Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Financial Services (Co-op)

at George Brown College - St. James Campus Canada

The field of International Business encompasses a variety of disciplines including finance, sales, marketing, and human resources. Consequently Business Administration – International Business program graduates will be prepared to perform in a variety of specialized areas such as international market entry and distribution, international trade management, international negotiation and trade research, international marketing, international trade finance, planning, logistics, legal aspects of international trade and other functions related to business in general and international business in particular. Graduates of this program will have demonstrated their knowledge, skills, and abilities related to international business, and will have prepared for careers that include negotiators, freight forwarders, logistics, and marketing.

You will learn about:

• Documents and procedures supporting the movement of products and services in a global supply chain
• Statutory and regulatory compliance
• International payment instruments and options
• Foreign exchange strategies
• Human resource strategies in an international operation.

PROGRAM STANDARDS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Conduct an environmental scan to evaluate the impact of world issues on an organization’s international business opportunities.
  • Conduct, evaluate and present market research to support an organization’s international business decision-making.
  • Prepare and analyze documentation and follow procedures to support the movement of products and services in the organization’s global supply chain.
  • Analyze the impact of statutory and regulatory compliance on an organization’s integrative trade initiatives.
  • Develop and implement strategies to negotiate effectively within various cultural environments and to address the impact of cultural differences on an organization’s integrative trade initiatives.
  • Develop and present an international marketing plan, and evaluate sales strategies that support an organization’s integrative trade initiatives.
  • Identify and interpret relevant international financial documents and assess financial strategies that support an organization’s integrative trade initiatives.
  • Analyze the impact of an organization's integrative trade initiatives on its human resources management strategies, policies, and practices.
  • Develop and present an international business plan.
  • Plan, implement and evaluate team projects by applying project management principles.
  • Analyze principles of corporate sustainability, corporate social responsibility and ethics, and apply them to an organization’s integrative trade initiatives.
  • Select and apply current technologies to support an organization’s integrative trade initiatives.
  • Develop and present a plan for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance within the international business field.

The Business Administration (with Work Experience) advanced diploma program is designed to offer the widest range of possible career choices and opportunities in a variety of business disciplines. Graduates are prepared to work in diverse team settings and lead projects with relevant and practical skills.

This learning experience will enable you to:

• Conduct and present research to support business decision making
• Assess and use current concepts/systems and technologies to support an organization's business initiatives
• Develop a business plan to formulate the strategic direction of an organization
• Apply human resources practices to support management objectives and the organization's goals

PROGRAM STANDARDS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Evaluate 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.
  • Assess and use current concepts/systems and technologies to support an organization's business initiatives.
  • Conduct and present research to support business decision making.
  • Plan, implement and evaluate projects by applying project management principles.
  • Perform work in compliance with relevant statutes, regulations and business practices.
  • Apply human resource practices to support management objectives and the organization’s goals.
  • Use accounting and financial principles to support the management and operations of an organization.
  • Assess marketing and sales concepts and strategies and apply them to the needs of an organization.
  • Outline principles of supply chain management and operations management and assess their impact on the operations of an organization.
  • Participate in the development of a business plan.
  • Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance in the business field.
  • Outline strategies used to manage risks in an organization's business activities.

YOUR FIELD STUDY OPTIONS:
WORK EXPERIENCE (CO-OP OR INTERNSHIP WORK TERM):
This program requires the successful completion of two semesters of work experience to graduate. This work experience is either co-op (paid) or internship (unpaid). Either one will give you the practical experience employers value.
George Brown works with employers and industry partners to identify potential work experience opportunities. Students are also strongly encouraged to pursue self-directed industry work experience opportunities they believe would provide the learning experiences they value and meet the learning outcomes of the program. This valuable work experience can, in turn, be added to your resume.
In addition to on-the-job work experience, George Brown College endeavors to provide field education opportunities with real-world challenges and clients. Find out more about field education at the Centre for Business.

This Centre for Business program (B155) is part of our School of Management and is offered with Work Experience. Students wishing to apply for Business Administration without work experience should apply to B145.

Looking to launch your own small business or grow your current one? In just eight months, our Entrepreneurship Management program will provide you with the skills, knowledge and support to design a full business plan that includes business research, marketing, financing and web strategy.

Bring your business idea, develop your business plan and get feedback from faculty, entrepreneurs and fellow students, so at the end of the program, you are ready to launch your business. Students may also have the option of presenting their finished business plan to Futurepreneur to be considered for a loan of up to $15,000 and a mentor for two years. George Brown College supports entrepreneurial spirit and offers resources to help you start your own business. Find out more about opportunities offered through startGBC.

