Leadership Student Has Passion for Learning
In Continuing Education, we’re always inspired by our students’ stories and achievements and decided to share them more widely.
When we were looking for Continuing Education students to feature on our calendar covers, we asked instructors to recommend students who really stood out. Jose Bellorin’s name came up more than once.
That’s because Jose has taken several Continuing Education programs over the past two years and has established himself as an enthusiastic learner.
Jose moved to Calgary from Venezuela with his wife Natasha 15 years ago. He had gone to medical school and practiced for a few years in Venezuela before the move.
“Back then I decided I was probably not going to go back to school, it was going to take too long,” he says. He owned a gas station in Calgary for nine years and started a family.
But two years ago, the learning bug bit. “I decided to give it a try and improve myself. I started with the Leadership Development program. It was very interesting. The teachers and facilitators were great. It led me into a couple more certificates. From that one, I decided to take the Management program and in the meantime, I felt the need of doing the HR certificate as well, just for myself, and again one thing led to another. I started doing the Change Management and now I’m finishing the Supply Chain,” Jose says.
Jose works as a department manager and also with a business unit responsible for change management. “I definitely apply what I’m learning in my daily life, both personal and business. And right now the Change Management is helping a lot day to day with the issues we’re having.”
Despite his full-time job and busy family life, Jose loves coming to classes. “It’s been really hectic. But I enjoyed it so much and that’s why I decided to keep going.”
The Leadership Development program has been Jose’s favourite so far. “I heard really good things about the Leadership certificate. A couple of friends had taken it before and they recommended it. It helps you a lot on the professional side, but it also helps you on your personal side, so that is one that I always recommend. I keep telling everybody, you know what, you should try it.”
Hear more about Jose’s story.
Jose is featured on our Fall 2014 calendar cover.
– by Karen McCarthy
New Continuing Education Programs for Fall
Back to school is not just for kids. Every fall, the Faculty of Continuing Education rolls out new programs that have been developed in consultation with industry experts, advisory committees and curriculum partners, ready to serve learners from Calgary, across Canada and around the world.
Continuing Education programs help you stay up to date with your current job or prepare for a new one.
Our portfolio of project management programs, endorsed by the Project Management Institute (PMI) has grown with the addition of:
- Agile Project Management – seminars and exam prep courses in the newest project management discipline
- Project Management in Construction Extension Certificate – now available online as well as in the classroom
Supply Chain Management is a rapidly growing field and Calgary is a major hub for western Canada. Adding to our supply chain management program:
- Advanced Supply Chain Management – available online. Courses can be transferred into a number of professional designations as well as MRU’s Bachelor of Business Administration degree program.
- Procurement Strategies: Selecting a Supplier Using RFIs, RFQs and RFPs – understand the most commonly used industry documents
In the oil and gas area, there’s a new introductory-level certificate:
- Introduction to the Petroleum Industry – gives an overview of the petroleum industry and prepares you to take more advanced certificates
New management programs include:
- Professional Management Seminar Series – short courses that allow you to tailor your learning to build your career
- Marketing and Strategic Communications – everything you need to know as a marketing communications specialist
New computers certificates focus on some of today’s hottest tech skills with classes in our dedicated computer labs:
- Web Designer – learn all the behind-the-scenes skills to build functional and contemporary websites
- WordPress – learn the ins and outs of this hugely popular blogging and website platform
In the burgeoning health care field, we have a new online nursing program:
- Forensics – Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
In environmental management, there’s a new series of one-hour webinars:
- Private Land Conservation: Fundamentals – specific to the Alberta landscape
In the creative field, there’s a new program on home staging as a profession or for individuals preparing to sell a home:
- Home Staging – for professionals as well as individuals preparing to sell a home
As always, existing programs are updated and revised to keep pace with the ever-changing workplace.
Choose from over 500 courses available this fall (A-Z listing).
We hope you enjoy your learning adventure, whether you’re a returning student or considering joining us for the first time. Registration is now open.
– by Karen McCarthy
Proud Day for Cont Ed
Mount Royal University’s annual Employee Awards took place today in the Ross Glen Hall. We congratulate all of the faculty, instructors and staff who serve our community with distinction every day. It’s great to take a moment to recognize everyone’s contributions.
Receiving special recognition at todays ceremonies were:
- Robert McCullagh, instructor in Certified Financial Planner and Personal Finance programs – Distinguished Teaching Award (credit-free)
- Tacita Lewars – instructor in the Human Resource Management program – Distinguished Teaching Award (credit-free)
- Neil Cockburn, Head of Organ Studies, Conservatory – Distinguished Teaching Award (credit-free)
- Patti Frizzell, instructor in Early Childhood Music programs, Conservatory – Distinguished Teaching Award (credit-free)
- Trish Blaker, Supervisor, Registration, Conservatory – Distinguished Staff Award
- Green Team – Cont Ed’s volunteer environmental and social group – Effective Team Award
- Tammy Cross, Lisa Tooes, Lynda Turner – 10 years of service
- Craig Baskett – 15 years of service
- Elizabeth Lensen – former Program Director, Business & Professional Education – retiree
- Ab O’Neil – former Manager of Conservatory Support – retiree
The excellence of the MRU learning experience is directly related to the dedication of the people who work here to student learning and support. We couldn’t be more proud of you!
– by Karen McCarthy