SCS is excited to celebrate our partnership with The EDUCAFIN Scholarship Program, a decentralized initiative from the Guanajuato government in central Mexico, that pursues international professionalization for young university grads. Eligible learners who enter the program can choose to study in our English Language Program (ELP) to improve their English language skills and prepare for graduate studies. 

The EDUCAFIN Scholarship Program is a unique pilot that is inspiring other states in Mexico to pursue similar initiatives. “SCS and ELP are so pleased to be a part of this exciting collaboration” says Lisa Morgan, Director of our English Language Program (ELP) and International Initiatives. “It’s encouraging to see international learners so eager to advance their English skills, and we are honoured to be a part of their learning journey.”

Today, along with the School of Graduate Studies and the Office of the Vice-President, International, we will be hosting a barbeque to recognize this important partnership. “Our team at ELP looks forward to discovering future collaborations with international programs that share our passion for language education,” says Lisa Morgan. “Congratulations to all our EDUCAFIN learners who display an admiral commitment to lifelong learning.”

For Thomas Ponniah, learning Farsi was a romantic gesture—a wedding gift to his wife. However, the fringe benefits have been exponential.

“My wife and her family are Persian, and when they interact with each other, they speak Persian. My background is not Persian, so I felt it would be nice for them if I could speak their language” says Thomas. “At dinners or events, they would speak English for me, but it wasn’t their natural language. There is so much more emotion and feeling when you speak your native tongue.”

Thomas’ wife Afsoon was born in Iran, and came to Canada as a refugee at age four. Today, she is refugee rights lawyer.  “When we were discussing getting married, I spoke to Afsoon’s parents. I said I want to study Persian, and that it was important to me to teach our future children Persian as well.”

After the wedding, Thomas stuck to his promise, and began studying Farsi at SCS. “Choosing SCS was an obvious choice. I didn’t want a tutor; I wanted to learn with other motivated students, and felt confident about the quality of instruction I would receive at U of T” he says. “My classmates were really committed, and they pushed me to be a better student.”

In fact, Thomas, who is a philosophy professor, found being in the role of student instead of teacher was very eye opening, and enjoyed learning from his instructor Alireza Bahrani, who won an SCS Excellence in Teaching award in 2017. “When you learn a language, you are witnessing a pedagogy. Watching how Ali taught was really inspiring. He teaches how to love a language. Ali encourages us to be enthusiastic, because he is enthusiastic! He brought in poetry, songs, and music videos to engage us in a more multidimensional way,” Thomas notes. “I’m normally in front of the class. Now, I have a better understanding of the learner experience, which has improved my teaching. You could say my goal was romantically inspired, but my craft has also benefited from learning at SCS.”

Another benefit has been his newfound ability to engage in Persian culture, and the Persian community here in Toronto. “There is a large, vibrant Persian community here. My beginner language skills allow me to engage in a new way. I have a fresh perspective and appreciation for the food, culture, and media” he smiles. “When you know a language, you start meeting new people in coffee shops, taking transit, wherever! Today, I feel a greater connection to Persian society.”

After completing his first Farsi classes, Thomas told his in-laws at a family dinner to only speak Persian, forcing himself to learn, engage, and show off his new skills. “Every now and then I would pipe in with a phrase. Sometimes that was ambiguous to be safe” he laughs. “But I was participating, which was great.”

Thomas’ goal is to continue taking Farsi courses at SCS, and would recommend the challenge of learning a new language for love. “There are so many cross-cultural relationships in Toronto. I think trying to learn your partner’s native language and culture is an amazing gift to give them and their family” he says. Thomas also admits that learning a new language requires the ability to let go, take risks, and not take yourself too seriously. “Right now, most of what I say in Farsi is fairly mundane. As a professor, I am used to knowing the most, but it’s very helpful to know the least in the classroom” he says. “Learning requires emotional and mental flexibility, to be comfortable being uncomfortable. Essentially, in class we all have to get used to laughing at ourselves while pushing ourselves to learn. It has been a great experience and I look forward to continue developing my ability to speak, read, and understand Persian.”

