“A mind is a terrible thing to waste,” the iconic motto coined by American businessman and executive Vernon Jordan, still resonates with people decades later. It was part of an ad campaign launched in 1972, and was later used by civil rights activists. In essence, the quote advises one to put their mental faculties to good use; this advice remains helpful regardless of whether you have a degree or are still pursuing one.
In our day and age, technology has compelled people to acquire new skills and continually update their knowledge to stay abreast of evolving trends in the business field. Gone are the days when people completed their diplomas and degrees and stopped there. With the prevalence of digital tools, there is a growing need for entrepreneurs to professionally develop their skills and update the ones they already have.
Whether it is through college courses or online modules, continuing your education is key to navigating the ever-changing competitive job market landscape. If you would like to develop your skills, here is a selection of five professional development programs that can provide the necessary momentum for your career.
Digital Tools
Seneca College offers two-day computer training workshops that can provide you with the necessary skills to navigate today’s evolving office landscape. After all, technology is constantly changing, and what was once in trend is now obsolete. The course enables you to stay up to date with several workshops designed to enhance your skills in web page design, Excel, Word, Basic macro programming, PowerPoint, QuickBooks, InDesign, Illustrator, and other applications. The college also offers professional courses in information technology. If you are interested, you can choose to develop your skills in IT as well, some courses cover subjects such as Introduction to Big Data, Mobile App Development, and Web Services.
E-Commerce Fundamentals
Managing and setting up an e-commerce platform can be challenging; George Brown College’s E-commerce Fundamentals program teaches students to create a content strategy and launch a website. Whether you are an entrepreneur or already working for a large organization, the course teaches you essential skills to broaden your understanding of what makes a successful e-commerce site. Learning about e-commerce websites is important; it can help you reach a wider audience, reduce costs, and enhance your customer service experience.
Business Communications
Effective communication is the key to successful business ventures and growth; without it, you risk losing clients. Humber College’s course in business communication teaches experienced professionals how to communicate clearly. The course is designed to prepare successful managers how to communicate clearly, accurately, and effectively. Poor communication not only leads to missed opportunities, but can also restrict entrepreneurs from moving ahead. The certificate course can be taken in class or online; its goal is to sharpen your written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, allowing you to attract clients for new business ventures with ease.
Strategic Marketing
With the growth of globalization and the prevalence of the internet, marketing has changed. The prevalence of social media has transformed the way businesses connect with their clients. After all, technology has facilitated new ways to interact with consumers as opposed to traditional methods. Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) offers a certificate course in Strategic Marketing available through the Chang School of Continuing Education. It includes courses on the principles of marketing, marketing metrics, analysis, and understanding consumers.
Leadership
Specifically designed for managers and HR professionals, Centennial College’s Certificate in Leadership Development program applies diversity and inclusion practices to address leadership issues in the workplace. Taking such a course is crucial for enhancing your leadership skills and navigating challenges that could impede effective leadership in the workplace. The course boosts your confidence, clarifies your vision, and introduces you to different leadership styles. It also allows you to develop a personal leadership style and examines change-management skills along with strategies that promote inclusion.
These are a few among many courses that you could choose from. Today’s changing corporate landscape is ever evolving; without continuing your education, you risk surviving in a competitive workplace.
David Messiha| Staff Writer