Career-minded business people who want to excel now and in the next century have a new ally in the International Sales and Marketing (ISM) program offered by Durham College.
The eight-month post-diploma program is aimed at new graduates as well as experienced business people who want to enter, switch to, or augment their performance in a career in today's global business environment.
"With a population of less than 30 million, there just aren't enough people in Canada to support many companies. To sustain or grow their businesses, Canadians must look beyond their own borders," says Tom Rennick, general manager of sales and marketing at Escalator Handrail, which has operations in Oshawa, the U.S., Germany and China.
The International Sales and Marketing program concentrates on a number of areas, including the buying behaviors of people in other countries; how to approach and conduct business with businesses, governments and institutions abroad; importing and exporting; advertising; sales promotion; and small business management. Classes begin the first week of September and continue through to early April.
Grads of the program can enter a number of careers in a wide range of sectors such as banking, consulting, manufacturing, importing, exporting, customs, government and small business. The main entrance requirement for the program is a college diploma, university degree or experience in business or industry.
An understanding of other cultures and their business practices are key to opening up new markets and increasing sales, says Rennick, who is also on the ISM advisory committee.
"A number of Asian countries, for example, have strong preferences for certain colors and numbers." This knowledge can be a tremendous asset in devising, packaging, promoting and marketing products and services abroad. Conversely, businesses unfamiliar with other cultures can not only miss important opportunities, their efforts in other countries may result in disaster, he adds.
Since Canada has been declared the top country in the world in which to live, many companies run their international dealings from their Canadian operations. And Durham Region businesses are in a unique position to take advantage of business opportunities beyond Canada's borders, says Rennick. "The automotive industry is one of the first truly global industries, and it is also the backbone of our local economy."
For more information about the program, or to apply, please call the college's Admissions office at 905-721-3046-3088 or 1-800-461-0549.
Media Contacts:
Alice Lytwynchuk
Public Relations
(905) 721-2000 ext. 2117
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