-changer, turning my passion into a thriving career in marketing, design, and brand development.
Discover More about The Founder of PD Agency
Curious about the story behind PD Agency? Dive deeper into Sonia’s career journey and learn how her passion for marketing and design led to the creation of a thriving creative agency. Explore her path to becoming the founder of PD Agency and the driving force behind its innovative approach.
Read Meet Sonia, the Founder of PD Agency story.
