Starting your career after graduating from university is an exciting time!

You developed strong knowledge and abilities in your degree, and now it’s time to bring those qualities to the workplace.

Our Professional Edge program is designed to translate the knowledge you learned in your undergraduate degree into tangible, marketable, real-world skills that will ensure you thrive in a business environment.

Employers want to know what value you will bring to their business; this program gives you the confidence and perspective to implement your academic abilities in a fast-paced, real-life, competitive work setting.

EARN A CERTIFICATE IN 4 WEEKS

GAIN HANDS-ON, WORKPLACE-RELEVANT SKILLS

Learning outcomes are different depending on the certificate you choose to pursue, however each certificate program is designed specifically for recent graduates who want to learn fundamental skills that are critical to excel in today’s market.

You will develop:

• Hands-on skills by working on real-life inspired business projects from start to finish
• Business acumen
• Important workplace communication skills (both written and presentation)
• Effective resume writing abilities
• Strategic networking skills
• The ability to nail an interview
• An online profile that stands out from the crowd and highlights the unique value you will bring to an organization

LEARN FROM EXPERTS

Instructors at SCS are experts in their field who are passionate about sharing their knowledge, tips for success, and lessons learned over the years. By turning theory into action, your instructors will show you how to implement and enhance your teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking abilities in a work environment.

THE EDGE EXPERIENCE

This program is open to everyone, however, it is designed specifically for recent grads seeking an intensive, full-time program to develop job-ready skills.

You can expect:

• Open enrollment with no admissions process
• To be in class, on campus, every day for four weeks
• Take-home projects and online resources
• To work independently and within a dynamic team (mimicking a work environment)
• A variety networking opportunities
• Small class sizes so you can connect other learners who are equally as motivated
• Upon successful completion, you will receive a University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies Certificate, an important credential to back up the knowledge and skills you have already worked so hard to develop

Take the next step towards your future. Register now before spaces fill up!

U of T's Career Exploration & Education will provide career-ready workshops throughout the program. These workshops will help all learners to develop a stellar resume, learn skills that will prepare you to knock it out of the park in an interview and create a professional online profile that stands out from the crowd." 

Imagine if enterprises had more access to vital organizational information. We would see improved efficiency, productivity, profit, and reduced risk[1]. However, most organizations have access to only a minuscule amount of their own data and knowledge base, leaving a huge void of missed opportunity[2]. With access to the right information, businesses can save time and money, while making strategic business decisions.

The Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM), an international certifying body of and for professional records and information managers, sees a bright future for the field of Records and Information Management (RIM), and is excited to announce a new partnership with the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies.

Now, if you complete the SCS Certificate of Records and Information Management, you can fast track earning your ICRM credentials. To be eligible, SCS Certificate of Records and Information Management holders must have achieved a minimum of 70% in each of the required courses. If you meet this requirement, you are exempt from ICRM’s three-part Certified Records Analyst (CRA) examinations.

Both ICRM and SCS know that information management professionals are key players in future facing organizations. Today, this growing and critically important field is all about using technology and intelligent automation to provide knowledge asset management and value preservation[3]. This discipline holds significant opportunity and potential for young professionals looking to enter a growing and vital field[4].

“This is ICRM’s first international continuing education partnership, as well as our first international collaboration. We are excited to work with SCS, knowing that the University of Toronto is the top ranked university in Canada, and is one of the world’s top 10 public universities” says Cheryl Pederson, President of ICRM. “Now, adults wanting to enter the RIM field, or RIM professionals determined to advance their career, can earn an SCS certificate, while fast tracking their path to becoming a Certified Records Analyst (CRA).”

“The future of RIM is all about providing access to the right information at the right time, which is more important than ever in this digital information age. We offer our Certificate in Records and Information Management in collaboration with the University of Toronto Faculty of Information (iSchool), ensuring our curriculum is current and innovative” says Maureen MacDonald, Dean of SCS. “This certificate is fully online, making it accessible for anyone wanting to succeed in this dynamic and growing field. ICRM’s designations have strong industry recognition, and we’re delighted to partner with them to help advance careers.”

