BCBusiness

M B A / E X E C U T I V E E D U C A T I O N students can choose a specialization in marketing or nance if they would like to complete additional electives and an option-focused internship in their area of specialization. "Students without an undergraduate degree in business can enter the program by completing a three-month Foundation program before the start of the MBA program," according to Hesketh. "This intensive program provides students with a strong foundation in the eld of business and sets them up for success in the MBA program." While Hesketh says online programs will continue to grow in Canada, she strongly advocates the classroom-based environments provided by traditional institutions such as VIU: "They provide a di†erent kind of collaborative learning environment that consistently operates in real time, and this environment facilitates peer-based education where fellow students become colleagues." She goes on to note that "success in the Canadian business world is linked to networking-based engagement. A class- room based, face-to-face environment provides more diverse as well as more focused opportunities to engage in networking. For an individual seeking a career change or further career develop- ment, this can be integral to their success." VIU students learn in a dynamic global setting with students from all over the world, while living in a community-based, small-city environment. Like the best brick-and-mortar environments, VIU is constantly tweaking content and processes. This year, it unveiled a program whereby students can enter Graduate Business Studies through a Graduate Certicate in Business. "This new program allows individuals with Red Seal Certication to enter directly into graduate-level business studies with an option to continue into the MBA program if they achieve a GPA of a B or higher," Hesketh explains. "This is an important recogni- tion of the rigour that is required to achieve Red Seal Certication here in Canada, and it provides a unique opportu- nity for those individuals who want to grow their opportunities in manage- ment or pursue entrepreneurial opportunities." As for MBAs overall, Hesketh reiterates the suggestion of her colleagues in other institutions: as we approach the third decade of the new millennium, they are more valuable than ever. She says: "A fast-paced MBA prepares a student for the 24/7 environment that many industries are operating in. It challenges their thinking to go beyond the traditional structures of business, providing opportunities for in-depth critical analysis and creative thinking; a way to see and do things di†erently, and to be competitive in today's business climate." ■ Finish your degree in our Bachelor of Arts in Management* Program. The BAM gives you the skills leading companies are looking for. A specialized emphasis in Socially and Environmentally Responsible Management that sets you up to lead the way. INFORMATION SESSIONS: November 1 and 15, 5:00pm CityU Canada in Vancouver 789 West Pender Street Suite 310, Vancouver An Affi liate of the National University System. This program is offered under the written consent of the Minister of Advanced Education effective April 11, 2007 having undergone a quality assessment process and been found to meet the criteria established by the minister. Nevertheless, prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs. Clarke speaks 3 languages, volunteers in the community, types 73 words per minute, and has MS Offi ce Mastery BUT HIS REAL SUPER POWER COMES FROM HIS BAM*. www.cityuniversity.ca/bam

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