Certificate in Business Fundamentals

at Conestoga College - Doon Campus Canada

Recognition of the need for managers with sustainability expertise continues to grow as local and global organizations are re-positioning sustainability as a central value. The Sustainable Business Management graduate certificate program provides students with the diverse skill set needed to succeed in this dynamic and exciting field. Whether developing a new product or service, enhancing an existing one through a triple bottom-line approach, leading an organization to more sustainable operations or managing change and promoting engagement for sustainability, graduates will be able to apply their skills in a variety of settings. Students are provided with flexible project options, including opportunities to work with local clients and community partners in developing plans to generate greater value, enhanced corporate responsibility and innovative marketing solutions. Students may also take advantage of experiential learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom, such as volunteering at a local sustainability-oriented organization, and attending field trips, workshops and networking events. Upon program completion, graduates will be well positioned to write the International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP) exam and become a Sustainability Associate (SA).

Applying to the Co-op Stream
All applicants apply to the non co-op program. Students will be informed of the application deadline and process to apply for the Co-op Stream. Labour market conditions determine the number of co-op seats in optional co-op programs. Every student who meets academic eligibility requirements may not be admitted to the co-op stream.
To be considered for admission to the co-op stream, students are required to achieve a minimum overall 80% session weighted average in Level 1 with no dropped or failed courses.

Co-op Information
Co-op programs add value to your education. Earn while you apply what you learn in a real workplace environment. See the Co-op webpages.
The College cannot guarantee co-op employment. All co-op students are required to conduct an independent co-op job search in addition to the supports and services provided by the Department of Co-op Education.
Students are responsible for their own transportation and associated costs in order to complete work term requirements. Work locations may not always be readily accessible by public transportation.

Consider this unique advanced diploma program delivered at one of the most advanced woodworking training facilities in North America. During the first year of the program, which is common with the Woodworking Technician program, you will spend a significant amount of time learning the set-up and operation of woodworking machinery and equipment, laminating, veneering, machining, sanding, assembly, and finishing. The second year, which is also common with the Woodworking Technician program, involves extensive project work, introduction to production management skills, manufacturing of kitchen cabinets, and architectural millwork. The final year of the program focuses on plant layout/support systems, materials handling, quality control, cost estimating, and computer-aided drafting. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the trade schooling for an Ontario cabinetmaker apprenticeship are embedded in the program and this will provide you with a recognized advantage when starting your career. The co-op delivery mode affords students the opportunity to relate in-school training with real industrial experience. Due to the placement of co-op work terms, the academic semesters are fall/winter in year 1 and fall/spring in year 2 and winter/spring in Year 3. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the trade schooling for an Ontario Cabinetmaker Apprenticeship are embedded in the program. Graduates of this program may be exempt from apprenticeship in-school training should they choose to pursue a Cabinetmaker Apprenticeship.The optional co-op stream includes three co-op work terms.

Applying to the co-op stream

• All applicants apply to the non co-op program. Students will be informed of the application deadline and process to apply for the Co-op Stream. Labour market conditions determine the number of co-op seats in optional co-op programs. Not every student who meets academic eligibility requirements will be admitted to the co-op stream.
• To be considered for admission to the co-op stream, students are required to achieve a minimum overall 70% session weighted average in Level 1 with no dropped or failed courses.
• Students who are not admitted into the Co-op stream or students in the non-co-op stream will have co-op semesters off instead of participating in co-op work terms. These off semesters enable students to gain part-time or full-time work or volunteer experience to build their resume and/or can catch up on academic work if scheduling permits.
• International students will require work permits to utilize the co-op job board for job search and to accept employment. Students are currently experiencing longer than usual wait times for work permits. Please be advised that there will be no co-op program service fee refunds after the program withdrawal for refund date. Students that have not received their work permit and choose to remain in co-op after the program withdrawal for refund date do so at their own risk and will not be refunded. If you are concerned about receiving your work permit in time to achieve co-op employment, please discuss your situation with your co-op advisor as early as possible.

Co-op information

• Co-op programs add value to your education. Earn money while you apply what you've learned in a real workplace environment. Visit Co-operative education for more information.
• The College cannot guarantee co-op employment. All co-op students are required to conduct an independent co-op job search in addition to the supports and services provided by the Department of Co-op Education.
• Students are responsible for their own transportation and associated costs in order to complete work term requirements. Work locations may not always be readily accessible by public transportation.

The field of financial technology is evolving as it responds to the challenges facing the 21st century financial sector. This means that professionals employed in the field must be equipped to support diverse client groups such as individuals and company-based financial institutions. If you have a background in the computer industry, finance or other related fields, and are ready to attain in-depth competencies to help consumers and businesses track, manage, and facilitate their finances, this Ontario College Graduate Certificate program will be of interest to you. Through a variety of projects, case studies and interactive learning opportunities, and using current and relevant resources to support the latest trends in financial technology, you will develop the skills needed to help individuals and businesses secure their finances. You will study topics such as applications, emerging market trends, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and management. In just eight months, graduates will be job-ready to take the lead in the financial technology industry in various roles such as Business Analyst, Blockchain Business Analyst, Financial Technologist and other roles related to financial technology.

This one-year certificate program is designed for students who wish to acquire a general education in the arts and sciences while having the flexibility to explore further educational options within the college or pursuing a degree at a local university. Students will acquire knowledge and skills in communication, critical thinking and research, while exploring contemporary issues in today's global society. Students will select and explore a topic of interest through the construction of a research project, paper, and portfolio that culminates in a presentation to an audience. During this program, students will participate in a course that will enable them to discover career opportunities. In the second semester, students will consult with their program coordinator to select from a variety of post-secondary courses in disciplines of their choice. The program is designed to allow students to explore options that meet future academic goals either through selecting courses in a major discipline or courses eligible for credit transfer to local university partners (courses are subject to availability). After successful completion of this program, students may wish to transfer to the Two-year General Arts and Science Diploma program, apply to programs within Conestoga College, or pursue further education at other institutions.