Click here for more information about this collaboration.

About the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies

At the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies (SCS), we celebrate the continuous journey towards knowledge, expansion, and new understandings. We’re here to help you step up and take ownership of your future, again and again.

Our roster of over 800 courses, over 50 program areas, and more than 110 certificates across a wide range of fields gives you the opportunity to customize your unique learning path. Whether you are looking to upgrade your skills, learn a new language, feed a curiosity, or take your career to the next level, we’re here to help you journey forward. We also know that flexibility is key to learning success, and offer over 540 online learning options.

Learning is a vital lifelong process. Keep exploring and own your future.
 

About The Institute of Certified Records Managers
The Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM), is an international certifying body of and for professional records and information managers. It was established in 1975 to define and document the knowledge, skills, and competencies in the growing field of Records and Information Management (RIM).  ICRM is committed to the professional development of the RIM community, and their designations are a valuable part of this diverse, interdisciplinary, and global constituency.

The ICRM provides 100% Online Testing and Virtual Exam Prep Workshops. Advance your career from home or work!

Contacts
ICRM Administrator - Certifications and Online Exam and Exam Prep
admin@icrm.org

or

Rae Lynn Haliday, MBA, CRM, Chairman
ICRM Strategic Alliance Committee
haliday@stlzoo.org

SCS Certificate of Records and Information Management Inquiries
learn@utoronto.ca

Amy Baier, University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
Director, Strategic Communication and Marketing
amy.baier@utoronto.ca

Marcus Tignanelli isn’t your typical 24-year-old. As a City Councillor for North Bay, he is dedicated to revitalizing the city he loves. But his path to political leadership was not what you would expect.

Marcus began his career working as a hair stylist. After a few years, he grew interested in business strategy, and noticed a gap in his company’s social media presence. “I went to my boss and told him that I wanted to improve our social media, but I needed more education” says Marcus, who earned his Digital Strategy and Communications Management Certificate at SCS in 2018. “The company liked my enthusiasm, and supported my learning at SCS. I took on managing their social media strategy, and I would apply the skills I learned in class the next morning at work.”

Although Marcus was living in Toronto at the time, he was still very connected to his North Bay roots, and wanted to find ways to help his hometown thrive. “There is a large Indigenous population in North Bay, and I wanted to help youth learn new skills and foster self-confidence” he reflects. “So I started a training program, teaching high school students on the Indigenous Reserve hair dressing skills.” Marcus secured government funding, and launched a one-week fundamentals course, going into schools and teaching his trade pro-bono. The program was a huge success, igniting a training partnership with Mushkegowuk First Nation. It will soon run eight weeks out of the year, helping youth learn hands-on skills.

Meanwhile, Marcus wanted to go a step further in supporting North Bay. “I decided to run for City Councillor. It seemed like a natural step forward for me, because I have always been interested in politics. But everyone laughed. They said I was too young” he recalls. “All the other candidates were producing tons of print marketing materials. That wasn’t feasible for me cost-wise, so I leaned on the skills I learned at SCS.”

Marcus leveraged his new abilities in online campaign strategy and social media marketing. “The most important thing this certificate taught me was how to tell and market your story. My story was about fresh leadership and creating a vibrant and open North Bay. Instead of making promises, I focused my campaign on providing valuable information to voters who felt confused or ostracized by the political process” reflect Marcus. “I started a website and a blog- a skill I learned in class- and began educating voters. I blogged on topics like ‘why politics matter’, and ‘how to make your vote count’. I encouraged a younger demographic to care about the politics of their city, and get out and vote.”

Vote they did. Marcus won the election on October 22, 2018, and was sworn in as City Councillor on December 1.  Although he is busy serving his city, Marcus, who also won a Marilynn Booth Award for demonstrating academic success, personal commitment, and exemplary leadership, now aspires to take French courses at SCS to help him succeed in Canadian politics. “The skills I learned in this certificate helped me win the election” he says. “My advice to others would be that if you want to get ahead, but you don’t know the first step, SCS is that step.”

