McMaster’s Exciting Continuing Education Programs Giving Students Incredible Career Opportunities in Mississauga
Published November 15, 2017 at 2:53 am
In a world where the workplace is constantly evolving and changing, education has never been more valuable or important–especially for students looking to change careers or master more skills in a fast-paced and prestigious learning environment close to home.
For that reason, students are benefitting from professional programs offered by the McMaster University Centre for Continuing Education in Mississauga.
“The program is well-designed for people who work full-time and are actively seeking the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation,” explains Bashar Shakir Mahmoud, a student in McMaster’s accounting program.
McMaster University Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) offers courses in Business Administration, Accounting, and Human Resources Management in Mississauga at the Peel Board Adult Education Centre (100 Elm Drive West). Courses are geared towards adult students balancing family, work and studies.
In order for prospective students to learn about the programs offered in Mississauga, McMaster CCE is hosting an information evening later this month. The session is an opportunity for people to receive important information, ask questions, and meet staff.
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The Information Night will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 29 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Living Arts Centre in central Mississauga, located at 4141 Living Arts Drive. On-site parking is available. Anyone interested can RSVP online.
Although fall courses are already well underway, prospective students are still free to enrol in classes which start in January 2018. No application is required.
Minutes from Square One, the location affords excellent transportation options for students to a setting shared with other adult learners.
“It’s in Mississauga, so it is very close to me,” says Mississauga resident Mahmoud, who is currently completing his third accounting course after enrolling in the program in January 2017.
“McMaster also has a great reputation and I wanted to do my courses at a recognized university,” he says, adding that the classes were offered at times that worked with his already busy schedule.
“I go to school part-time and work full-time, so I finish work at 5:00 and can be in class at 6:15.”
Other students are also benefitting from the program:
Formally approved by the University, the programs appeal to students because they differ significantly from non-credit programs at other schools. In particular, McMaster CCE programs enable students to earn certificates or diplomas in their chosen fields so they can progress professionally or change careers.
The programs are aligned with the requirements of relevant professional associations such as Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) and the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA), making the program ideal for someone like Mahmoud.
“I’m enjoying it. It gives me the practical experience,” he says. “The instructor cares about the practical experience as well the theoretical side. You deal with professional people who give you guidance. They act as mentors and role models.”
Designed for busy adult learners who want to enhance their skills at times that are convenient for them, the courses provide opportunities for students to be able to delve into their area of interest immediately. McMaster courses are available in the evenings after work, and on weekend mornings in Mississauga.
So far, students have been enjoying their time in the programs.
While there are many ways for adults to enhance their skills or learn a new subject, there’s something especially motivating about being able to come to a physical space to learn and interact with instructors and peers—especially at a time when online learning is becoming more popular.
“I want to become a chartered accountant,” says Mahmoud. “Taking other courses, you learn too much material in a short period of time. I don’t like to rush. I’d like to build a foundation for the ultimate goal,” he says, adding that he has never missed a class since first enrolling in January.
Another advantage is that there are no formal admission requirements. People like Mahmoud who want to pursue their CPA designation are welcome to enroll in the completely open programs–no previous postsecondary education is required.
The classes—such as those offered as part of the accounting program—appear to be working well for students (especially busy ones).
“I would recommend the program to other people,” says Mahmoud.
Classes typically run for 12-13 weeks during the fall and winter terms. Depending on different factors, they may also run in the spring-summer period. Shorter certificate programs can usually be completed within a year while diploma programs take longer to complete.
Courses are also available online in all three programs, for students who want to complement their in-person classes in order to complete their programs more quickly.
To learn more about the Centre for Continuing Education at McMaster University and to enrol, visit McMasterinMississauga.ca or call 1-800-463-6223.
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