Visual Design Fundamentals Helps to Propel Your Career

A sun setting over a beautiful tropical beach with purple and pink hues as well as swaying palm trees in the foreground is an image many would enjoy hanging in their living rooms. But, there is more to art than scenery, still life and portraits. Art is an essential component to any business or media campaign, visual presentation and more. If your interest lies in the artistic arena or if you’d like to become a studio artist, there is professional training that can give you a solid background to strengthen your natural abilities. Visual design fundamentals training at Centennial College program is designed for exactly that — to expand your creative and practical skills by providing a balance between traditional and digital art courses.

The program co-coordinator of the Art and Design Foundation Studies program says that he can tell a student is right for the undertaking by the special sparkle in his or her eye. If you think you have what it takes to expand your art knowledge, you can apply by presenting at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. The other academic requirement is compulsory English 12C or U, or skills assessment or equivalent. However, possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission.

While attending arts colleges can take a lot of time, Centennial College’s program is fast-faced and designed to be completed in two months. Having been established in 1974, the visual design fundamentals training is tried, tested and true. Whether you’re fresh out of high school or have been in a career and are looking for a change, there is something for anyone wanting to get ahead. “Enrolling in the Arts and Design Foundations program at Centennial College was the best gift I could have given myself,” says Carol Rooney, a 2009 program graduate. “I had worked as a professional photographer for many years and wanted to expand my art experiences and theory. This program gave me hands-on exposure to all forms and levels of visual art and there was step-by-step encouragement and support from the staff and faculty throughout.”

These art forms Carol speaks of include: drawing, digital imaging, animation and digital design, all which open doors to programs such as Digital Animation, Interactive Digital Media, and Game Design. In addition, you study a variety of traditional approaches in drawing that can lead to your acceptance in the Fine Arts Studio program.

Specific courses within the program include: Portfolio Development (Art and Design portfolios as a personal development and communication tool are introduced), Colour Studio (uses a workshop/studio approach to examine the practice and theory of colour as used by artists and designers), 3D Art and Design Studio (give students fundamental skills and understanding of practice and theory of visual expression using 3 dimensional media both in fine art and design), Drawing (introductory applied drawing course includes perspective drawing, illustration and basic rendering) and more.

Distance Learning is A Convenient Way To Learn

Sometimes, life gets in the way of obtaining one's education. But it doesn't have to! There is an alternate way to complete the program of your choice from a reputable college through an option called distance learning. Today, many courses (resulting in bachelor, degree, diploma or certification credentials) are offered through distance learning, which is entirely conducted online.

As with any form of education, interested parties must investigate the institutions in which they are considering enrolling. It is awfully easy for people to be scammed online with promises of degrees, diplomas or certificates. Once one pays his or her tuition to non-reputable colleges, it is often difficult to get the money back. That's why one must ensure that he or she inquires about the accreditation of the college, its affiliation with other colleges, course details, who the faculty members are and exactly how the program of your choice works.

At Centennial College, you are sure to obtain a highly respected credential through distance learning. This post-secondary institute was the first community college established in Ontario and has four campus locations across the Greater Toronto Area to serve students with more than 100 programs. Its distance learning option is reputable and designed with flexibility in mind. While the online courses save you time and money, you still retain access to qualified instructors, communication tools, discussion boards and forums, email communication with your classmates, digital assignment capability, and more. This is the ideal way to build on the education and experience that you have already been achieved, either in Canada or another country. If shift work, family responsibilities or unpredictable schedules are keeping you from your educational goals, then Distance Learning at Centennial College may also be the solution.

Distance learning programs at Centennial College include: Education Assistant, Applied Management Studies, Automotive Service Advisor, Business Management – Marketing, Legal Office Assistant, Office Bookkeeping, Software Specialist, Food Service Worker and many, many others. In fact, Centennial College offers more than 35 distance learning programs.

