Christopher Steven was searching for a convenient yet comprehensive way to upgrade his management skills. As an Immigration Programs Analyst he wanted a way to stand out among his peers. He decided to enroll in DePaul University’s Six Sigma Management Certificate Program.
The Six Sigma quality improvement program is one of many continuing education certificate programs offered by the Driehaus College of Business.
The continuing education programs in management are among the most popular. Business professionals say these courses are essential for helping them advance in their careers.
“The program was definitely challenging,” says Steven who completed the Six Sigma Green Belt program, which focuses on process improvement and data-based decision-making, in February. “But it helped my critical thinking skills, as well as how to improve efficiency within our workplace processes.”
Is a Management Certificate Program Right for You?
Erin Nelson, director of the Management Development Center, which oversees the management department’s professional development offerings, says people who enroll in certificate programs are usually mid-career professionals seeking to boost specific skillsets to advance their careers. They’re often transitioning professionals or those returning to the workforce.
What makes DePaul’s management certificate programs so unique, Nelson says, is the real-world experience instructors bring to the classroom, as well as the curriculum alignment with many professional organizations.
“We’re able to bestow professional certifications that are in line with industry guidelines and standards,” Nelson says. “And because we’re located in downtown Chicago, our instructors work at some of the most forward-thinking and innovative companies in the world. They bring their personal experience to the classroom and help students really understand how to use these new skills in the workplace.”
Tailored to the schedules of working professionals, DePaul’s certificate and professional development programs are offered throughout the year. They can be multi-week programs or one-day seminars. Some are offered weekly on the DePaul Loop Campus or online.
Nelson says professionals have a variety of certificate programs to choose from, including the MBA Primer. Taught by industry experts as well as faculty from DePaul’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business, this 12-week program gives students an overview of DePaul’s MBA degree program.
Upon completion of the primer program, professionals earn a waiver for one elective course if they choose to continue their education at DePaul’s graduate school.
In addition, the Management Development Center offers certificate programs in a variety of specific fields, including project management, logistics and supply chain management and purchasing and supply chain management.
“The classes are very technical,” says Nelson. “They’re focused on the application of the skill rather than just learning it.”
Steven certainly appreciated the Six Sigma Green Belt program’s thoroughness. “I would highly recommend this program for anyone looking to further develop their skills and stand out in the job market,” he said.