PACE Preview: Part 2

In Part 2 of our PACE preview series, Collin and Brad turned the tables on their former PREP managers and got the chance to ask Patti and Sarah a few questions of their own.

Brad, Collin, and Patti at the PACE graduation ceremony. Sorry we missed the chance to get a picture with you, Sarah!

Collin: From a company perspective, what is the most important thing for PACE apprentices to take away from the program?

Patti: Most important takeaway is the ability to get involved in multiple different aspects of the company that, hopefully through PACE, reach beyond our core premise of client delivery work. Our most successful staff members have historically been those that have blended their personal interests with their professional ambitions.

Sarah: On top of that, another takeaway is the importance of continuing to learn. It’s easy to think that after completing school, once you enter the workforce, it’s time to do stuff rather than learn how to do stuff. But the PACE program is designed to provide that jumping off point for apprentices to use in the future to keep learning in their careers.

Brad: Why is the PACE program so valuable to MPS?

Patti: I think one of the core focuses of MPS is on professional development, so having a program entirely centered around it emphasizes to both MPS staff and the marketplace that professional development is taken seriously here.

Sarah: MPS’ greatest strength is its people. In some respect, there is a lot of interchangeability between employees at MPS because many of us come from the background of having done the PACE program. Being able to level-set our staff with a program like PACE gives us a lot of flexibility with our staff members to use everyone effectively in the future.

Collin: Was there any specific highlight for you two on the management side of the PACE program?

Patti: From the get-go, Brad and Collin showed an apparent, concerted interest in succeeding and participating in PACE trainings and coaching sessions. While not always under the most pleasant circumstances, you both were always invested in making the most of your time during the PACE program, which makes a world of difference.

Sarah: I don’t know that I had a favorite moment, but I love the program overall because it’s so unique to MPS. It got me excited to have the opportunity to both grow the people working at MPS and grow the company as a whole. I think the PACE program is certainly a competitive advantage of ours, and having the chance to work on it was certainly enjoyable for me.

Brad: Do you have any words of wisdom for future PACE apprentices?

Patti: Don’t be afraid to raise your hand just because you’re in the PACE program. MPS encourages everyone to get involved in aspects of the company that extend in many different directions outside of client delivery, and that definitely goes for PACE apprentices as well!

Sarah: On top of that, every time a new PACE program starts, our staff gets a new jolt of excitement to have new faces around. And on the flip side, it’s a chance for apprentices to ask “silly” questions, and position yourself to learn as much about the company and industry as possible.

Brad: What’s next for the PACE program? Are there ways that you’d like to build on it in the future?

Patti: One of our strategic directions for this program, is to extend the program beyond just MPS. We recognize that other firms, organizations, associations, and nonprofits value professional development and training for their new employees to position themselves successfully for their careers.

Sarah: I think my role as PACE coordinator is very critical in fostering community within the context of PACE. I’m definitely excited to expand those opportunities and further create that sense of cohesion between PACE Cohorts and MPS in the future.

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