Opportunities to share, to learn and to experiment

With registration for Fall 2021 classes opening soon, and the university planning to offer approximately 80% of its courses in-person, students are getting excited to plan out their term with some of these unique MBA-level courses.

Women and Leadership (SEM 686)

A relatively new class offered within the University of Alberta MBA program, “Women and Leadership,” aims to educate students on the history of societal expectations, organizational cultures and systemic barriers that women leaders have faced over the last 100 years.

Maria David-Evans, who developed and teaches the course, said that knowing where we have come from can help women and leaders from all backgrounds navigate our current world of work.

“It's difficult to chart a course forward if you don't know where you’ve come from,” said David-Evans. “Understanding our history, from when women got the vote and were recognized as persons under Canadian law, to women’s changing roles during World War II and more recently the Me Too movement, has a profound impact on us as a society and the organizations that hire us.”

Erin McCaskey (‘21 MBA), one of the first students to take the class during its Fall 2020 offering, came away from the course feeling uplifted and empowered.

“The history part of the class was eye-opening,” said McCaskey. “But, what I enjoyed most was hearing directly from other women. Through the impressive roster of guest speakers, Maria herself, and from other students in the class, I learned that we all have common experiences and came out of the class with new knowledge and tools to better navigate situations.”

David-Evans added that it's crucial for confidence-building and development to learn from and about the courageous women and heroes who came before us.

“We need to know what they did and how they did it so that we can learn from them, take our own courage from them, and move ourselves forward.”

In addition to the words of advice and wisdom from prominent female role models, a portion of the class focuses on mentorship, sponsorship and the importance of building a strong network.

Eve Noga, a second-year MBA student, said her favourite part of the class was developing a relationship with Maria, and learning about the importance of expanding one’s network to be a more effective leader.

“I learned so much from Maria. She helps you to realize that building relationships with people who are in positions of power can have a significant influence on your career,” said Noga. “Also, don’t be afraid to ask to be promoted, put your name forward for things, and be present — these are all strategies you can use to become a more effective leader.”

Gender diversity and inclusiveness

There is a misconception that with the title “Women and leadership,” the class is only for female MBA students. However, the course is for everybody; anyone interested in the history of female leadership in Canada, mentorship and coaching, and establishing a strong network of peers should consider taking the class.

According to Michael Maier, associate dean of the Master's and Professional Programs Office, learning about and ensuring gender diversity and inclusiveness in the MBA program is not only important, but essential.

"We know that the representation of women in corporate leadership roles is connected to positive outcomes for women, families, organizations and society as a whole. Our academic institutions play a vital role in developing and inspiring women to step forward, and we take this seriously in the MBA program," said Maier.

David-Evans added that the class is a safe space and environment for teaching, learning and experimenting with one’s leadership style.

“In addition to the coaching and mentorship, network building, and the education around things like unconscious bias, the class is a safe space where you have an opportunity to share, to learn and to experiment,” said David-Evans.

“In life, it’s important to fail fast and learn. But you need a safe environment in which to do that.”

In addition to Women and Leadership, here are some other MBA-level courses you might be interested in:

Corporate Sustainability (SEM 638)

Take this course if you are interested in exploring the historical roots of sustainability practices and examining their implications for key stakeholders of the business enterprise. The class examines business strategies for sustainable development and highlights the triple bottom line — designing mission-driven enterprises that provide a thriving future for business, society and the planet.

According to current MBA student Taylor Doucette, the class opened her eyes to the idea that being sustainable means more than just being environmentally friendly. “Before this course, the extent of my knowledge surrounding corporate sustainability really went only as far as companies 'going green'. However, professor Gehman's lectures, coupled with the amazing and inspiring group of guest speakers, really opened up my eyes to why sustainability continues to be such a growing issue within every corporation."

Energy Industries & Markets (BUEC 563)

In this course, you’ll receive a broad introduction to the energy industries and markets, focusing on market structure, firm strategy and behaviour, regulation and public policy. Through guest speakers, students learn about the evolving nature of industries and markets, including technological challenges, environmental constraints and globalization.

Financial Statement Analysis (ACCTG 630)

Select this course if you want to learn how to analyze financial statements and use financial information to make investment decisions, both equity and debt. The course focuses on equity investments, and students learn the five-step process of analysis for equity investments.

Marketing Communications & Branding (MARK 630)

Choose this course if you have an interest in the evolving nature of marketing communications and brand development. Students will get introduced to the techniques used to create, nurture, and leverage brand assets in an environment where consumer and cultural influences strongly interact with strategic marketing decisions to impact brand meaning and value.

Joseph El-Hamchaoui, an MBA/Master of Physical Therapy program student graduating in June 2021, took MARK 630 as a night class during his studies. “Through this class, I discovered my love for marketing, branding and communication. Branding is applicable no matter which industry you find yourself in, and the skills and knowledge gained in this course will come in very handy.”

New Enterprise Finance (FIN 657)

This course helps students learn about venture formation, developing viable business models, early-stage financing, and managing massively scalable ventures through a series of close interactions with early-stage technology companies and their potential mentors and investors. The class is open to first or second-year MBA students.

New Venture Creation & Organization (SEM 631)

In this course, students learn about the development of new enterprises and the management of an existing small business. The class emphasizes managerial and strategic problems during the early years of business formation and growth, including business planning.