Upon successful completion of this program, you will have:

• Completed a full business plan for your proposed business
• Completed a financial plan including forecasting and cash flow
• Identified sources of funding
• Completed a marketing plan
• Prepared a website

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Develop, present, and analyze a comprehensive business plan adapted to the enterprise that adheres to professional standards and practices.
  • Assess and use current concepts/systems and technologies to support business initiatives.
  • Develop strategies for implementing effective marketing plans that reflect an analysis of relevant resources and practices of an enterprise.
  • Use accounting and financial principles to support the management and operations of an enterprise.
  • Select sales and customer service strategies and apply them to the needs of an enterprise.
  • Apply a range of human resource practices that support and promote small business objectives and goals and optimize all functional areas of a small business operation.
  • Implement principles of supply chain management and operations management and analyze their impact on the operations of a small business.
  • Conduct small business activities and transactions in compliance with pertinent legislation, policies, health and safety and other regulations, professional and business standards, as well as tax, insurance and other fiscal requirements.
  • Promote principles of sustainability and corporate social responsibility that apply to small business initiatives.
  • Prepare and follow a plan for ongoing personal and professional development to establish and maintain entrepreneurial networking and business relationships and opportunities.
  • Plan, implement, and evaluate projects by applying project management principles to support the operation and management of a small business.
  • Use market research to optimize the operation of a small business.
  • Select and implement risk management strategies to support all aspects of the operation of a small business.

This fast-track program is designed for students with a two-year Hospitality diploma or degree in a related field wishing to pursue a degree in business focusing on hospitality.

Qualified applicants who have completed one of the following diploma programs may be eligible:

• Food and Beverage Management (H132)
• Hospitality – Hotel Operations Management (H133)
• Special Events Management (H131)
• Tourism and Hospitality Management (H130)

Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Hospitality) (Fast-Track) students will complete a bridging semester from May to August and then go on to complete all outstanding credits toward their degree. This pathway will give students an opportunity to earn a degree credential in two additional years plus the one summer semester, or more, depending on the total transferable credits granted (please see ’How to Qualify and Apply’ section for specific admission requirements).

The program is designed to teach you how to plan and manage complex integrated hospitality operations so that you can become one of the skilled, knowledgeable leaders the hospitality sector is pursuing. The employment prospects in this sector are outstanding. In Canada, the hospitality industry employs more than 1.2 million people, representing over 7 per cent of all employment In the Greater Toronto Area alone, the hospitality sector accounts for almost 329,000 jobs.

A Comprehensive Curriculum:-
The curriculum has been developed to prepare students for management, supervisory and administrative careers through training in analysis and problem-solving, critical thinking, integrated operations, customer management and international applications. Students will become technically proficient in the major components of a hospitality business, including operational processes, finance, human resources, facilities, risk management, research, sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

In addition, the curriculum is designed to:-

• Provide flexible student learning- Courses are offered in online and in-class hybrid format throughout the program to accommodate the paid work placements. Semester 7 is delivered completely online.
• Integrate knowledge and practical applications developed through projects and experiential learning in two paid work placements.
• Build strong management abilities, with every student working on projects individually and with team members.

Applied Learning – Benefit from Hands-on Training:-
Co-operative education is an important component of this degree program. Students spend two paid summer terms working full-time in industry, giving them a chance to apply the knowledge they have acquired in a real-life, hands-on situation. Students obtain practical experience and further develop their skills – an asset for our graduates and their future employers. Students also establish valuable contacts with potential employers, and many graduates find full-time employment with their co-op employer.

The Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate program provides students with a feminist analysis of the political and counselling issues related to gender-based violence experienced primarily by self-identified women, children, trans and non-binary survivors. It trains students to be agents for change in their work of community education, political action and law reform. It prepares students to provide anti-oppressive counselling for survivors who have experienced or are experiencing gender-based violence.

Note: Some of our student placement partners require students in this program to have a police reference check completed before their field placement. These reference checks, which can take up to four months, are done to protect the clientele of these agencies, who are considered “vulnerable persons” under the law. The fees for the reference checks vary and must be paid by the student. Students are responsible for ensuring that the check covers appropriateness for “individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s).” Students who are unable to provide a clear police reference check may find that their choice of placements is limited.

Field education plays an important role in this program by preparing students to work with those affected by gender-based violence including not only those directly impacted, but the communities within which they live and work. This often includes those who identify as trans and non-binary, and other disenfranchised populations.

In year one, students will spend 250 hours with a non-profit community partner (Mondays and Tuesdays, January – April) and will typically engage in introductory activities, such as shadowing staff, conducting outreach, fundraising and special events, and learning about how programs and services are developed. First-year placements vary and can include sites that focus on public education, food banks, drop-ins and political action work, but are generally not frontline positions.

In second year, students will build on that experience by engaging in more direct 1-to-1 survivor counselling, group facilitation, case management, and advocacy. Placements begin in September and continue through to the end of April for a minimum of 500 hours. Students will often do this placement at emergency shelters, rape crisis centres, youth services, health providers and other agencies who provide frontline support.