Many people debate whether the education you obtain through distance learning is as good as one that would be obtained by attending classes on-campus. The truth is, the methods are both very reputable, and success depends on the individual's learning style. For those who opt for distance learning, it is a pro to be self-reliant and be able to study independently. Unlike in-school learning, you are mostly on your own and must ensure that you are keeping up with the work, without the reminder of an instructor of professor. This independent form of study may turn out to be beneficial when you enter the workforce because you will be prepared to be self-sufficient. Another aspect of distance learning is being able to follow directions visually as opposed to verbally. For the most part, you are reading vital information online and figuring it out on your own.

Many areas within the business sector require professionals who are trained in strategic management in accounting. These sectors include: financial institutions, government offices, public accounting firms, manufacturing industries, service industries, and small business. In addition, these professionals can operate through self-employment.

However, before one can enter any of these sectors, he or she must attend a post-secondary institution and participate in an undertaking such as Centennial College’s Strategic Management program. Designed specifically for students who have already taken an undergrad program, this offering only takes two semesters to complete and results in a Graduate Certificate. Those who are interested in applying must submit an official transcript demonstrating proof of successful completion of a post-secondary advanced diploma or degree in an accounting discipline. However, if applicants have a combination of partial post-secondary education and relevant work experience, they may also be considered. Other non-academic requirements include: an interview, transcript and resumé review as well as an English and/or math skills assessment. English proficiency will also be considered.

Through the strategic management program, participants gain a perspective on the organizational techniques required for the effective execution of strategic decisions, and the critical role that managerial leadership plays in the viability and growth of the business. Students will continue to learn and deepen your understanding in the areas of financial accounting, management accounting, taxation and auditing.

The above is facilitated through a combination of academic learning and practical practice. Courses within the strategic management in accounting training include: Ethics and Stakeholder Management, Crafting and Executing Strategy, Contemporary Organizational Behaviour, Advanced Auditing, Operational Management for Product and Services and much more. Within these courses, practical training — case studies, simulations, hands-on practice with the latest technology applications in the area of management information systems, including ERP systems — plays an important role.

When students graduate from the strategic management program, they have a variety of options. First, they can go on to obtain an MBA, pursuant to the articulation agreement negotiated by the School of Business with other institutions. In addition, students can apply to CGA-Ontario, and depending on their academic background, may receive up to 4 levels of CGA transfer credits. The other option is for students to enter the workforce. Job titles upon completion
of a strategic management program include: assistant controller or controller, accounting manager, accounting supervisor or business analyst. Each job description consists of different duties. There are, however, common tasks such as providing advice on financial decisions, preparing and maintaining financial reports, keeping financial records up-to-date, training and managing new accountants, performing daily banking requirements, and more. No matter which route they choose, students of Centennial College’s strategic management programs must meet some important graduation requirements.

Centennial College’s Offers Reliable a Strategic Management Accounting Program

Many areas within the business sector require professionals who are trained in strategic management in accounting. These sectors include: financial institutions, government offices, public accounting firms, manufacturing industries, service industries, and small business. In addition, these professionals can operate through self-employment.

However, before one can enter any of these sectors, he or she must attend a post-secondary institution and participate in an undertaking such as Centennial College’s Strategic Management program. Designed specifically for students who have already taken an undergrad program, this offering only takes two semesters to complete and results in a Graduate Certificate. Those who are interested in applying must submit an official transcript demonstrating proof of successful completion of a post-secondary advanced diploma or degree in an accounting discipline. However, if applicants have a combination of partial post-secondary education and relevant work experience, they may also be considered. Other non-academic requirements include: an interview, transcript and resumé review as well as an English and/or math skills assessment. English proficiency will also be considered.

Through the strategic management program, participants gain a perspective on the organizational techniques required for the effective execution of strategic decisions, and the critical role that managerial leadership plays in the viability and growth of the business. Students will continue to learn and deepen your understanding in the areas of financial accounting, management accounting, taxation and auditing.

The above is facilitated through a combination of academic learning and practical practice. Courses within the strategic management in accounting training include: Ethics and Stakeholder Management, Crafting and Executing Strategy, Contemporary Organizational Behaviour, Advanced Auditing, Operational Management for Product and Services and much more. Within these courses, practical training — case studies, simulations, hands-on practice with the latest technology applications in the area of management information systems, including ERP systems — plays an important role.