“My artistic sensibilities were born in Saint Lucia, in oral folk traditions” says Canisia Lubrin. “Every night, my grandmother’s folktales would usher me into a life of storytelling.” Canisia, who teaches our Poetry and Creative Writing courses, is a writer, editor, poet, and critic, who has been involved in arts administration and community advocacy for almost two decades. “I approach my classrooms as I do my work: with a sense of curiosity, a commitment to discovery, and a mission to expand the possibilities of literature” she says.

Her most recent collection of poetry, titled Voodoo Hypothesis, landed Canisia on multiple lists, including CBC’s Six Black Canadian Writers to Watch in 2018. “My writer mind is always active and alive; writing is how I live. My other passion is teaching” she says. Canisia feels that teaching is less about sharing her vision, and more about guiding learners through their own visions. She has taught retired grandmothers, learners right out of high school, and professionals in the height of their career, all of whom had the work in them, and just needed the nudge to put pen to paper. “Once they commit to starting the creative process, the path is already laid” she says.

Canisia, who holds a Master of Fine Art in Creative Writing, is currently working on a variety of projects, including another collection of poetry, some short stories, a novel, and a book of essays. She also plans to explore more teaching opportunities, and appreciates the mix of learners and perspectives in her classroom. “I think the richness of diversity at SCS bodes well for the health of literature in this world. The beauty of creative writing in a continuing education setting is that everyone can access it” says Canisia. “By removing creative writing from a strictly academic setting, the possibilities now and into the future are endless. For me, it’s a kind of freeing and democratizing of creativity.”

“The technology industry is evolving faster than we could ever imagine” says Saumil Bapat. “Between automation and shifts in the job market, there’s a huge demand for employees with machine learning, AI, and full-stack skills. I want to be in high-demand, so I came to SCS.”

Saumil recently completed our Coding Boot Camp, and is currently enrolled in our Data Analytics Boot Camp . After graduating in 2010 with a degree in Engineering Science from the University of Toronto, Saumil began his career in engineering consulting. In 2011, he made a transition to the tech industry, landing a job at Salesforce. He is currently part of their consulting team.

“I was working on a project a while back with a major client, building a cutting edge advertising delivery platform. On the back end, it was very complex” reflects Saumil. “I realized that a lot of tools and strategies had really evolved since I earned my undergrad degree. So I started exploring continuing education options. I wanted to learn in a hands-on, collaborative environment.”

Saumil chose to pursue part-time studies in our IT Boot Camp program, attending classes two nights a week, and every Saturday morning for 24 weeks. “It’s a big commitment, but my employer is very supportive of my efforts. I’m learning from industry experts, and I’m able to ask questions and engage in meaningful conversations with my peers” he says. Saumil’s classmates come from a variety of backgrounds. “My peers range from chefs who are looking to make a big career change, to others in the tech industry looking to upgrade their abilities. It makes for a really diverse learning environment” says Saumil, who plans to pursue our Certificate in Mobile Business Technologies and Applications next.

As his skills grow, Saumil is confident that he is becoming more versatile in the ever-changing tech landscape. His goal is to gain the ability to envision a project, and create it successfully from the ground up. Saumil acknowledges that it can be challenging to keep your skills up-to-date when you are working full time. “It’s a lot, but it’s worth it. I am learning to tackle problems that most others can’t. It’s given me an edge,” he says. “You have to be fully committed and mentally prepared for these Boot Camps. But if you are passionate, it doesn’t feel like a burden. I look forward to every class. There is no question in my mind that this is the time to upskill and adapt to our rapidly changing world.”

SCS Boot Camps are presented in partnership with Trilogy Education Services. To learn more, visit our designated Boot Camp page.

“For me, teaching is a means of giving back, and sharing the skills I’ve acquired throughout my training and career” says Christine Misquitta, a research scientist and project manager. This attitude towards teaching inspired Christine to join SCS to teach our new Project Management for Research course.

