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Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1510895
"Our current micro-credential offerings include courses on blockchain project management, digital strategy, data and web analytics, and supply chain management and logistics." Ensuring its programs include relevant digital components, UCW collaborates with leading business and tech compa- nies, such as Salesforce, Amazon, Shopify, Facebook, the Digital Marketing Institute, Tableau and IBM, to keep courses updated with cutting edge technological trends. UCW's Master of Business Adminis- tration (MBA) program, available online and on-campus, has been refined to add elective areas, allowing students to acquire knowledge and skills in a specific subject area. MBA students can choose from nine areas, including Business Analytics, Digital Marketing and Project Management. "The online MBA program was particularly designed with busy working professionals in mind," Dr. Mancuso says. "With video lectures and all course mate- rials provided, students can learn at their own pace and fit studying into their busy schedules." Earlier this year, UCW introduced a new scholarship for eligible students who are looking for a flexible and financially viable learning option. The Industry Professionals Grant offers eligible appli- cants up to $8,500 toward the cost of the MBA program. E D U C A T I O N F O R P R O F E S S I O N A L S Learners want flexibility, shorter modules, immersive learning and soft skills—and BC's top educators are responding. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 BCBUSINESS.CA 25 LEARNING ON THE EDGE E ducation providers have shifted their offerings to appeal to con- temporary, working professionals in today's technology-driven world. In some cases, schools have shifted more toward online learning; in other cases, schools have gone more hands-on, immersive learning. Several have intro- duced microcredentials and other bite- sized learning modules that allow students to tailor their curriculum and have more control over their learning. Whatever learners are seeking, BC's top educators have responded with current and agile offers that adapt to trends in contempo- rary professional development. UNIVERSITY CANADA WEST "What we've noticed is that working professionals are looking for two things," says Dr. Maureen Mancuso, Vice President, Academic, at University Canada West in Vancouver. "They are looking for course and program options tailored to their career goals, and they want flexible schedules. Most professionals approach professional development with a specific goal in mind, and they want to be able to fit coursework into their already busy schedules." UCW follows professional trends in industry closely and continuously designs and updates programs and course offerings that reflect the best professional standards in specific fields. "We offer a diverse line up of online micro-credentials, giving busy professionals an opportunity to gain valuable and specific skills in a short amount of time," Dr. Mancuso says. University Canada West SPECIAL FEATURE