For Akiko Maruoka, learning a language is about more than just uttering words and sentences. “I teach how to express ideas and emotions, and the role that culture plays in effective communication” she says. After 38 years at SCS, Akiko is our longest-serving instructor. She came to Canada from Japan in her early 30s, and began working at Robarts Library at the University of Toronto, managing the Japanese book catalogue. Akiko then earned her Master of Education in Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning through the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), and has been teaching a variety of Japanese language courses ever since.

Teaching runs strong in Akiko’s blood. “Instruction is very natural to me” she says. “Both my parents were teachers, as well as my two siblings. It’s who I am.” Akiko’s career began teaching junior high school in Japan. At the time, very few teachers were female. “Coming to Canada opened doors for me, providing opportunities to grow my teaching abilities” she smiles. “I’m really grateful for this.”

Akiko’s favourite part of teaching is connecting with her learners. “I love seeing their smiling faces, and mixing up my teaching styles” she says. “After all these years, it’s never, ever boring. They elevate my energy.” She also has a strong vision for the future of language instruction. “Information technology is changing and opening up more possibilities than ever before. Language education is and should evolve with it” she asserts. “Language instructors have an important role to play in guiding learners towards useful and reliable online information. But at the end of the day, no computer program or Google app can mimic the connections and contexts that evolve in a classroom.”

When she isn’t busy teaching, Akiko enjoys volunteering at a local seniors’ home. She views it as a way to give back to the country she loves. At 79, some would suggest Akiko should slow down and relax. “My friends say I’m crazy” she laughs. “But what can I say? I love it.”

Whether you are writing a business proposal, a successful marketing campaign, a pitch, or any other business communication in the workplace, the ability to tell a story and develop convincing material is key. Writer, corporate consultant, and business communications instructor Elaine Stirling believes in the power of narrative and storytelling within a business context. Her book The Corporate Storyteller: A Writing Manual & Style Guide for the Brave New Business Leader helps professionals hone their creativity and authentic voice.

A passion for nurturing exceptional business writing led Elaine to create the SCS Elaine Stirling Corporate Storyteller Award for Business Writing, valued at $2,500 annually. This award demonstrates the impact that storytelling has in the workplace, recognizing and rewarding examples of business writing that have had demonstrable impact on the applicant’s career, a major workplace project, or the applicant’s organization.

"This award allows us to recognize learners who have developed the courage to communicate with clarity, style, and creativity in the workplace” says Elaine. “Corporate storytelling is an essential 21st century skill that can enhance your career, inspire colleagues, and raise industry standards, both in the private and public sectors. When your work is infused with intention and authenticity, anything is possible.”

Click here to learn more about the Elaine Stirling Corporate Storyteller Award for Business Writing, and explore our extensive portfolio of donor-funded awards.

“Sometimes we look at education as a means to get somewhere, or obtain something. But for me, learning is a gateway to self discovery” says Sally Abudiab, who recently completed SCS courses including Freelance Science, Medicine, and Public Health Writing, and A Grammar Handbook.

Sally is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Science at the University of Toronto Rehabilitation Sciences Institute. Studying the recovery of behavioural inconsistency in moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries, she is passionate about helping others and advocating for health equity.

“The Freelance Science, Medicine, and Public Health Writing course taught me that the art of storytelling transcends all boundaries. It reminds us of who we are as people, and of what we share” reflects Sally. “As a health sciences writer, there is never a ‘you’ and ‘them’ divide- there is only us, equal and one.” Reflecting on her in-class experience, Sally felt immediately connected to her peers. The diverse backgrounds of her classmates- some were entrepreneurs, professors, scientists, graduate students, and editors of magazines- meant the networking possibilities were endless. “My instructor really encouraged us to work collaboratively and share ideas” says Sally. “I found it exhilarating to work with other people who are committed to making the world more just. We would talk openly about health disparities and inequities. When you put a group of people who are passionate about the same things in a room, great learning happens.”

