Share.Learn.Inspire.Transform
Class of 2011 MBA (FS)
CEGE Connection would like to recognize the contribution of the MBA(FS)Class of 2011 as they commemorate their tenth-year anniversary. All our best goes out to these graduates on this special milestone year. Thank you for your commitment to excellence, life-long learning, and the communities in which you live and work.
The CEGE Team
“I devoted my final capstone project towards facilitating communication across the various, remotely-located, offices in which I dealt with on a regular basis. It is gratifying to know that many of the findings contained in my capstone presentation continue to greatly benefit the organization.”
Sarah Horrocks, MIM Class of 2011
Sarah Horrocks, MIM Class of 2011
In a recent virtual interview, Sarah joined CEGE Connection in celebrating the 10th anniversary of the MIM program.
Sarah Horrocks:
I was one of the first recipients of the MIM degree from Dalhousie. Being part of the inaugural cohort of students meant being grouped together for every course, which led to many lasting friendships that continue to this day. The MIM program opened a new way of thinking about how to organize documents and materials for the preservation and continuity of business knowledge and information assets.
While I was studying for the degree, I was also working in two different office environments. I found that every aspect of what I was learning was immediately applicable to my work in both of those positions. I developed a deeper understanding of some of the legal underpinnings of information management and privacy legislation and was able to correct several policies that had fallen into non-compliance. I created a document retention/disposition policy and instituted file naming conventions for ease of document retrieval that exist to this day. I devoted my final capstone project towards facilitating communication across the various, remotely-located, offices in which I dealt with on a regular basis. It is gratifying to know that many of the findings contained in my capstone presentation continue to greatly benefit the organization.
Thanks to the flexible MIM blended online model, I was able to complete my degree, despite facing many time constraints. It was not unusual for me to be doing homework during my kids’ football games, paddling practices, even during my son’s bagpipe lessons (THAT was a challenge!). The faculty were extremely helpful in devising options for working around the occasional life events that caused interruptions in studies, such as skyping in to intensives or offering independent studies. Having the course material available online meant you were able to access it at your convenience from any location. The moderated online discussions ensured you were able to exchange your ideas with colleagues and faculty to better understand the material. The “in person” intensive sessions were a two-day whirlwind of knowledge exchange, presentations, papers and most importantly, networking. We worked incredibly hard. Even so, being together as a group made the experience extremely rewarding.
I would (and often do) encourage others to explore this program because there is so much to learn that is interesting and immediately applicable to any organization. In fact, my husband, a career army man, received his MIM degree in 2017. The variety of specialized electives available allow the degree to be tailored to fit a variety of interests. I am continually excited to uncover where my MIM knowledge can next be applied. This fall, after 13 years with the same organization, I am dusting off my CV and embarking on a job search, with my MIM designation at the top of my list of qualifications. I am ever eager to put my hard-earned degree to good use!
“Within two years of graduating, I successfully advanced my career and became the director of the government-wide program rolling out the standard document and records management solution known as GCdocs. It is my dream job, and I honestly don’t think I would have achieved this goal without the Master of Information Management (MIM) degree.”
Jennifer Woods MIM Class of 2011, Director, GCDOCS EPMO
Jennifer Woods MIM Class of 2011
The Centre for Executive and Graduate Education is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Master of Information Management (MIM) program. The first of its kind in Canada, MIM builds on an individual’s existing knowledge and experience to develop the skills and best practices in critical information, risk and change management that respond to our ever-changing dynamic work environment.
The MIM is a part-time program delivered primarily online, complemented by onsite intensives. Award-winning teachers, who possess a broad experience in e-learning, research and consulting, create an environment that fosters meaningful learning. The long-term success and strength of the MIM program is found in the collaborative approach that is formed within the cohorts over the duration of the MIM journey.
CEGE Connection reached out to the first cohort of the MIM program for their thoughts on how the MIM program influenced their lives.
Dr. Sandra Toze introduced me to Jennifer Woods at the 2018 ARMA Conference held in Vancouver this past spring. Over lunch, Jennifer highlighted how technology is transforming the way information is managed for the betterment of society. Today, she looks back on how the MIM degree provided a pathway to greater career opportunities.
