Soft skills are a combination of personality and character traits, communication and language skills, emotional intelligence, and other interpersonal skills. While often overlooked through typical school programs, understanding and developing your soft skills can make a significant difference in launching a successful career.

One of the many perks of Dalhousie University’s Corporate Residency MBA program is its Personal and Professional Effectiveness (PPE) curriculum. The PPE curriculum provides students with personalized soft skills modules and guidance to prepare them for success in the workplace.

The PPE curriculum begins with modules that introduce self-management, engagement, and career management techniques. These include teaching students reflective practice, conflict resolution, and interview skills. Learning how to set and follow-through on personal and professional goals is a main focus of the first several months. Another particular highlight is the dining etiquette session, which teaches specific tricks to navigating professional dining situations that we might encounter during our residency or post-grad job.

After the corporate residency, the second year of PPE pulls the focus to skills that will support the post-grad job search and the development of long-term career success. Specific topics include navigating situations that require a robust understanding of creativity and complexity, as well as developing an understanding of different leadership approaches. A particular focus was placed on design thinking, which is a strategic approach to facilitate creative brainstorming and problem solving.

Throughout its entirety, one of the large focuses of the PPE program is on networking. One of the keys to a successful career is the ability to build and maintain a strong network that can facilitate the job search but also provide support throughout your career. The PPE program provides with many networking opportunities both in the classroom and while on residency through mixer events, as well as employer and alumni panels. There is also an entire week devoted to jump-starting the residency application process, with specific events and opportunities for meeting potential employers while supporting the first round of job interviews.

PPE is not a typical class. Rather than merely sitting through theory-based lectures, students engage with the material through interactive activities and class simulations. Whether the focus is on goal setting, design thinking, complex problem solving, or event networking, students are encouraged to take risks and try new approaches.

The PPE curriculum is a unique opportunity among MBA programs, allowing students to develop those necessary soft skills that can take them to the next level in launching their career. Learn more about the PPE curriculum at dal.ca, or read our breakdown of the Negotiations Integrative also offered through the CRMBA program.