Graduate Certificate in Paralegal

at Algonquin College - Ottawa Campus Canada

Advance your skillsets for a career in construction and civil engineering

The Civil Engineering Technology Ontario College Advanced Diploma is a continuation of the Construction Engineering Technician program and is open to students who already have an Algonquin College Construction Engineering Technician Ontario College Diploma and meet the admission requirements. This third year of study explores in-depth areas of civil engineering technology such as:

• Project scheduling and cost control
• Surveying
• Design of steel structures
• Foundations
• Water and wastewater technology
• Soils analysis
• Reinforced concrete design 

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op version of the program are subject to availability.

During the final two terms of the program you take on a year-long project in collaboration with external industry partners that gives you real-world experience and may help you develop networks within a specific industry. As part of a project team, you participate in leadership events, analyze and solve problems, create deliverables and present the results of your project to the college community and the industry through demonstrations and presentations.

OACETT (Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists) recognizes this program as meeting all of the academic requirements for certification in the Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) or Applied Science Technologist (AScT) category. Graduates and final-year students are immediately eligible to be registered as Associate members of OACETT upon submission of the Graduate Application form available through the Placement Office or OACETT.

Graduates may pursue careers in a number of sectors of the construction industry, including:

• Cost estimating for residential, commercial and civil projects
• Surveying
• Project management
• Building inspection
• Materials testing
• Quality control
• Construction

The two-year Building Construction Technician Ontario College Diploma program provides you with the opportunity to learn the basics of the construction industry, including techniques, industry trends, and safety. This diploma program is offered in a condensed 42-week format, allowing you to quickly get the education you need, so you can get moving into your career.

Hands-on from day one, learn various skills that give you the foundation to get started in the construction industry, including:

• How to safely work on a construction site
• Drafting
• Structure design
• Building of different structures in our modern lab setting
• Industry-standard computer applications such as AutoCAD

All practical classes are taught in the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE) facility. ACCE is fully outfitted with up-to-date equipment and tools, which gives you the opportunity to learnboth traditional, as well as advanced technology used in today`s construction industry.

The one-year Project Management Ontario College Graduate Certificate program prepares you for a rewarding career in project management. Project management is a highly sought discipline that applies technical, leadership and business strategy skills to plan and execute projects effectively and efficiently. There is a growing demand for project managers in the global economy.

Our experienced faculty are dedicated to preparing you to thrive in a project leadership position. Algonquin College is a Registered Education Provider (REP) with the Project Management Institute (PMI)®and is approved by the PMI to issue Professional Development Units (PDUs) for its training programs.

Learn to move a project along its lifecycle phases through the application of concepts, strategies and best practices. Acquire creative, practical and advanced expertise that contributes to ensuring overall project success via the combination of in-class and practical learning activities. Get hands-on project experience via a work integrated learning opportunity, which serves as a vehicle for incorporating and applying skills obtained during the academic studies and providing an opportunity to handle real-life situations.

Learn the tools, perspective and expertise necessary to successfully achieve results and deliver value. Develop a critical understanding of ten knowledge areas according to A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)®.

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op version of the program are subject to availability.

Upon graduation, you may find employment as a project management practitioner in a wide range of national, international, profit and non-profit organizations. You could also pursue a career as a(n):

• Assistant or junior project manager
• Project administrator
• Project control officer
• Project coordinator
• Project manager
• Project scheduler
• Project team leader
• PMI and PMBOK are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

This one-year Drawing Foundations for Animation and Illustration Ontario College Certificate helps you to develop the strong drawing skills that are necessary for your evolution as an artist, to further your education in various creative visual art programs.

Expand your potential, using a wide variety of digital and traditional mediums to build creative works, while discovering your strengths and preferences along the way. Immersed in a studio environment, you explore life drawing, sculpting, and character, environment and creature design. You also create appealing environments that encompass a sense of character and a lived-in feel using proper perspective, texture and detail. Sculpting and painting with digital tools and software solidifies your understanding of the properties of light, value and colour and their influence in a 3D environment.