Pursuing continuing education at SCS has improved Sally’s capacity to communicate, a skill she uses daily in her studies. “No one understood why I wanted to take a course on grammar, but I’m so glad I did” she laughs. “I learned how to make my writing colourful and engaging. Sometimes I’ll be in a meeting, and remember a strategy or tool that I learned at SCS. I get to share that knowledge with the group, and that makes me feel empowered.”

Looking towards the future, Sally’s ultimate goal is to help solve structural health inequities, and advocate for social justice. “Years ago, I was bored on a flight and opened up an in-flight magazine that was in the seat pocket in front of me. I came across a page that had an image of a cracked fortune cookie and a fortune that read: You only get in life what you ask for, not what you think you deserve,” she smiles. “I ripped out that page and still have it to this day. These are words I live by, and improving my communication skills at SCS enhanced my capacity to share my vision, and ask for real change.”

Happy International Women’s Day (IWD)!

This year’s theme is “better the balance, better the world”, which I am proud to say are words we live by here at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies. As IWD puts it, “balance is not a women's issue, it's a business issue.” I know that gender balance is crucial to our success as an educational organization.

Our 524 active female instructors share their expertise and unique experiences with our learners. In the past five years, over 100 women have developed courses at SCS, which our staff members (more than half of whom are female), have worked collaboratively to implement, support, and market. In this same timeframe, we saw 87,605 female learner enrolments.

Our female instructors and learners are incredibly diverse. Some are CEOs, artists, business owners, government leaders, and advocates. All of them are seeking to make the world a better place.

Essentially, gender balance plays a huge role in our organization, and we are always working to support this important dynamic.

As a provider of continuing education, we encourage gender balance in boardrooms, workplaces, government, media coverage, and income. Our focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion has us working together to reinforce this balance. As the Dean, my goal is to ensure that anyone who identifies as a woman will receive support, opportunity, and equality when they interact with SCS.

Sincerely,

Maureen MacDonald
Dean, University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies

As an internationally educated mechanical engineer, Samreen Fatima faced many challenges moving to Canada and entering the workforce. Adjusting to a new language and culture was the first hurdle, but there was also the question of obtaining her P.Eng., a license required by the Government of Canada for any engineering work that serves the public.

In Ontario, P.Eng. candidates must fulfill a set of course requirements, pass intensive exams and have 48 months’ proven work experience (12 of them in Canada). Luckily for Fatima, the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO) provided financial assistance for the academic component, through SCS’ Licensing International Engineers into the Profession (LIEP) program. “Being new to Canada, you’re not in a financial position to pay full fees, because you can’t work,” says Fatima, who arrived from Pakistan in 2015 with her husband, also an engineer, and two children.

With help from expert instructors and the LIEP program’s flexible, part-time class schedule, Fatima passed all four of her required technical exams: Fluid Machinery, Applied Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer, Engineering Economics and Environmental Control. Her Fluid Machinery instructor, Dr. Hamideh Parizi, guided her through the material covered by the exam and more, offering support and advice along the way. “She taught us everything we had to know, going into the concepts, rather than simply the exam prep,” Fatima says. “Anytime we needed help outside class time, she was available by email and text. It was because of her that I passed.”

Parizi, who holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering from U of T, is Vice President of Simulent Inc., a U of T spin-off company specializing in software development and consulting in the field of computational fluid dynamics. Being taught by a female engineer was encouraging for Fatima, who didn’t have many role models in Pakistan, especially as a working mother. Of her graduating class of 220 students at NED University of Engineering and Technology in Karachi, only about a dozen were women. “The supports for women are lacking there,” she says. “I had a job in my hands as soon as I graduated from engineering school, but I had to quit once I got married and had my son.”

“In Canada, the availability of maternity leave and daycare make a huge difference,” Fatima says. Through the LIEP program, Fatima also benefited from networking opportunities, attending job fairs and workshops. “Networking can be a challenge when you’re new to Canada—when you’re in a different culture, there are many small hurdles that you have to overcome,” Fatima says.

