News Archives: Janelle MacRae: Empowering through Education
Wednesday, April 19th, 2023
NWP Instructor Janelle MacRae
From her early years growing up in Fort St. John, British Columbia, to her current role as an Office Professional instructor at Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP), Janelle MacRae has always had a passion for learning and helping others.
After completing her diploma in Business Administration at NWP, MacRae completed her Bachelor of Administration through Athabasca University. MacRae then went on to work in marketing and executive assistant roles for various organizations, including Alberta Lands and Menzies Printers before finding her way to NWP. At first, MacRae worked as a Marketing Coordinator for the Continuing Education department at NWP, and then later moved into roles as Program Coordinator and Student Success Officer. After working in Student Services and seeing the positive impact that education can have on people's lives, she knew that teaching was her true calling and jumped on the opportunity to instruct in 2016.
Since becoming an instructor at NWP in 2016, MacRae has become one of two Office Professional instructors at the institution. She has seen firsthand how the program can change people's lives, from single parents looking to re-enter the workforce to people in the service industry and retail workers hoping to transition into more stable careers.
“In as little as a year, people’s lives can completely change by enrolling in the Office Professional program,” MacRae said.
MacRae's commitment to education extends beyond her role as an instructor. She is currently pursuing her MBA through Thompson Rivers University while working full-time and raising two children. Despite the challenges, MacRae believes that, “Education is key to keeping up with the rapidly changing world around us. I see learning as a lifelong pursuit, one that has the power to broaden horizons and open up new opportunities”.
MacRae's passion for education is reflected in the way she teaches her students. She believes in hands-on, applied learning and makes a point of exposing her students to real-world scenarios through work experience opportunities. MacRae also takes the time to get to know her students and tailor her teaching approach to their individual needs.
In addition to her teaching duties, MacRae has also earned several Microsoft Office certificates through NWP's Office Professional program. These certificates are a testament to MacRae's expertise in the field and her dedication to staying current with the latest technology trends.
Looking to the future, MacRae is excited about the changes happening at NWP as the transition to become a polytechnic institution continues. She sees this change as a positive one that will align with the needs of the region and provide students with the skills they need to succeed in the workforce.
Janelle MacRae’s passion for education and helping others is evident in everything she does, from her work as an instructor to her pursuit of an MBA. Her story is a reminder that education is a powerful tool that can change lives and open up new opportunities.
Interested in succeeding in a dynamic office environment? Visit NWP.me/OfficeProfessional to learn more.