You have the opportunity to research and explore your abilities and interests in:

• Animation
• Comic books
• Book illustration
• Concept art
• Graphic novels
• Gaming
• Anime

The three-year Advertising and Marketing Communications Management Ontario College Advanced Diploma program prepares you to take your career into many industries. By combining business theory and creative messaging, this industry-respected program enables you to develop skills in idea conceptualizing, copywriting, layout and production design. You also develop integrated marketing communications strategies through researching what drives target audiences and planning how to reach them effectively.

Experienced, industry-connected faculty prepare you to plan, create and implement marketing communications. Key class projects work on real advertising and marketing communications issues with local companies as clients. As well, alumni and industry leaders act as guest speakers in every semester.

Put classroom theory to work through hands-on creation in one of the second-year student-run business unit teams:

• the award-winning Algonquin Times and Glue Magazine - where teams work on websites, print editions, social media channels, events and apps
• DIGG - the student-run ad agency where every client has a unique problem to be solved
• SLiDE - the in-house marketing department for Algonquin`s DARE District that works with Ottawa entrepreneurs.

The program encourages you to expand your learning and network through optional class trips in second and third year. As a second-year student, you have the unique opportunity to visit and tour select advertising and marketing agencies and visit program alumni in Toronto. As a third-year student, you have the opportunity to visit New York and attend one of the largest industry conferences in the world, Advertising Week.

At the end of the program, take your real-world experience a step further with a six-week job placement within the area of advertising and marketing communications. Upon graduating, be ready to start your career in this field.

There are many job opportunities for graduates of this program. You may find employment with an advertising or creative agencies and any organization that has a marketing, communications, media or promotions department. This includes:

• retail
• professional services firms
• technology companies
• associations
• governments

You might even launch your own marketing and communications company.

The one-year Scriptwriting Ontario College Graduate Certificate program provides you with the knowledge, writing experience and hands-on skills necessary to become a writer in the ever-expanding fields of film, television, theatre, video and digital media content.

Discover your style and voice, as well as how to develop characters and write stories for any audience. By the end of the program, you possess an extensive professional-quality portfolio of work.

By analyzing issues and trends in film and media, you learn how to market your skills effectively and work professionally in our industries . Faculty are up-to-date, experienced professionals who help guide your projects. Guest speakers are regular visitors to your class and provide tips and advice on your potential career path.

At the end of the program, you have the opportunity to travel to Toronto and pitch your film or TV series ideas at major broadcasting and production companies. You also meet agents, distributors and accomplished screenwriters, and attend industry events during your three-day stay. It is a great opportunity to connect with important players in the industry and get their feedback on your projects.

You also expand your real-world experience with a 40-hour work placement. These placements are generally non-writing positions that allow you to learn more about how the production process works, make industry contacts and broaden your skill set.

Another opportunity that you may choose to participate in is the Hothouse Reading Series, which showcases short excerpts from students` plays read by professional actors. You receive feedback from the audience that provides you with invaluable insight to strengthen your writing.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Conceive, write, edit, revise and rewrite scripts using industry standard formats and technology.
• Function effectively as part of a writing and/or production team in the delivery of scripts.
• Apply production and business management skills to complete tasks efficiently and meet deadlines in the workplace.
• Critically evaluate the quality of product being presented for production.
• Develop strategies for personal and professional development by analyzing issues and trends in target industries.
• Ensure that all work is completed in compliance with applicable laws, statutory obligations, regulations, and industry principles and practices.
• Apply creative techniques for writing for a variety of media and styles.
• Work in a professional and ethical manner, maintain professional relationships, and communicate effectively with clients, co-workers, supervisors and others.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

The two-year Broadcasting – Radio Ontario College Diploma program prepares you with the creative production, hosting, and technical operation skills needed for a career in radio broadcasting and podcasting. You gain practical experience working at Algonquin College’s two radio stations – CKDJ 107.9 FM and AIR AM 1700. With the help of a second-year mentor, you are on the air within three weeks of starting the program.