As she prepares for her final licensing exam, the Professional Practice Exam (PPE), while interning at an engineering firm, Fatima is confident that she’ll find a job she loves. “I’d like to apply for a job as a research assistant, because I enjoy continuously increasing and enhancing my knowledge,” she says. “I would also love to work in the automotive sector—I want to be on the floor. I’d like to do something that isn’t a typical office job.”

When: January 22, 2019, 7:00–9:00 PM

Where: University of Toronto, Sidney Smith Hall amphitheatre (Room 2102), 100 St. George St.

Co-presented by Editors Toronto, Canadian Authors–Toronto, and the Creative Writing Program at the School of Continuing Studies, University of Toronto.

This special event will bring acclaimed Vancouver novelist Esi Edugyan together with four of her editors — Patrick Crean, John Sweet, Marie-Lynn Hammond, and Jane Warren — for a discussion about the writing and editing of Ms. Edugyan's two Giller Prize winning novels, Half-Blood Blues (2011) and Washington Black (2018).

Free for members students, faculty, and staff in the Creative Writing Program. All proceeds will go to the School of Continuing Studies' Creative Writing Bursary to assist writing students.

Click here to learn more!

When Sara Leticia García Poo was offered the opportunity to travel from her Mexican community to study English in Toronto, she jumped at the chance. “When you get this kind of opportunity, you take the risk” she says. “With risk, you learn.”

As a recipient of the Consejo de Ciencia y Tecnología del Estado de Chiapas (COCYTECH) scholarship, Sara and eleven other women attended a month-long learning intensive in the English Language Program (ELP) at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies (SCS). The scholarship, which is offered by the State of Chiapas, supports indigenous women who are pursuing Master’s degrees.

Sara grew close with other COCYTECH recipients, including Amarantha Lizeth López Méndez, Mari Cruz Ruiz Cortina, and Tania Gómez Guillén. All four women found it difficult to leave their families, but collectively knew this was the chance of a lifetime; the opportunity to learn a new language while being immersed in a foreign culture is rare for indigenous women in their community.

“Being a mom, being a professional, and a local woman from Mexico, it’s difficult to get opportunities like this” explains Sara. “We don’t have the personal budget to be here, so this scholarship is great. We are examples for other women and for our children.”

The language barrier was intimidating at first for Amarantha. Working with her English for Effective Communication instructor Lorenzo Sclocco, who won the 2017 Excellence in Teaching Award, her skills steadily improved. She valued the unique opportunity to meet other learners from around the world, and found a new confidence. “U of T taught me a different perspective” she says. “I have learned to believe in me, in my options.”

For Mari Cruz, visiting Toronto marked the first time she had ever travelled outside of Mexico. At 43, this was an exciting opportunity, but also meant personal sacrifice. She struggled to be away from her children, however Mari Cruz knew she was setting a strong example for them. “They watch me, and they are proud” she smiles. Tania adds that their experience speaks to the power of lifelong learning, and its capacity to unlock new experiences and inspire self-assurance.

Having returned to Mexico, the women are excited to incorporate their new English language skills into their educational pursuits. Tania finds her new grasp of English helpful as she pursues her Masters degree in tourism, because she is now able to communicate with English-speaking visitors. Sara and Mari Cruz plan to incorporate their new language abilities into their pursuit of a Master’s of Education, while Amarantha is finding unique ways to apply her English skills as she explores a Master’s in Biochemistry.

Leaving their communities meant taking a chance on the unknown, but these four women agree coming to SCS was the right choice.

 “It’s been a dream” says Sara. “For us, it’s been a dream”.

Skill Builders are short and accessible courses taught by leading experts. You will learn in-demand skills and information that will help you thrive in your current industry.