Jennifer Woods:
I was very fortunate to be part of the first cohort of the Dalhousie Master of Information Management (MIM) program, and I loved it!
At the time, I was a manager in the federal government, and I believed my career would benefit from furthering my education. The mid-career professionals’ approach to the curriculum was brilliant. It not only helped me apply my learning to solve practical issues at the office, and made the learning more meaningful and interesting, but it also provided a great reason for my employer to invest in my tuition.
Within two years of graduating, I successfully advanced my career and became the director of the government-wide program rolling out the standard document and records management solution known as GCdocs. It is my dream job, and I honestly don’t think I would have achieved this goal without the Master of Information Management (MIM).
One of the best things about the program is going to Halifax for the onsite intensives, doing things like boat tours, eating at the Split Crow and touring the Keith’s Brewery. It is such a great city, now one of my favorite places to visit. And I’m so thankful for the great relationships I gained with my cohorts, many of whom stay in touch ten years later.
Congratulations on the 10th Anniversary!
Throughout the four years, I gained friendships that continue to inspire me to seek excellence and continue with life-long learning. I use social media to remain connected to many students and professors. I enjoy hearing about their successes. The MBA(FS) program had a huge impact on my life. This was a time of heightened learning, which continues to influence and reward my personal and career pathways.
Lana Catalano MBA(FS) Class of 2011
Lana Catalano MBA(FS) Class of 2011
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once wrote: “The greatest thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving.”
The human experience may be defined by the journeys we undertake during our lifetimes. The decision to engage in a rigorous academic program is not made lightly, for travelers know that the road ahead will demand their highest commitment to excellence. Even so, the rewards of knowledge, experience, and camaraderie are well worth the hard work and effort.
Lana Catalano MBA(FS) Class of 2011, is a champion of life-long learning and suggests that the MBA programs offered through the Centre for Advanced Management Education (CFAME) equip graduates with strategies to thrive in a highly competitive work environment.
Lana Catalano:
I recommend that anyone considering a MBA program, complete the necessary research prior to making the final decision and applying for enrollment.
Without doubt, it is a huge step and commitment to enroll in an MBA program as a mature student after years of working and involved within a less formal educational structure.
Participating in a MBA program had been my long-range goal. The challenge was finding the right time to begin. I knew that I would be adding study hours to my already busy schedule. I enjoyed my family time as well as the challenges of my career. There was definitely self doubt. Am I too old? Am I smart enough? Do I have the time? Can I juggle the demands of family, school and work? And, can I commit to this for a 4+ year term?
I sent away for information on different programs, local and distance learning, and explored an accounting degree as well as Executive MBA. What impressed me most about the MBA(FS) program was the flexibility and recognition of industry courses through the partnership with CSI and the CFP track. I appreciated the virtual component, which allowed individuals to study and complete assignments on their time as opposed to having to attend a certain class time-slot.
The courses were available in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Halifax and throughout the summer which gave me the chance to map out a few options for a shorter or longer-term completion depending on how many courses taken per semester. I had the option to take the summer off or double up on courses in a particular semester.
The support I received throughout the program, especially at the beginning, helped in my decision process and in mapping out the degree program. I had the pleasure of attending intensives across the country in every city. The students and professors I met as I progressed through the courses, confirmed that I had made the right decision and gave me confidence that I would succeed.
Every student had a different story, background and experience which made the interactions and topics relevant and interesting. Group work was enhanced because of our individual course order, which was based on location, preference and knowledge base. Our diverse experiences gave insight as to what we could look forward to in future courses.
Throughout the four years, I gained friendships that continue to inspire me to seek excellence and continue with life-long learning. I use social media to remain connected to many students and professors. I enjoy hearing about their successes. The MBA(FS) program had a huge impact on my life. This was a time of heightened learning, which continues to influence and reward my personal and career pathways.
I am strong advocate and active promoter of the MBA(FS) program. For those who may have the goal to further their education, I recommend contacting the CFAME team and explore the options available through Dalhousie Centre for Advanced Management Education.