Explore and expand career options with professional development programs

By Claudette Zolkowski

Oakland University's School of Business Administration offers professional development and continuing education programs focused on high-demand and emerging sectors to help individuals enhance their current skills or prepare for a new career.

In fact, the commitment to assisting the professional student population drives our market-leading, innovative programming features. Programs often include an internship component to assist career changers to gain experience, build skills and make business connections that help launch professionals into new careers.

"The Paralegal Program at OU's School of Business Administration is built to suit the needs of any individual. Thanks to the superb quality professors with real-world experience coupled with hands-on learning through an internship I graduated prepared and excited to begin my new career. I couldn't have asked for a better learning experience," notes recent paralegal program graduate, Lindsey Callewaert, legal assistant, Kelly Services.

Most SBA professional education programs qualify for Michigan Works! No Worker Left Behind funding. To find out if the program you’re interested in qualifies, visit www.michiganworks.com, then select No Worker Left Behind link, then select Oakland University from the provider list on the Career Education Consumer Report.

Courses that begin this January include: 

NEW: Business Intelligence and Data Mining 
Combining business intelligence and data mining gives business leaders the information they need to solve specific problems, leverage a competitive advantage or identify emerging trends. This market-leading certificate program, developed with Altair, offers participants a real edge in the field through courses that focus on classroom lectures and case studies, hands-on training using the Altair Business Intelligence HiCube software on medical, financial, quality and warranty business environments, and an industry internship at an Altair business host site. The unique internship component also allows students to make professional contacts and network in a new field.

NEW: Process Management
This 145-hour program combines three respected programs that allow participants to earn a certificate in process management. Components encompass leadership, lean and total quality management; Project Management and PMI Exam Review; and a Six Sigma Green course. 

Project Management Certificate
With components that apply across a wide range of professions, project management is a growing field. Data shows that companies are interested in finding successful, high-level employees who are highly trained in managing the complex global projects that exist in today’s work environment. This 40-hour certificate program typically takes place over three consecutive days. After completing the program participants may choose to take the Project Management Institute Exam Review course or opt to sit for the exam to earn their Project Management Professional designation.

PMI Exam Review 
Prepare to pass the Project Management Institute exam to earn a Project Management Professional designation with this 40-hour course that reviews the materials covered in the exam. 

Certified Financial Planning Certificate 
This CFP-Board registered program presents techniques and knowledge to help formulate and execute the comprehensive financial plans that will assist clients in accumulating, conserving and transferring personal wealth. One of the first programs in the country to be certified by the CFP Board of Standards, OU's program continues to lead by updating and innovating the program through its staff of dedicated, qualified and experienced practitioner instructors who help you bridge the gap between theory and practice. Program graduates earn a Certificate in Financial Planning and are eligible to sit for the CFP Certification Examination. A bachelor’s degree is required for exam admission.

CFP Certification Exam Review
This four-day workshop prepares participants for the CFP Certification Exam through a course offered in partnership between Oakland University and Keir Educational Resources. Individuals who meet the requirements of CFP Board and are ready to prepare for the exam can register. 

Paralegal Certificate Program 
This American Bar Association approved program can quickly prepare individuals for a career as a paralegal. The 13-course program offers a cutting-edge curriculum in courses taught by attorneys, judges and qualified professionals who understand the role of the paralegal in modern legal practice. Students will be trained in the study of law with an emphasis on real-world application and legal procedures. The program offers a unique 80-hour field experience in a legal setting. With evening courses designed for busy individuals, a full-time student can complete the program and enter the field in about one year. Admission requires satisfactory completion of a minimum of 45 semester hours.

New Marketing-Leading Programs
The SBA at Oakland University frequently develops new certificate programs and workshops that can help workers gain skills in emerging and high-demand fields in a relatively short time. Recent additions that help Michigan workers prepare for the new economy include programs on Web 2.0 interface development, credit analysis, and corporate restructuring and financial distress. Check the SBA Professional Education Web site for updates on new programs that address today's and tomorrow's business needs.

Learn more or register at www.sba.oakland.edu/ce.

OPEN HOUSE December 2, 2009 6:30 - 8 p.m., 234 Elliott Hall 

Learn more about the advantages of the SBA's professional education programs at an Open House on Wednesday, Dec. 2. Get information about featured programs, Michigan Works support and learn how you can register for classes.

SBA Anniversary Special Offer

SBA alumni interested in the SBA’s professional development certificate program offerings can take advantage of a special 40th Anniversary discount – 10 percent off the first class only of any certificate program offering. The discount is available through October 2010. For a list of offerings, see www.sba.oakland.edu/ce. For more information contact Carrie at (248) 370-3177.