“A few years ago I sat on a panel discussion about large-scale project grants. I was the only project manager in attendance, and shared the observation that many investigators lack the administrative resources to put together these large projects, and manage them effectively. The Office of the Vice President – Research and Innovation at U of T worked with SCS and Alison Paprica (also an SCS instructor) to develop a course that would meet these needs” she says. “Now, as an instructor, it’s refreshing to see the many scenarios in which learners from various research backgrounds can use the project management skills I teach. It’s eye opening.”

Based at the Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research at the University of Toronto, Christine uses her project management skills to coordinate large, interinstitutional projects funded by organizations such as the Ontario Research Fund (ORF), and Genome Canada.

She is excited to bring her project management experience to SCS. “It’s encouraging to see project management becoming more widely accepted and utilized in non-traditional industries, such as education and research” she says. “In the future, I would like to see project management skills become core competencies that all members of a team can possess. When project management is embraced and used by an entire team or organization, it’s bound to lead to increased efficiency”.

Christine enjoys working with adult learners who are seeking novel ways to bring better organization and management strategies to their work. “The people in my class are making a time commitment, and putting themselves out of their comfort zone to acquire new skills, as a way to enhance their efficiency on the job” she says. “This is very admirable in my opinion.”

Despite a demanding roster of responsibilities, including her additional role as Vice President of Administration and Communications for the Centre for the Commercialization of Antibodies and Biologics (CCAB), Christine still finds time to stay in fighting form.

Literally.

She, her husband, and two sons all hold black belts in Taekwon Do, and all four of them teach the martial art in their spare time. “I love encouraging others to challenge themselves and take the next step, or hooking kick, forward.”

“My son knows that ‘Mama goes to school.’ I think he’s proud of me, and respects the hustle,” says Nikki Martin, who recently earned her Certificate in Leadership Essentials. As a working mom, it was challenging to carve out time for professional development, but it was well worth the effort. “I was open with my family. I told them that growing my leadership skills was a priority for me, and I admitted I needed support to achieve my goals,” reflects Nikki. “You can’t be afraid to ask for what you need, and as parents, sometimes we forget that.”

Nikki has worked in the retail industry for over 10 years, finding her passion in project management and operations. She came to SCS in 2016, after identifying significant cultural changes taking place in her organization. “I realized now is the time to ramp up my leadership abilities” says Nikki, who holds a Bachelor of Commerce. “I wanted to get ahead of change, and prepare myself for future challenges.”

She particularly enjoyed two courses within the Leadership Essentials Certificate: Conflict Management Skills, and Understanding & Managing Conflict. “I’ve learned you don’t have to react; you can choose when it’s best to engage in conflict, and when not to. There is a psychology to each unique conflict, and through analysis I can get to the core of an issue,” Nikki says. “I’m no longer intimidated, because I have the skills to handle many situations.”

While her new conflict management skills have served her career, Nikki has also found them to be applicable in a variety of personal situations. For instance, she now views conflict with her five-year-old son in a different light. “I ask him the right questions, and I’m an active listener,” she says. “Whether at home or in the boardroom, my ability to manage conflict has been life changing. I’m a better parent and a better professional.”

Nikki valued her in-class experience, networking with peers equally as passionate about leadership. She stays in touch with her classmates, sharing leadership and conflict management tips to support one another. Her conflict management instructor, Robert Pidgeon, brings decades of experience in designing and facilitating conflict and dispute resolution systems. “Robert taught us to be flexible in our methodology, to be deeply curious, creative, and thoughtful in our problem solving,” she says. “He showed us it’s ok to make mistakes, and that mediation doesn’t have to be scary. I’m a braver woman having taken these courses.”

In the future, Nikki plans to use her leadership skills to counter gender biases in the workplace. “As women, we need to stand up, speak up, and help one another. We are building the next generation of female leaders,” she asserts. “I want the same opportunity and earning potential as any other Canadian, regardless of my gender, or any other factors. I’m so glad I made self-development a priority, because now I am more capable of leading my vision of equality forward.”

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.”