Securing employment in the business world is notoriously tricky. After gaining an undergraduate qualification, many budding businesspeople lack the practical skills, up-to-date knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to launch or expand their careers.
The University of California Irvine’s Division of Continuing Education bridges this gap, offering twelve Accelerated Certificate Programs (ACPs) – specialized postgraduate courses – that marry theory with practise in real-world environments.
The courses last three months and equip students with the expertise and experience needed to accelerate their careers anywhere around the world. Following program completion, students are also able to gain valuable work experience in the US (one of the world’s largest Business hubs) through a three-month internship program with one of over 250 industry partners in California.
Those seeking longer-term professional opportunities in the US can choose a nine-month program – two ACPs of their choice followed by a three-month internship – that leads to eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is a benefit from the US government that grants international students the opportunity to work in the United States for up to one year in their field of study. So, in just a short nine months, you could earn two postgraduate-level specializations from a Top 10 public US university, gain work experience in a global corporation, expand your professional network, and become eligible for full-time employment in the United States for 12 additional months.
With 12 ACP’s to choose from, you’re bound to find a course that meets your needs. Professors are experienced business practitioners in their respective fields. Small class sizes mean faculty get to know each student and help them develop professionally connecting them to the business world and providing invaluable insight. Plus, the Business Administration, International Tourism & Hotel Management and Marketing courses only require two years of study to be eligible for enrolment.
Business Administration
As the business world continues to evolve, only the companies whose staff understand finance and marketing, how to build co-operative teams and how to manage them effectively, are the ones that will survive. This program arms students with the skills needed to raise companies up above the competition.
The Business Administration course is designed for individuals with minimal business experience; perfect for those who wish to gain an understanding of the managerial functions, as well as the roles and skills needed to thrive in the fast-paced business world.
International Tourism & Hotel Management
It doesn’t matter if you’re new to the tourism and hotel management world, or an experienced professional who wishes to update and improve your expertise – this course welcomes all with a drive for the sector.
The course provides in-depth training with a real-world focus. Graduates can expect to come away ready to tackle any top management position in the hospitality and tourism field.
Marketing
In the ever-changing marketing realm, businesspeople must understand what’s changing and how developments should be approached. To address this demand, the program works to build on existing marketing best practices and skills, also bringing in new methods to enhance widespread industry knowledge.
Applied Project Management
If you want to extend your current knowledge and skills in project management to advance your existing career, this program – in line with the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) – will have you ready to plan, schedule, and put into practise a wealth of projects. You will also leave prepared for the Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification exam.
Data Science & Predictive Analytics for Business Professionals
In the business world, it’s no longer just the product or service that has the potential to drive growth. Instead, how the company interprets data to better understand the consumer is key to staying afloat in an increasingly competitive market. Data scientists and predictive analysts are at the center of that growth, and this course creates graduates at the top of their game for facilitating company expansion.
Digital Marketing
Efficient use of digital tools is what predominantly drives successful marketing strategies. With the ACP Digital Marketing program, students gain the knowhow on navigating the online business world through examination of social media strategies, mobile marketing, online analytics, and search engine marketing, utilizing up-to-date methods to gain new customers and keep them retained.
Global Human Resources Management
What really makes a company is its people. As the business world speeds up with a global workforce operating 24/7, understanding how effective leadership can span time zones and borders becomes ever more critical. The development readies students for the advancements of global workforce leadership, gifting them a new skillset that adapts to the global business market.
Innovation Management & Entrepreneurship
New, bold ideas are what help businesses thrive, but any wise businessperson knows it’s not just having grand ideas that makes the difference, but also knowing how to successfully implement them. The Innovation Management & Entrepreneurship program uses proven methods of innovation and design thinking to inform student learning, inspiring them to come up with new ideas, manage creative teams and gain a deeper insight into clients while driving company growth.
International Business Operations & Management
Ensuring your company has a solid, global customer base is no easy feat. To keep up with competition, companies must know the ins and outs of the successful strategies, policies and technologies that are integral to managing international business operations. The course prepares students to handle anything the global Business world could potentially throw their way.
International Finance
Delve into the history of international financial markets and the foundations on which they operate, while also updating your knowledge with up-to-date information. Learn what’s behind international investment flows and gain an understanding of the financial management practises global companies use.
Media & Global Communications
The public’s understanding of what’s happening in the world is almost entirely controlled by the mass media. In order to keep up, businesspeople must be aware of the global, political, social and cultural impact their company makes, and this course awards them with the skills needed to cope with the changing media landscape.
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
The full-time TEFL Certificate Program merges current trends in English language teaching with the tried-and-tested traditional practices in the sector. The program works for those who wish to teach learners of any age.
“From a wide selection of academic programs to numerous campus activities,” the institute explains, “UCI Division of Continuing Education will continue providing a university-level learning experience to all of our students.”
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