Find your passion in on-air performance, audio production, and creative writing for radio and podcasting. Courses cover all areas of these two industries including:

• On-air performance
• Audio production
• Podcasting
• Voiceover announcing
• Broadcast journalism
• Basic video production and photography
• Creative writing and storytelling
• Promotions and marketing

While working at the campus radio stations, you put the theory you learn into practice. In the first level of the program, you study alongside Journalism and Broadcasting – Television students, building a strong foundation in transferable media skills while exploring these related fields. As well, during your first level, you are scheduled for weekly shows on CKDJ 107.9 FM and AIR AM 1700. The importance of teamwork is a focus while operating both Algonquin College stations. In this program, you are given the opportunity to
work on interprofessional teams with other media programs. In the second year, you will have the opportunity to choose a specialty elective course that aligns with your media interests. Towards the end of the program, you continue to expand and apply your skills during a field placement in the industry.

The one-year International Business Management Ontario College Graduate Certificate program prepares you for a rewarding career involving international business management. This program offers an in-depth understanding of versatile international management skills and knowledge. You help meet the need for trained professionals who can work with the increasing volume of cross-border traffic around the globe.

This program`s courses are scheduled to accommodate professionals who have to balance work and school. Faculty consists of experts who are dedicated to preparing you for a high level of career success. Take a hands-on approach, learning to investigate, analyze and manage domestic and international business activities. As well, learn to identify international partners and develop global networks. Activities, projects and case studies simulate a work environment and help prepare you for a career in International Business upon graduation.

Practice preparing documents, including international marketing, research and management plans. Develop strategies for overcoming language and cultural barriers and working with security requirements related to international logistics.

This program prepares you for success immediately after graduation. We put a strong emphasis on connecting students with prospective employers. Upon graduation, you have met the academic requirements for application to the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation granted by the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT). One year of relevant work experience is also required to qualify for this designation. Graduates may find employment in a wide range of international fields, including:

• Government
• Banking
• Financial services
• Industry
• Logistics
• Supply chain management
• Marketing
• Sales
• Management consulting
• Entrepreneurship
• Administration

Specialize with a challenging and inspiring career in human resources

Human Resources is one of seven majors that Business Administration students can select. In the second half of the three-year Business Administration Ontario College Advanced Diploma program, you select a major to specialize in. Prior to selecting a major, you develop a strong foundation various business skills.

The Business Administration - Human Resources program prepares you for a rewarding career in the field of human resources management.

Learn about various specializations of human resources management, including:

• Human resources planning
• Recruitment and selection
• Compensation and benefits design and administration
• Training and development
• Labour relations
• Occupational health and safety
• Employee and organizational research
• Employee relations
• The procurement, implementation, and maintenance of information systems
• Relevant human resources and organizational management legislation

Benefit from completing an optional 30-hour field placement in your final semester and apply your knowledge and skills in a real work environment.

The Business Ontario College Diploma program provides you with a well-rounded foundation in management, human resources, operations, accounting, finance, marketing, international business, and supply chain management. Gain theoretical and applied knowledge to complete projects that reflect real business responsibilities. Develop essential business skills in communication, information technology, teamwork, problem solving, task management, and customer service.

You have the opportunity to collaborate with industry professionals to analyze and find solutions for real-world business issues. Your knowledge and skills come together as you create a professional business plan that mirrors what could be expected in industry.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Identify and discuss the impact of global issues on an organization`s business opportunities by using an environmental scan.
• Apply principles of corporate sustainability, corporate social responsibility and ethics to support an organization`s business initiatives.
• Use current concepts/systems and technologies to support an organization`s business initiatives.
• Apply basic research skills to support business decision making.
• Support the planning, implementation and monitoring of projects.
• Perform work in compliance with relevant statutes, regulations and business practices.
• Explain the role of the human resource function and its impact on an organization.
• Use accounting and financial principles to support the operations of an organization.
• Describe and apply marketing and sales concepts used to support the operations of an organization.
• Outline principles of supply chain management and operations management.
• Outline and assess the components of a business plan.
• Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance in the business field.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.