The Undergraduate Programs Unit sat down with Professor Emeritus Bernie Wolf to discuss the new Schulich Certificate in Managing International Trade and Investment.  Professor Wolf is an expert in global restructuring of manufacturing industries, especially the automotive industry, as well as in issues related to international economics and finance.  Today he shares with us the competitive advantage this Certificate can give to students who have a passion for international business.

 

 

What is the Certificate in Managing International Trade and Investment and why was it developed?

Based on research, in which Canadian business executives engaged in international business were interviewed, and with conversations with Export Development Canada, we learned what firms involved in the global economy need from their new employees so that the firms can enhance their productivity and competitiveness in the international marketplace.  The Certificate in Managing International Trade and Investment is structured to prepare students with the requisite skills and capabilities so as to enable firms to successfully participate in business activities in foreign markets.  It is designed to give graduates the mind-set and tools to “successfully hit the ground running” in an international business position, whether in Canada or abroad.  Such positions can be with large multinational corporations, small and medium size firms or with governments.  The jobs can be in almost any industry including the financial sphere.

What are the requirements to complete the Certificate?

Both BBA and iBBA students can complete the Certificate by taking required courses, electives and an international experiential component (normally an exchange term).  In fact, iBBAs satisfy most of the requirements just by completing their degree requirements.  In addition to the core courses and exchange term that iBBAs are required to complete, they will need to take three required courses, namely, Managing International Business Activities, Integrative International Business Seminar and Supply Chain Management.  BBAs will need to take a few extra courses to get up to speed with the international knowledge of the iBBAs, but both BBAs and iBBAs can still specialize in another area while satisfying the Certificate requirements and they are encouraged to do so.

Are there new courses that were developed specifically for the Certificate?

Absolutely.  Students may even wish to take one or more these new courses even if they are not pursuing the Certificate.  Managing International Business Activities (IBUS 3200) is a required course for the Certificate that focuses on how to deal with the issues affecting the success of organizations operating internationally through exporting, importing, licensing or engaging in foreign direct investment.  IBUS 3200 gives students a foundation on how to deal with actual international business situations.  The capstone course for the Certificate is the Integrative International Business Seminar (IBUS 4200).  Students in class will be exposed to senior executives operating in international business and will also visit businesses where they will be able to gain experience in seeing how international business is done in practice.  Managing Business in Developing Economies (IBUS 4500) is a new elective that students may take.  Many of the developing economies are the fastest growing economies and they offer attractive opportunities for doing business.  This upcoming course provides tools and frameworks that help face the challenges specific to these markets.  The new courses for the Certificate have been designed to balance theory and application so that students are effective in the workplace from day one.

How will the Certificate prepare students for career opportunities?

Graduates well-equipped to handle international business will no doubt be attractive to employers.  Having the Certificate will signal to employers that graduates will be able to step right into jobs doing international business.  Especially paired with a specialization, they are giving themselves an edge in the marketplace.  Canada is an open economy and as business leaders, we need to be cognizant that our decisions have to take into context global relationships and economies, especially as global supply chains become increasingly complex.  Graduates will find themselves working in various fields and positions. The Certificate should also be strongly considered for those interested in entrepreneurship.

When will we see the first graduates of this Certificate?

Our first graduates will come from the Class of 2014 and all students are encouraged to take any of the courses developed for the Certificate regardless if they plan to pursue all the requirements.  The content and approach used in these courses will be valuable no matter where your career takes you.

For details, please book an appointment with an academic advisor and visit our website to see the requirements for a Certificate in Managing International Trade and Investment.