Amanda Buer

About me

I was born/grew up in: I was born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario and moved to Kelowna and Edmonton throughout my career journey.

I now live in: Toronto, Ontario

I completed my training/education at: I did an undergraduate degree in Geography with a minor in Sociology from Laurentian University in Sudbury. I then did a post grad in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) online from Fanshawe College in London, ON. Then I did Project Management at NAIT College in Edmonton, AB. followed by obtaining my Project Management Professional certification.

What I do at work

In my role as Project Manager at ESRI Canada, I manage a variety of software implementation projects. I ensure project deadlines are met and communicate with the client’s project team. I also ensure all project costs are delivered on budget. There is a lot of administrative work with this role but it is all part of delivering a successful project. I also help create proposals for new projects for potential new clients.

Because I have a technical background and experience installing software, I get to play a technical role on some projects. I work with the client to configure the software to meet their needs. I also run training and workshops for the client’s employees.

My career path is

When I was in school, I had absolutely no idea this is where I would be today! When I finished my postgraduate work in GIS, I got a summer student work opportunity. I got to GPS infrastructure in provincial parks in Alberta. That summer position evolved into me becoming a project coordinator for the program. In that role, I supervised 14 staff across the province. I also worked at implementing the software I do now in my current job. One opportunity lead to another.  My job/role is constantly evolving and it's something I really enjoy. Check my LinkedIn profile for more information.

I am motivated by

I really enjoy planning and being able to communicate with others. Being a project manager, I get to apply those skills on a daily basis. I also get to work on many different projects. This helps create variety in the work I get to do. No day is ever the same and I am always learning new things. I also really like the company I work for and the team I get to work with on a daily basis. I think a good work culture makes such a difference. I work from home and get to do some travel across Canada. This makes a difference in my life, as I am able to have a good work, life balance.

How I affect peoples’ lives

We implement a software that allows municipalities and organizations make informed decisions. These decisions involve such things as where to spend their money the state of their infrastructure and how to manage their day-to-day work. It is great to know that we assist in ensuring roads are safe to drive, water is clean to drink and playgrounds are safe to use. This makes coming to work so rewarding every day!

Outside of work I

After work, I spend a lot of time with my new puppy, Etta. I enjoy training her and taking her on adventures. I enjoy back road car rides, finding hidden gems. I love experimenting with cooking and trying to create new recipes. I also enjoy yoga. Additionally, I help project manage a Canadian R&B artist on the side. This allows me to be a project manager in a whole other industry.

My advice to others

Project management opens up so many doors as every industry has projects that have to be managed. I think it is important to specialize in something you are passionate about. If you enjoy planning and managing, project management would just come natural to you!