The agencies used by the program for field placements are very similar to those employing our graduates. In many instances, employers hire graduates because of contact and experience with them through the fieldwork placement. Most agencies are within Toronto, while some agencies, located in other communities such as Brampton, St. Catherines, London, Hamilton, Barrie, Pickering and Oshawa, provide students who live in those communities with placement opportunities.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Apply a feminist analysis in all areas of their work in the field of violence against women and children.
  • Provide ongoing supportive counselling.
  • Provide individual advocacy and political advocacy services
  • Facilitate groups for women and children.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of existing services for women.
  • Cope with high stress work demands and develop strategies for personal survival on the job.
  • Develop and deliver prevention programs.
  • Organize fundraising and write applications and proposals for grants.
  • Utilize the media and organize community response to violence against women and children.
  • Become familiar with pertinent legislation and understand the process of formulating social policy.

This program is your passport to grow and enhance your culinary skill set with a specialization in international cuisine. Demonstrations, lectures and hands-on practice will teach you the fundamental skills for a successful career that allows you to work in a wide variety of today’s leading culinary establishments. You will explore culinary skills related to appetizers, entrees, snacks and desserts from India, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, China, Korea, Vietnam, Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Africa, the Caribbean and the Middle East.

Throughout this program you will:

• Experience hands-on learning, participate in field trips to spice markets, learn about international beverages, build your knowledge in international cuisine and learn how culture influences cuisine.
• Have the opportunity to complete a unique international placement.
• Build and display a comprehensive portfolio that showcases the knowledge you have learned throughout the program.

Build a portfolio of your experience in Canada and internationally with specialized skills and knowledge that differentiates you from others in the industry.

Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:

• Plan and prepare authentic menus and food by using culinary techniques indigenous to international regions of focus.
• Communicate in an international culinary environment using appropriate terminology and customs in order to integrate as a member of the team.
• Interpret nuances in gastronomic regionality through research and field experience.
• Execute culinary dishes that reflect regional and cultural authenticity using alternative, locally-sourced ingredients.
• Comply with Canadian health, safety and nutrition regulations, standards, guidelines and processes.
• Develop a marketing plan for a regionally specific food service operation or product concept that reflects relevant cultural norms.

Theatre Arts – Preparation is a dynamic one-year program, specifically designed for students to obtain the basic skills required to compete for a place in professional theatre schools.

This exciting program develops knowledge and skills in the performance, business and production aspects of the performing arts, helping you to clarify future education and career objectives. Blending theory and practical skills, this program will help you develop the confidence, creativity and fundamental acting skills for this growing industry.

Courses will be taught by artists and teachers from the performing arts professions. You will have ample opportunity to meet Canadian artists, directors, designers, writers and technicians.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Employ improvisational skills for problem-solving and character development.
  • Analyze different styles and genres of performance.
  • Develop a career and professional development plan to enhance work performance and maintain currency with industry.
  • Identify career opportunities in the performing arts industry, including opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurial arts work therein.
  • Work collaboratively to prepare and present an interdisciplinary performance.
  • Interact in a professional manner appropriate to the performing arts industry.

The Deafblind & Intervenor Studies program is a one-year certificate that will prepare you to work with individuals who have a combined vision and hearing loss. Significant components of this program are delivered online. This program is open to both Deaf and non-Deaf students.

Preparing students to be the eyes and ears for people who are Deafblind
Do you have a passion for helping others? Want to work in a dynamic and evolving sector? Are you creative and a good communicator? If you want to make a difference, consider becoming an intervenor and work with people who are Deafblind.

This one-year Ontario college certificate will prepare you to work with individuals who have a combined vision and hearing loss. You will learn various communication methods to support individuals with deafblindness in accessing information and interacting more fully with their environment.

Most courses are delivered online with some in-person content (semester 1 is delivered fully online; the first seven week of semester 2 are taught in-person and the second seven weeks are taught online).

What you will learn

• How to work with Deafblind children and adults – many of whom are often medically fragile.
• American Sign Language (ASL) – a visual language that is adapted to accommodate for the vision loss of those with this dual sensory loss.
• Professionalism, values and ethics, health and aging.
• How to interact with members of the Deafblind community both virtually and in-person. For those attending from outside of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), interactive sessions will be arranged in your community.
• You will get hands-on experience through field practice. This may be completed across Canada in your community through George Brown College partnerships.

Community Worker (Fast-Track) is a dynamic social justice program grounded in the principles of and respect for human rights and anti-oppression practice. Students are prepared to work with largely urban-centred, diverse communities across a range of issues (i.e. poverty, housing, food-justice, immigration and settlement, etc.) in ways that are responsive to their multiple and changing needs.