When students graduate from the strategic management program, they have a variety of options. First, they can go on to obtain an MBA, pursuant to the articulation agreement negotiated by the School of Business with other institutions. In addition, students can apply to CGA-Ontario, and depending on their academic background, may receive up to 4 levels of CGA transfer credits. The other option is for students to enter the workforce. Job titles upon completion

of a strategic management program include: assistant controller or controller, accounting manager, accounting supervisor or business analyst. Each job description consists of different duties. There are, however, common tasks such as providing advice on financial decisions, preparing and maintaining financial reports, keeping financial records up-to-date, training and managing new accountants, performing daily banking requirements, and more. No matter which route they choose, students of Centennial College’s strategic management programs must meet some important graduation requirements.

Train to be Part of the Exciting World of Media

The word “media” encompasses a wide range of meanings that, in essence, refer to communication of any data for any purpose. At Centennial College, media studies are taught by the School of Communication Media and Design. Since its start, the School has earned an international reputation for offering forward thinking and crucial media studies programs. Despite the varying fields that are studied, all graduates learn to be leaders who have solid knowledge in communicating effectively via writing, speaking and even design.

In order to decide whether media education be a path you want to explore, there are a variety of skills that are extremely useful in many employment areas the industry. Of course, these skills can be developed through training and will be useful whether you’re a journalist, a public relations rep or a children’s entertainment writer. First and foremost, research and critical analysis skills are essential to any media-based career. You must be able to dig up the facts and present them in a critical way to the public while, at the same time, making them relatable. Another important skill is the ability to meet deadlines. All media professionals are experts at time management, as getting information to the public must be done in a timely manner. One last general skill that will help you to succeed in the media industry is the ability to approach tasks flexibly and creatively. The public is often fickle about the way in which it receives information from the media. Therefore, new ways of presenting already-told information or stories is essential. Also, due to the hectic schedules of media professionals, you should be flexible enough to drop one task in the middle of working on it to tackle something else that might be more pressing.

But what kind of education is needed to enter this field? A college education is a great way to ensure that your credentials are strong enough to compete with other professionals. Centennial College’s media studies courses range from Graduate Certificate and Advanced Diplomas to College Diplomas, and take anywhere from three to six semesters to attain. Aside from the previously mentioned programs, Centennial College also offers media training in Media Management (which is the unique role of strategic media planning and buying), Book and Magazine Publishing, Broadcasting and Film, Graphic Design — Media, Digital Animation, Media Engineering Design and Integration and Sports Journalism.

Each area of study also provides students with more than one career path option, further enhancing their chance at success. For example, someone who takes Broadcasting and Film can go on to work at radio and TV stations, commercial sound and video production companies or corporate video houses. While someone who studies Digital Animation can find a rewarding career in film, television, broadcast design or game design. The career options of those trained in media studies are extensive and continue to evolve.

Centennial College Offers a Variety of Advertising Programs

Whether it’s the giant billboard in Times Square for PETA, the small classified in the back of your local paper for a dentist office or the tearjerker Tim Hortons TV commercial, advertising is a very prominent aspect of our lives. In 2010, this creative field brought in $300-billion in the United States and $500-billion worldwide. That’s not surprising when you consider that advertising is offered through everything from newspapers, magazine, TV, radio, the Internet to text messages, mobile applications and more. Professionals in advertising must have the ability to combine creative thinking with business skills in order to persuade their target audience to buy into a specific product or service. Training to become an advertising professional begins with attending one of Canada’s advertising programs.

There are actually many options within the field — from account management, and media buying and planning to marketing, copy writing and production. Centennial College’s School of Communications, Media and Design offers three advertising programs to suit a variety of interests and education levels. Although they range in focus, these programs all require students to use strategic thinking, business savvy and, of course, creativity.

