Algonquin College Set To Launch Ottawa’s First Brand Management Program
Posted on Friday, May 29th, 2015
College’s Faculty of Arts, Media, and Design, and School of Business, launch program which industry experts say “Canada needs”.
(Ottawa, May 29, 2015) Algonquin College has long recognized the growing importance of strategic brand management skills to the Canadian economy and the need for dedicated professional training in this area. Which is why, after years of development and advice from top minds in Canadian branding, the Algonquin College Faculty of Arts, Media and Design has partnered with the Algonquin College School of Business to launch Ottawa’s first Brand Management Program this September.
The need for this intense one-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate is clear, says program advisor Jeff Swystun, an international branding consultant, author and former executive at global branding agencies DDB and Interbrand. “A well-managed brand is the biggest asset and number one driver of business value for companies worldwide. But we haven’t traditionally treated brand management as a distinct profession requiring particular skills.”
Another advisory board member agrees that this program is timely. Rob Hyams, president of Ottawa creative agency McMillan, wholeheartedly welcomes the program: “Canada needs more people trained in the intricacies of brand development and management; they can bring much-needed creativity, efficiencies, and business value to both the client – and agency – sides of the equation.”
The program is designed for professionals who are already working in one of the many fields related to brand management, and for recent graduates hoping to work in the field. Class projects will be focused and realistic, and students will have many opportunities to interact with working brand managers and creative agencies through guest lecturers, site visits, and a final brand consulting project for a real client.
Robyn Heaton, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Media, and Design, says students will appreciate a hands-on, interactive and multi-disciplinary approach that breaks down barriers between business and creative disciplines: “Collaboration is a cornerstone of this project and of the College as a whole. Students can expect to work hard but they’ll benefit from excellent mentorship and practical experience that will serve them well in their future work.”
“It’s all about developing skills for the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators. We need to teach them to build sustainable world-beating brands,” says faculty member, advisor, and consultant Dennis Van Staalduinen. “I’m excited to be part of it.”
Program Coordinators Jayne Van Dusen and Leanna Verrucci urge qualified students to contact the College now. Enrolment has already begun to fill up for the program’s inaugural class in September.
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