Quality Assurance - Manufacturing and Management
Today’s manufacturing sector requires highly skilled individuals with in-depth knowledge of current quality assurance, problem solving, and management practices. If you have the desire to be part of a quality movement, and want hands-on experience with the tools to support your career goals, then this program will be of interest to you. This two-semester Quality Assurance Manufacturing and Management Ontario College Graduate Certificate will provide you with the knowledge and techniques to improve the delivery and quality of goods and services. This program focuses on the use of modern quality improvement and problem solving methods that support the achievement of performance excellence in manufacturing and associated business processes. A combination of theoretical and practical learning opportunities will prepare you for a variety of management and quality focused career opportunities.

Process Quality Engineering
This advanced-level graduate certificate program provides individuals with the knowledge and techniques to improve the delivery and quality of products and services. The material that is taught in this program can be applied within any area of an organization. The focus of this program is on the achievement of performance excellence through the use of modern quality improvement methods. The program develops the skills required to perform process quality roles in a broad range of organizations and sectors.The program content aligns favourably with selected American Society of Quality's (ASQ) Bodies of Knowledge. This program is non-industry specific as it provides the proficiencies demanded by organizations in today’s market place.

The Business Administration - Management (BAM) program is designed for students whose career goals include business management, self-employment or entrepreneurial ventures.The variety of courses in this program will provide students with a big-picture understanding of all major areas of business (finance and accounting, marketing and sales, human resource management and supply chain and operations), competitive skills and forward thinking for today’s evolving workforce. This program helps students develop their skills as a management generalist, offering maximum flexibility in their career choices. Students gain an understanding of the theory and skills needed for the practical applications of modern management techniques used in a variety of corporate, government and non-profit entities, as well as in small business ventures.Students in the BAM program gain exposure to real-life working environments through a variety of innovative structured activities. These may include research projects, guest speakers, consulting projects with local industry, mentoring opportunities, plant tours, computer simulations, cases, reflective exercises and role-playing. Students who graduate from this program with an overall average of 70% or more are eligible for entry into Year 3 of the four-year International Business Management degree program.

Design Foundations is an intensive one-year certificate program that is intended for students who are interested in exploring a career in applied design and communications. This foundation year provides an opportunity to create a competitive and individual design portfolio, demonstrating skills in 2D and 3D design, drawing, life drawing, colour theory, idea development, presentation skills, portfolio development, digital production, design history, and written communication. 

Students experience a year of goal-setting, guidance, skill development and refinement through a variety of hands-on projects. Students will plan, implement, and present visual communications in a wide range of media. Completion of this studio-based program will effectively prepare students for acceptance into a variety of programs leading to careers in the design and communication fields.

Business - Marketing is a two-year diploma program designed for people seeking a high-level overview of the marketing industry. The program focuses on the fundamental principles of marketing and gives graduates hands-on skills to gain employment in the marketing industry. The program offers courses in advertising, graphic design, internet, research, sales, events and retail while developing teamwork, communication and general business skills. In addition, students participate in the design and presentation of marketing, advertising and event plans. Conestoga College is an Accredited Partner of the Canadian Professional Sales Association (CPSA). This program is accredited by the CPSA Institute as providing all 35 hours of pre-requisite education toward the Certified Sales Associate designation, the first level of the Graduated Certification Framework. Students successfully completing this program will earn their Sales Certificate from the CPSA Institute. Learn more about the CPSA Institute professional designations here. The program is delivered in four consecutive semesters.

To effectively contribute in today's manufacturing sector it is important for you to have an understanding of project direction, manufacturing design software, communications, human resources and safety practices. If you are a graduate of an engineering or engineering technology program and want to expand your knowledge, the Applied Manufacturing Management – Design Integration program will be of interest to you. This Ontario College Graduate Certificate will help you prepare to make an effective start in supervisory or managerial teams within a manufacturing environment. In this program you will apply project lifecycle techniques, the ability to utilize and integrate complex manufacturing design software, and team management skills that will aid in meeting industry goals. Through theoretical and practical courses you will be exposed to real life situations that arise in the workplace. You will work individually and in groups using current software to simulate the management of manufacturing initiatives while incorporating quality assurance, process and project management techniques. You will focus on meeting challenges in a production environment from both operational and strategic perspectives in this management-tailored program.

How do you improve a smartwatch jogging app so people go for more runs, or support online sales through a positive checkout experience? In Conestoga’s Interactive Media Management – Interaction Design program, you’ll pull back the curtain on digital interactions and create solutions to solve these and other modern challenges. Situated in Canada’s tech hub, this one-year graduate certificate program provides you with the opportunity to build a toolkit of practical user interface design skills and knowledge applicable to a wide range of business challenges – from supporting brand loyalty to increasing accessibility to boosting profits. Integrating the look, feel, and human experience of digital and physical products, you will learn how to create, analyze, evaluate, and simplify digital interactions for technologies such as websites, apps, wearables, smart products and AR/VR. Working individually and in teams in project-based experiential learning environments, you will combine the practices of visual design with research, writing, ethics, business, and IT elements to present evidence-based and human centered design solutions. To set you up for success, faculty with direct industry experience offer guidance as you build a portfolio of original work, and a field placement opportunity gives you the chance to directly apply your skills in the workplace. Don’t wait for better digital experiences – build them today with Interactive Media Management – Interaction Design.