The undergraduate, three-year Advertising program prepares students for careers in advertising fields such as: account management, media buying and planning, marketing, copywriting, production, direct marketing, event marketing and promotions. Students are encouraged to developing instincts and strategic abilities while meeting deadlines in a professional and creative environment. This is achieved by learning the entire advertising process (research, developing strategies, campaign planning, copywriting, production, media planning and buying as well as copywriting, media and account management); and by completing an industry field placement that allows students to acquire experience in real-life scenarios.

If, however, students have already obtained a degree or diploma in advertising, they can choose from two Graduate Certificate programs: Advertising Account Management and Advertising Media Management.

The first, Account Management, is a three-semester undertaking that will suit those who enjoy planning, managing and working in collaborative and professional teams. Within this Advertising program, students obtain both theory and hands-on training through courses such as Professional Practice, Media for Account Managers, Broadcast Production Basics, Copywriting Techniques, Interactive Production Management, and more. It, too, offers a field placement to its students. By the end of the program, students are ready for positions as specialized account managers who understand the full scope of advertising tactics and can manage integrated communication plans from inception to final production.

The second of the post-graduate advertising programs is Advertising Media Management. It is designed to help students to develop an expertise in reaching target audiences with a creative message as well as build their business and negotiating skills on behalf of advertising clients to achieve strategic results. This ensures that they are ready for the role of strategic media planning and buying. Also three semesters in length, it is balanced in its approach with both in-class sessions and an industry field placement. Specific courses in this industry-approved advertising program include: Media Industry Issues, Media Advertising, Negotiations and Sales; Media Buying and Reporting, and more.

Human Resources College Programs Help You To Enter the Field Prepared

Today’s business world is very competitive and employment retention reaches far beyond the recruitment process. Companies must ensure that their employees are guided and continue to boost their performance as the economy starts its recovery. This is achieved through the Human Resources department, whose managers specialize in maintaining a healthy work environment, which then boosts the potential of the company to succeed. HR departments recruit new hires by posting job listings, interviewing, screening and planning orientation once the hiring goes through. Human Resources Management also provides direction, deals with training and performance management and ensures employees are satisfied. Lastly, if an employee is let go or chooses to resign, professionals in this area conduct exit interviews. The professional who fill positions such as HR Administrator, HR Generalist, HR Recruiter, Compensation Analyst, Trainer, Pensions and Benefits Administrator, and Occupational Health and Safety Officer have all attended a human resources college program.

If you have obtained a degree or diploma, you may be eligible to attend Centennial College’s two-semester post-graduate Human Resources Management program, which offers courses that meet the expectations of the Human Resource Professionals Association (HRPA) of Ontario. These courses cover several issues, including: compensation, hiring, performance management, organization development, safety and wellness benefits, employee motivation, communication, administration and training. Specific classes include Human Resources Management in Canada (provides students with a comprehensive overview of the theory and practice of human resources management); Management Accounting For Human Resources (it is necessary for Human Resources managers to understand the measurement bases and the underlying methodologies that are used in accounting); Labour and Employment Law (learner becomes familiar with specific areas of law and will apply concepts and terminology to solve problems related to effective human resource management); and many others.

The undertaking uses case studies, simulations, project-based learning and places an emphasis on developing project management, teamwork, report writing and presentation skills. In addition, there is a strong focus on HR trends such as managing diversity, alternative dispute resolution, computerized human resources systems, pensions and benefits. Lastly, experienced professors teach students computer and Internet technology for performing HR functions as well as HRMS training using a SAP.

The overall goal of this Human Resources college program is to ensure that students are leaders upon graduation and are able to work in management roles. In order to apply for this undertaking, you must submit an official transcript demonstrating proof of successful completion of a post-secondary advanced diploma or degree program. That is open to all disciplines. In addition, students may have to participate in an interview during which their transcript and resume may be reviewed. Lastly, applicants presenting a combination of partial post-secondary education and relevant work experience will be considered.