You can expect:

• Courses ranging from a half day to three days, depending on the subject matter
• Expert instruction – courses are taught by leading practitioners and/or researchers
• Relevant knowledge that can be applied directly in the workplace following the course
• No assessment/evaluation – these courses are designed for you to learn and develop your skills, and there is typically no assessment of learning
• Courses that relate to existing courses and certificate programs offered at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies (SCS)
• Opportunities to network

There is no need to apply. All Skill Builder courses, like most SCS courses, are open-enrolment. Letters of attendance can be provided upon request for your employer

These Skill Builder courses are starting soon. Click below to learn more:

• 3075 - Google Analytics
• 3381 - Change Management and Projects
• 3386 - Facilities Management Essentials
• 3389 - Blockchain for Non-Technical Professionals
• 3395 - Digital Transformation: Framework for Business Growth
• 3483 - Leading by Design – Applying Design Thinking to Leadership
• 3545 - Agile Marketing
• 3580 - Agile Practice in Business Analysis
• 3587 - Fearless Networking – Connecting Creatively & Confidently
• 3588 - Goal Setting and Achievement: Getting Beyond Stuck
• 3590 - Simple Tools for Managing Research Projects
• 3622 - Developing the Ultimate Marketing Plan for Dynamic Times
• 3626 - Planning for Autonomous Vehicles
• 3627 - Leading Enterprise Digital Transformation and Innovation
• 3638 - Applying Data Science to Real World Problems
• 3640 - Beyond Brainstorming: 3-Step System for Leading Creative Problem Solving Meetings
• 3646 - Creating the Business Pitch for Investors
• 3647 - Legal Tips for Start-ups and Small-businesses
• 3653 - Cyber Liability and Insurance
• 3664 - Putting the AI in Marketing and PR
• 3671 - Product Owner – Practical Strategies for Delivery Value

On November 29, the School of Continuing Studies (SCS) hosted the 2018 Business and Professional Awards Reception at the University of Toronto Faculty Club. This event honoured the winners of four donor funded awards that recognize learner excellence in various areas. Celebrating with family, friends, donors, and SCS staff, these learners had an opportunity to share their unique journeys, and express how continuing education has transformed their lives.  

Larry Chester Excellence in Leadership Award

The Larry Chester Excellence in Leadership Award was established in 2009 by Larry Chester, a former long-term instructor at the School of Continuing Studies. The award, geared for students in the Leadership Essentials Certificate, recognizes and rewards outstanding students who demonstrate the qualities of an emerging leader. The Larry Chester Excellence in Leadership Award is valued at $1,000.

Winners:

• Aashka Bhatt
• Arzu Kaya

Marilynn Booth Award of Excellence

Throughout her career, Marilynn Booth has shown how continuing education broadens horizons, creates opportunity, enriches our culture, and builds stronger communities - in our city, across Canada, and around the world. To honour Marilynn Booth in her retirement after a decade of remarkable achievements as Dean of the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies, the Marilynn Booth Award of Excellence was created to recognize and reward career-focused learners who have demonstrated academic success, personal commitment, and exemplary leadership. The Marilynn Booth Award of Excellence is valued at $1,000.

Winners:

• Larry Chan
• Tania Fernandes
• Amir Kamandlooie
• Khatija Qureshi
• Marcus Tignanelli
• Melanie Wijeratna

Ogilvie Award for Excellence in Project Management

Project management professional and award-winning instructor Joseph Ogilvie established this award in 2015. This award recognizes a professional registered in a Project Management certificate program who has contributed to the growth, innovation, and overall success of their organization. The Ogilvie Award for Excellence in Project Management is valued at $2,500.

Winner:

• Matthew Rozycki

Timothy Fong and Enrico Chir Award

Timothy Fong, a long-term instructor at SCS, and fellow financial trading professional Enrico Chir, established this award in 2012. Timothy and Enrico define success not merely as achieving healthy financial returns, but also as committing to give back to the community. This award recognizes a learner with a similar perspective, who works in the finance, investment, or risk sectors. The winner demonstrates academic excellence and notable community engagement. The Timothy Fong and Enrico Chir Award is valued at $1,000.

Winner:

• Melinda Sheridan