Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Distance Learning Allows You to Obtain an Education Anywhere, Anytime

What is the first step in obtaining a better career, switching careers or launching a new career? Post-secondary education, of course! Attending a college or university is very exciting. But what happens to those who wish to advance their professional life but are unable to attend full or part-time programs on campus? What if scheduling conflicts restrict the ability to attend evening or daytime courses? What if other responsibilities such as taking care of family duties don't allow for being away from home?


For these individuals there is Distance Learning - a form of education that allows students to complete courses without attending physical classes. This form of education has actually been available in Canada since 1889 when it provided degree opportunities for rural teachers who were unable to attend university full-time. By 1912, the Universities of Saskatchewan and Alberta were offering off-campus self-study programs for rural learners. In 1921, a parent wrote the BC Ministry of Education requesting study materials for his children because they were too far from a school, and at first primary and then secondary correspondence education was begun. Today, it is an increasingly popular from of continuing education for people who lead busy lives and still want to obtain an education.


Centennial College's School of Education is facilitated as an option for adult learners to complete a wide range of diplomas and certificates, or courses. It offers programs in areas such as business, communications, community services, engineering and technology, general education and teaching, and transportation and motorcycle. In total, the School offers 1,300 courses and programs.


The traditional form of Distance Learning is still offered at Centennial College. Because materials are physically mailed to students, it is called Print-Based Correspondence. Upon registration in this Distance Learning option, participants receive a Registration Confirmation Letter, Proctor Information Form, Student Guide and all of the educational materials required to complete their courses. While students are assigned a tutor, whom they can contact via phone or email should they encounter difficulty, for the most part they complete course work on their own. As such, the offerings in this format a limited to programs such as Business Management – Entrepreneurial, Business Management – International, Business Management – Marketing, Cosmetics by Correspondence, Ophthalmic Medical Personnel - Phases 1 and 2 and SmartServe.


Thanks to the public's use of technology, the predominant option for learning from a distance is online classes. This option allows much more interaction with instructors as well as peers from all over the world with the employment of discussion boards and emails. Students can access their "classroom" 24 hours a day and complete assignments right online. Thanks to the accessibility of online classes, Centennial College offers its student 40 programs, among which are: Educational Assistant Criminal Psychology and Behaviours, Geographic Information Systems, Office Bookkeeping, Professional Writing, Event Planning/Management, Translation in the Workplace, Quality Assurance and more.


Both the online or print-based options require students to complete an in-person exam, which must be written on the first Saturday following the course end date. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they complete the exam on the right date and meet the time constraints of their course. Students who fail to write their exam by the due date will receive a zero on their exam.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Why Study International Business Management?

Graduates or existing professionals who wish to enhance their understanding of global markets, in order to build careers with multi-national organizations or work in another countries should strongly consider at least a certification course in international business management.

Boundaries are disappearing. All thanks to information and internet technologies, growing distribution networks and intricate supply chains. The whole world is a market and businesses have customers around the world. Businesses, in some or other way, are impacted by international influences. Language, culture, interests, political systems, economic situations and social factors influence a company’s business and its policies and business practices.

Employers are constantly looking for professionals who have in-depth understanding of global economic and business practices and are prepared for any facet of the business world. They must possess a thorough understanding of the impact that culture has on the economy of a country.

Apart from this, they are expected to possess strong communication, interpersonal, critical thinking, problem solving and analytical skills. They must also be able to use computer and internet technology.

Studying International Business Management

A post-graduate certification program in international business provides graduates or existing professionals with specialized career expertise, technical knowledge and skills, as well as practical experience, allowing them to start or further their careers. They will study specialized international business courses in finance, marketing, law, entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility. 

This specialized course includes tough real business case studies of the best companies of the world and helping them understand how diverse countries work together and how companies operate in different regions. They also discover the impact of culture on economy and business practices.

Program Content

Students of this program are prepared for the challenges of today’s complex global business environment. They study a wide range of subjects, including business communications, international banking and finance, global logistics, international entrepreneurship, global business research and analysis, international business law, comparative geopolitical systems, corporate social responsibility, international business development and international marketing.

The program makes an extensive use of case studies, project-based learning and simulations and focuses on developing skills in project management, report writing, team work, communication and presentation. In addition, the experiential learning opportunity provides them with hands-on experience working in a real world business setting. They get a chance to apply their learning into practice and gain relevant industry contacts.

Available Career Paths

The international business management program leads graduates to diverse career paths. They may work as customs brokers, export/import coordinators, trade representatives, foreign investment and risk analysts, logistics support assistants, commercial bank officers, foreign investment and risk analysts, international marketing representatives or international development assistants with organizations operating across various industries.

Graduates also have an opportunity to continue their studies by applying their academic credits towards a Master’s degree with university partners. This will help them upgrade their knowledge and skills in international business and avail more advanced career opportunities.

Program Eligibility

In order to apply to this program, individuals will need:
  • Three-year college diploma or university degree in any discipline
  • Proof of English proficiency
Those who have completed partial university degree or college diploma can also apply to this program. However, for this, they will need at least two years of work experience relevant to this program.