Conestoga news

January 16, 2020 11:15 AM

New partnership connects students to professional community

A new partnership with the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) will provide students in several Conestoga programs with access to a unique network focused on excellence and innovation. 

Founded in 1942, IAAP is an internationally recognized non-profit professional association dedicated to promoting and supporting administrative professionals worldwide. The association provides over 40,000 members with the knowledge, skills and insights that build towards job advancement, success and recognition while providing a community of support for individuals with shared goals, responsibilities and challenges. 

Beginning January 2020, students in Conestoga’s Office Administration - General, Office Administration - Executive and Administrative Business Management programs have increased supports and opportunities through the college’s collaborative agreement with IAAP. Conestoga is the first college in Ontario to partner with the professional association.

The agreement will see IAAP resources incorporated into program curriculum, as well as student access to the association’s online learning platform to enrich their skills as they prepare for successful careers. IAAP will also support a regional member branch through Conestoga in an effort to better connect students with their professional community. Upon completion of their programs, graduates will also be granted a year-long membership.   

“Conestoga’s partnership with IAAP will help support the college’s commitment to developing career-ready graduates,” said faculty member Colleen James, who will serve as the branch’s director. “Through this initiative, students will have access to valuable networking opportunities to exchange ideas and best practices, as well as showcase skills on an international platform.” 

In addition to student and graduate supports, the agreement will also look to support the broader community through designating Conestoga as an official testing site for the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) exam. The accredited credential designed specifically for administrative professionals requires a minimum combination of education and experience.

The agreement also formally recognizes Conestoga’s collaboration with an IAAP sub-committee to establish a certificate-in-training exam that would provide students in participating programs an option to complete their studies with a platform to the full CAP exam.

Conestoga’s General and Executive Office Administration program streams, as well as the Administrative Business Management graduate certificate program, provide a wide variety of hands-on practical experience with emphasis on critical thinking, ethical decision-making and problem-solving skills to ensure graduates are fully trained to meet the demands of today's challenging office environment.

Visit the School of Business for more information, or contact Colleen James.