If you are passionate about human rights and social justice, committed to working with diverse communities, bring a mature and professional approach to your education and field work, and are prepared to take on a course load of 20+ hours per week, this program is for you.

What can you expect from the Community Worker (Fast-Track) program?

• The three-semester Community Worker (Fast-Track) program combines classroom instruction with supervised field placements. Theory, analysis and practice are presented through a variety of innovative instructional tools developed from popular education and learner-centred approaches to teaching and learning.
• Highly participatory classes of dialogue, debate, activities, interactive lectures, guest speakers and panels, and group work provide students with a program of study that is current, exciting and critically engaging.

What key skills will you learn?
Throughout the program, students will have the opportunity to develop a variety of important and high-demand skills, including:

• Anti-oppressive and intercultural practice in working with diverse populations (including youth, immigrant communities, Indigenous populations)
• Critical analysis, research and writing
• Group facilitation and leadership
• Individual and group counselling
• Conflict mediation and restorative justice
• Community organizing, activism and advocacy
• Community development, project design and proposal writing
• Policy analysis and rights-based advocacy

Features of the Community Worker program include:

• Strong ties with over 350 agencies across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
• Founder and lead organizer of the annual Tommy Douglas Institute that brings communities, students, educators and activists together to explore higher education and social justice in the 21st century.
• The full-time Community Worker (C101) program has been graduating community workers for more than 40 years.

Program courses are organized into four core areas:

• Community work theory and practice
• Social and political analysis
• Group skills and counselling
• Field placement and seminar

Not only will you develop relationships with our community partners through field placements, you will also meet with sector professionals in your classrooms at networking events, guest panels and program electives taught by agencies and practitioners currently working in the field (i.e. Community Legal Issues, Urban Aboriginal Peoples’ Perspectives in Community Development, Housing and Homelessness).

Who are the Community Worker (Fast-Track) faculty?
The experienced educators that make up our faculty bring their passion for education and change to create a highly engaging and dynamic learning environment. Coming from backgrounds in local, national and global activism, they remain active on social issues and maintain close ties to communities, activists and organizations.

What kind of students enrol in the Community Worker (Fast-Track) program?
Graduates from other degrees and diploma programs interested in learning more about social justice and community development enrol in this program. Our students are a diverse group of students with broad social and community experiences.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Establish constructive relationships with individuals concerned with community work.
  • Describe their personal values and motivation as a community worker.
  • Serve in a variety of grassroots community organizations especially in the areas of co-operatives, seniors and community legal services.
  • Be comfortable in community work roles ranging from direct service to classical advocacy and organizing.
  • Understand and articulate the special needs of multicultural groups.
  • Analyze social inequalities and demonstrate creativity in the organization of new services and institutions to meet community needs.
  • Work with groups to identify their own needs.
  • Access existing services and community resources.

The food sector is always changing, particularly when it comes to hospitality and culinary arts. This constant change has reinforced the need for a more holistic approach to culinary education – one that allows students to examine the food system while mastering a variety of culinary techniques.

The Honours Bachelor of Food Studies program provides the food leaders of tomorrow with the skills, insights and knowledge to succeed in this rapidly changing field. It offers extensive career pathways for foodservice professionals, while providing the food sector with leaders who can thrive in both for-profit and non-profit organizations.

Graduates will be positioned to succeed in a wide range of food-related occupations including roles in culinary, education, tourism, recreation, health, food security, sustainability, economic development, agriculture, public policy and research. There are growing opportunities for careers informed by both culinary experience and versatile critical thinking.

Toronto provides a unique setting for this program because of its wealth of multicultural and Indigenous food traditions. In the classroom and beyond, students will be introduced to the vibrant world of food in a culturally diverse and inclusive environment. Students will participate in a paid co-op placement focused on the application of culinary and food animation skills. In addition, throughout the program, selected courses will include community-engaged learning opportunities. 

Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Articulate the interconnected structures and functions of food systems at the local, national and international levels.
• Analyze social, cultural, political and environmental influences on current and emerging food-related theory, policy and practice.
• Recommend informed responses to both practical and scholarly issues and challenges using insights from food systems theory and the study of global cuisine.
• Acquire foundational culinary skill proficiency and operational knowledge appropriate to entry into the culinary industry.
• Integrate a healthy, equitable, and sustainable food systems perspective into culinary theory and practice.
• Construct coherent arguments to address debates within the broad field of food studies.
• Appraise research methodologies used across disciplines related to food studies.
• Communicate effectively in a variety of formats appropriate to academic, government, non-profit, business and media environments.
• Articulate how uncertainty, ambiguity and limits to knowledge influence perception and interpretation of debates in food studies and consider issues from multiple perspectives.
• Demonstrate curiosity, initiative, integrity, collaboration, and social responsibility in personal and professional settings related to food.