Esthetics College Programs Offer Sound Experience and Knowledge

Beauticians, hairdressers, electrologists and skincare therapists all fall under the Esthetician umbrella. These people provide a wide range of services in spas and other establishments across Canada. In fact, the spa business is booming as more Canadians take an interest in being pampered with facials (deep cleansing, exfoliation and massages), body waxing, body treatments, anti-aging procedures (Botox, laser treatments and deep chemical peels), skin care, manicures, pedicure, and more. Because estheticians are not medical doctors, they don’t diagnose skin conditions, prescribe medications or suggest treatment for any skin condition outside of using cosmetic products. They are still, however, trusted professionals. In addition to spas, salons, health clinics, cruise ships, skin care companies and other such outlets are looking for trained Esthetician professionals as well. In order to enter the industry, interested parties must attend an esthetics college or esthetics college program.

At Centennial College, students are able to obtain an Ontario College Diploma and the knowledge to enter the field in just two years. During their time in this Esthetician program, they study the entire range of professional services offered in today’s spas. In addition, they obtain enough knowledge to run their own business should they choose to be self-employed.

This is achieved through a comprehensive curriculum that incorporates anatomy, physiology, practical applications, product knowledge, sales techniques and business practice. The esthetics college program curriculum also combines the use of lectures and Centennial College’s brand new esthetician lab facilities and cutting-edge equipment that is common in today’s wellness and medical spas. Specific courses within the program include: Skin Care Theory, Skin Care Practices, Manicures and Pedicures, Spa Health and Safety, Waxing and Hair Removal, Product Chemistry and Advanced Experience, and more.

The in-class sessions are designed to prepare students for Centennial College’s esthetician field placement, during which students work in esthetics establishments. During their field placements, students work with real customers (under the supervision of their instructors), learning the ins and outs of the industry. Please be advised, that students must have completed a standard first aid and CPR (healthcare provider level) course, a vulnerable sector background police check, and an immunization review form before they can be sent out on the esthetician work placement.

To apply for admission to this esthetics college program, you must present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Also required is compulsory English 12C or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent.

Graduates of this esthetics college program possess the ability to: perform a variety of specialized body and skin care treatments following correct procedures and precautions; use a range of specialized equipment and products; select and recommend the use of esthetic products and product ingredients to clients, taking into account health status and identified needs; develop customer service strategies that meet and adapt to individual needs and expectations; adhere to health, safety, sanitation and infection prevention control guidelines; and more.

Advantages of College Degree

There are both obvious and not so obvious advantages of attending a college degree program. Even though our parents and teachers stress the advantages of a college degree, we don't always listen. But as we get older, we realize, "They were right." You should know that it's never too late to consider the reasons a college degree will have a positive impact on your life.

To many people, the most obvious benefit of a college degree is the average yearly income of a college grad. But we'll get to that later. Let's first take a look at some of the personal advantages you gain by attending a college degree program. First and foremost, you outlook on life will broaden by attending college. You will meet many different people, from different cultures and upbringings. From them, you will learn how to deal with different personalities, how to interact with people who may not always agree with you and you will form strong bonds. You'll also gain confidence by attending different events on your college's campus such as sporting events or even study groups. This will allow you to expand the network of people in your life who may be able to assist you with a job upon graduation or later on in life. The connections you make while attending a degree program are irreplaceable.

You will also be taking control of your future and guaranteeing yourself a healthier outlook on life.

The fact that having a degree opens more doors for your career means that you have the power to determine which doors you want to step through. Getting the edge needed to land a job in a field that makes you happy is one of the greatest benefits of a college degree.

Speaking of your career, a college degree allows you to earn 25 per cent more each year than someone who is doing the same job without a degree. That's because degree programs provide you with practical, up-to-date information of certain industries and equip you with skills that are in demand. This makes your knowledge more available to employers. In addition, it is a known fact that many employers prefer hiring someone with a college degree of some sort.

Centennial College in Toronto offers a variety of diploma, advanced diploma, graduate certificate, degree programs and more. It is dedicated to ensuring that students leave with an education that will get them ahead in the workforce immediately. Centennial College's degrees programs are four-year undertakings that offer you both the practical skills you need to win the job you want and the theoretical background to give you the extensive subject knowledge employers are looking for.