Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (May 15/02) - Graduating from Nunavut Arctic College's management studies program is a valuable step toward a rewarding career, says instructor Sharon Shultz.

The Kivalliq campus graduated five diploma and nine certificate students from the program May 1.

Shultz, now in her third year as a full-time management studies instructor, says the graduates have met the challenges of a demanding program. She says it's interesting to note many of the students have families and additional responsibilities within the community on top of their academic pursuits.

"They've had to make the sacrifice of putting their lives on hold in order to come back to school and continue their educations," says Shultz.

"They should all be highly commended for sticking with the program and graduating."

On an equivalency basis, the management studies program presents students with the challenge of a first- or second-year university-styled education within a Northern setting. For many students, it's their first introduction into adult learning.

"It's a difficult adjustment to be in school as an adult -- as opposed to high school -- where the onus to succeed is on them," she says.

"Much of the motivation comes from the students themselves to complete their studies. That's a challenging transition for many students, to be self-disciplined in completing their program."

Shultz describes management studies as a generalist program which prepares students for officer-level positions within the government and private sector.

She says the program gives students the skills that, when combined with practical experience, can lead to middle-management positions.

"With transfer agreements, the program gives them an equivalency of 18 months to two years of university. This allows them to continue on and do their bachelor degree in business administration if they chose to go that route," she says.

"It's the type of program that provides students with options."