Business BUS1

Holland Code: E (Enterprising)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see the website for details.

Arts & Literacy High school courses in Business Studies or Business and Technological Communication would be beneficial.

Math & Science Grade 12 high school math would be beneficial, but grade 11 math is accepted.

Applicants who do not have a math background should consider the one-year Business Fundamentals program. Students who complete the Business Fundamentals program may be eligible for admission to Level 2 of any two-year business diploma program at Fanshawe College.

Technology Basic computer skills required (Microsoft Office, email, Internet).

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Good analytical skills
• The ability to motivate, lead and manage employees
• A commitment to customer satisfaction
• Take a methodical approach to their work
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Enjoy directing the work of others
• Enjoy negotiating with other managers to find innovative solutions to problems
• Ability to work in a team environment
• The ability to work well under pressure and deal with unexpected situations calmly and effectively
• The ability to get along with all kinds of people

Useful background experience for this program would be

Involvement in a secondary school business club or Junior Achievement.

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become

A management trainee; store, office, operations or production supervisor; small business owner; front line production supervisor; retail trade agent; customer service representative; buyer/purchasing agent; sales representative; production scheduler; or an inventory control clerk.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Some travel may be required, particularly in organizations with many facilities
• Managers employed by chain stores may be required to move frequently, especially during their initial years with the company
• Store managers are on their feet most of the time and often work long hours, evenings and weekends

Places you may find yourself employed include

Manufacturing companies, business operations departments, retail stores, wholesalers, banks, and government or not-for-profit organizations.

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

Operations Manager

• Analyze, design and improve the processes by which goods and services are produced
• Implement and manage quality assurance and safety programs
• Forecast future demand for goods and services
• Develop short, intermediate and long production and service plans based on demand forecasts for goods and services
• Recommend locations for facilities such as plants, warehouses and service units
• Plan the layout of facilities
• Measure and improve productivity
• Manage materials including purchasing, inventory control and distribution
• Manage logistics and supply chains (the movement of goods into and out of production, distribution and retail facilities)
• Develop contingency plans for unexpected changes in supply chains
• Manage the workforce (for example, plan work schedules to meet projected demands for goods and services)
• Manage supplier and customer relationships

Retail Store Manager

• Supervise the day to day operations of the store
• Supervise department managers or directly supervise staff, set up work schedules and assign duties
• Determine staffing requirements, hire or oversee the hiring of staff and, when necessary, dismiss employees
• Train new employees or arrange for training
• Administer budgets and authorize financial transactions
• Monitor product inventories and trends in consumer buying to anticipate which products will be in demand
• Implement or administer price and credit policies
• Monitor anti-theft procedures and policies, and take appropriate action when thefts occur
• Oversee security measures including ensuring that doors and safes are locked and alarms are set, and answering calls from security companies and the police when break-ins occur
• Monitor the outside of the building and make sure safety hazards such as hanging ice are removed
• Assist when employees are unusually busy
• Deal with customer complaints and recommendations

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

Professional Credentials and Affiliations associated with this program

Graduates of this program can earn education credits toward the Certified in Management (CIM) designation from the Canadian Institute of Management

Opportunities for further development or education

• Students in this program have the opportunity to spend one semester abroad in countries in South America or Europe.
• Graduates may apply to Fanshawe's Business Administration - Leadership and Management advanced diploma program.
• Graduates may apply to one of the following Fanshawe graduate certificate programs
  • International Business Management
  • Human Resources Management
  • Professional Financial Services
  • ?Project Management
  • Marketing Management
• Course work may be used as a basis of university admission or credits may transfer to a university degree at many different schools. More information online.

Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Last Modified: August 21, 2024