Growing talent from within: Master in Management

By Emily Tham

Luis Hernandez’s time at The University of Winnipeg makes for a compelling story. He arrived in Winnipeg from El Salvador with a clear objective – to pursue his grade 12 high school studies at the UWinnipeg Collegiate. He stayed on at UWinnipeg to attain his BSc in Mathematics, secured a pivotal role at the UWinnipeg Technology Solutions Centre, and continued to advance his studies with a BBA in the Faculty of Business and Economics. He is now poised to complete his Master in Management (MiM) with a concentration in Data Analytics.

The MiM program was started in 2017 with industry consultation focused on technology innovation and operation management. It is designed to allow working professionals to improve their management skills on a part-time or full-time basis. Last Fall, the Department of Business & Administration responded to the growing demand for data management by incorporating a concentration in Data Analytics.

“We established the MiM program to respond to employer needs, whether they are private or non-profit organizations," Dr. Sylvie Albert, the MiM Committee Chair, explained. "The University of Winnipeg is an important economic development engine for Manitoba and its employees as other management talent in organizations throughout Manitoba can benefit from this program. A variety of companies have sponsored their employees such as Manitoba Hydro and Boeing as well as some international organizations.”

Luis was keen to take the opportunity. “I’ve never stopped wanting to learn and these particular skills will be important to the university and my career," he said. "The chance to work and study at the same time was daunting yet has been rewarding.”

“I encourage and support skill and knowledge development through self-study or continuing education for career advancement as well as job satisfaction," commented Ruth Dahl, Luis' supervisor. "New knowledge brings new ideas to the job position." Dahl added that “Luis was an ideal candidate for the MiM.” The endorsement of his continuing education truly embodies the importance of investing in our employees at UWinnipeg.

Luis is grateful for the opportunity The University of Winnipeg has given him and he looks forward to the next step in his career.