In a world characterized by increasing levels of competition, the ability of organizations to understand the environment in which they operate, and make decisions that maximize their efficiency and effectiveness within that environment, is crucial. Organizations delegate these responsibilities to managers who, to be successful, require strong analytical and leadership skills.
In response to the tremendous demand for degree programs that prepare individuals for professional careers in management, Trent University Durham GTA recently launched a 16-month master of management program. This new program draws its strengths both from the expertise and experience of Trent’s faculty, and from the University’s close ties to the Greater Toronto Area business community.

We start by presenting students with a series of fundamental but complex questions regarding how an organization can best deploy its available human, financial, and physical resources in pursuit of its strategic goals. The first phase of the program focuses on developing the theoretical foundations for analyzing these questions. Studying a range of subjects, including leadership, marketing, finance, accounting, managerial economics, statistical analysis, and human resource management, students learn and take direction from faculty who, through their own research and managerial experiences, have developed insights into how organizations can be best managed.

Once that foundation is in place, students enter the experiential learning phase of the program, during which they are immersed in an internship with a local organization, working to solve pressing social challenges. This experience will prepare students to launch their professional careers as employers today are not only looking for employees who are technical smarts but also possess exceptional leadership, team building, communication and analytical skills. Building and enhancing these skill and competencies is the focus of this professional program.
In the final phase of the program, after completing their internship, students return to the classroom, where each member of the class benefits not only from sharing, and reflecting on, their own internship experiences but also from hearing and discussing the experiences of others.

Those interested in obtaining more information on, or applying to, Trent University’s master of management may visit trentu.ca/graduatestudies/mmgt. If you are interested in being a host organization for our master’s students, please visit trentu.ca/durham/employers.

— Dr. Amina Malik is a professor in the master of management program at Trent University Durham GTA.