With a mission to inform, empower, celebrate and advocate for British Columbia's current and aspiring business leaders, BCBusiness go behind the headlines and bring readers face to face with the key issues and people driving business in B.C.
Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1510895
30 BCBUSINESS.CA NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 SPECIAL FEATURE 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 continued from page 26 or Certificate in Environmental and Occupational Health to ensure content is current. "There are a lot of professional educa- tion providers that are offering training," Clarke adds. "What learners can expect from Continuing Studies at the University of Victoria is high-quality learning that weaves in current research with practical hands-on approaches and professional programs bridge the gap between aca- demia and industry." GUSTAVSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, EXECUTIVE PROGRAMS The University of Victoria's Gustavson School of Business, renowned for its high ranking and adaptability to societal changes, is one of the world's first carbon- neutral business schools and boasts both AACSB and EQUIS accreditation—held by fewer than one percent of global business schools. Eddie Isted, Executive Programs Account Executive, says professional development students seek flexible learning solutions that accommodate work-life balance while emphasizing the acquisition of practical, immediately applicable skills. "Demand for online programs, hybrid deliveries and shorter training sessions is on the rise," he says. "This trend reflects the desire for higher customization levels and a growing emphasis on current topics like negotiations, design thinking, sustain- ability, equity, diversity, inclusion and soft skills training." Executive Programs caters to management and educa- tional needs across private and public sectors, offering a broad portfolio of courses. The department's specialty lies in tailoring programs with metic- ulous attention and customi- zation, aligning perfectly with current market demands. Isted notes that these custom programs have driven valuable insights for open enrollment courses, too. "As a result, new offerings like Business Communication Skills and Self-Managed Leadership have emerged, bridging the gap between technical and soft skills," he says. "These courses are equally popular among larger organizations and individual learners seeking upskilling." Gustavson has increased the number of online programs it offers, often deliver- ing them in a condensed, half-day format, while still providing in-person options when necessary or preferred. Examples include the Masters Certificate in Project Management (MCPM) and Service Lead- ership programs, which adopt a hybrid approach, blending online and in-person elements to suit busy schedules. Shawn McKenzie, a recent graduate, applauds the MCPM program's duration and quality content. "Although MCPM is designed around project management, it provides valuable insights into the intricacies of project-based business life," he says. Instructors, experts in their respective fields, provide a curriculum that transcends any specific industry or sector. McKenzie further lauds the MCPM course as exceptional value and excellent training for those aspiring to obtain a PMP designation. Gustavson School of Business con- tinues to adapt, delivering top-notch education that remains highly relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of today's professionals. CONNECT University Canada West ucanwest.ca LaSalle College Vancouver lasallecollegevancouver.com Gustavson School of Business, Executive Programs execprograms.uvic. ca/prodev University of Victoria – Continuing Studies continuingstudies.uvic.ca Gustavson School of Business