The number one challenge facing business organizations around the world is acquiring and keeping the right people. This year Trent University Durham, Oshawa Campus has become part of the solution.

Within its mandate to develop qualified HR professionals, Trent University is joining forces with the Human Resources Professional Association Durham (HRPAD) to attract future HR professionals to Durham Region with the objective of learning the profession and ultimately working in the HR field to develop a productive and talented workforce.

To support this goal, beginning this year, the HRPAD is providing an annual competitive scholarship of $2,500 to students pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A) degree with an HR Specialization or a Postgraduate Certificate in Human Resource Management at Trent’s Oshawa campus. The two programs, launched this year, are designed to equip students and current HR professionals with the theoretical and applied business and HR skills they need to confidently lead people in the competitive business world, now and into the future.

After submitting her grades and an essay, Marisa Vipond of the new Postgraduate Certificate in HR Management program became the first student to receive the HRPAD scholarship. She was awarded the scholarship during a ceremony at Trent University Durham on October 21.

Speaking of her experience at Trent, Ms. Vipond says she values the professional experience of her professors and the small class sizes that reflect the nature of learning at Trent Oshawa.

“The importance of teamwork, communication, and bringing real-life experiences into the classroom makes this program unique,” she says. “I feel that I am receiving an excellent education that will allow me to succeed in the HR field.”

After graduation Ms. Vipond plans to work in the HR fields of recruitment or training and development in local communities. Through volunteering, work experience and studies in HR Management, she has also developed an interest in career counseling and guidance.

Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2014.