New program is stepping stone on lifelong learning path

New management skills program is a superb stepping stone on the lifelong learning path.

Sixteen recent recipients of one of three new RRU Management Skills certificates are now better equipped than ever to fit into contemporary workplaces where – more and more – managers need multi-dimensional skill sets.

The first wave of learners earning Front Line Supervisor Skills Certificates includes Annette Siewertsen, Susan Drummond, Darren Gardham, Randy Dorflinger, Baden Milligan, Eugene Zinkowski, Bob Hughes, Jeff Wright, Barrie Agar and Christine Fischer.

Michelle Tai, Curtis Daniels, Darryl Karleen, Donna March, Ining Chao and Tania Wegwitz were presented with Middle Management Skills Certificates.

And Deborah Zornes and Georgia Cook were awarded Senior Management Certificates.

"I started applying what I learned immediately and already have noticed a difference when I am at meetings," says recent grad Karleen. "In particular, lessons learned have helped me improve communications in my workplace."

The Continuing Studies program – for front line, middle and senior managers – requires completion of six core competencies and two electives and can be comfortably completed in two years.

“Each competency band is carefully designed to include a similar scope of responsibility, leadership, performance, planning, communication and relationship-building skills, degrees of authority and self-development in relation to the management position,” says Hilary Leighton, director of Continuing Studies. "What's more, each band aligns with competencies embedded in the learning outcomes of the RRU degree programs."

Darryl Karleen recently earned a Middle Management Skills Certificate from RRU Continuing Studies. Already, he says, he’s noticed a difference in how he communicates in the workplace.

Learners who complete any one of these non-credit Management Skills Certificates may also receive recognition for prior learning as part of the admissions evaluation process for RRU’s certificate, diploma, and degree credit programs.

Recognizing that many positions within organizations cross over into other areas requiring different skill sets, Continuing Studies has also made it possible for programs to be customized to correspond with professional needs.

“What these ambitious learners have accomplished in less than one year is relevant, timely and transformative!” says Leighton. "It is our hope that they will find some of the ideas, techniques, experiences, insights and knowledge help them to contribute more to their families and communities, to envision and create a more just and civil society, and to help build more democratic and peace-filled organizations that are sustainable in the times ahead."

For information about these and other continuing studies programs at Royal Roads University, see Continuing Studies.