Helping international trade professionals with their CITP designation

As the part-time coordinator of the program at Seneca College, I often sit down with students and provide advice about the different career paths one might follow when doing business internationally. These career paths include trade finance, supply chain operations and customs administration. For a lot of the students, having a solid foundation in international trade skills is the key to succeeding in the workplace.  Being able to offer the FITT Academic Path to the CITP designation is one of the important components of the different programs we offer.

Many of my students are part-time students who attend classes after a busy workday.  These individuals could be upgrading their skills, refreshing their knowledge or completing some of our international trade and supply chain certificate programs. A handful of students also complete the FITT-accredited courses that meet the educational requirement for the Academic Path to the CITP designation offered by the Forum for International Trade Training. Seneca College is an accredited partner, and as such offers the accredited program required to obtain the FITT Diploma in International Trade, which is one component on the path to earning the CITP designation.

Bringing industry experience into the international business classroom

The valuable industry-experience of all our instructors is a fundamental component of our program. Not only do we focus on the theory of the program but also on the facilitators’ know-how as well as the students’ professional experience. I remember back in 2010, students were eager to hear all about my trip to Chicago where I attended the Incoterms training by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). Being able to share the new mandates and updates with the students created an illuminating classroom debate.  As a group, we were able to discuss many of the changes the ICC was introducing in the latest revision.

Working professionals in global companies always infuse the classroom with their ideas, company models and skill-filled theories drawn from years of experience in their positions. Many of our instructors, including myself, invite experts from different areas of the international trade industry.  I have invited expert speakers to my classrooms who have over 15 years of experience from different areas in global trade, including freight forwarders, customs brokers and export sales managers.  Their real life experiences and practical examples always have a positive impact in the way students approach the courses in international business.

One of my guest speakers shared with students how he got his break into the freight forwarding industry. Students were eager to ask the expert specific questions based on topics from previous classes, and also inquired about what employers in the industry look for when hiring new staff. The tips shared by our guest speaker enabled students to assess some of the current needs of the industry.

Inviting such experts throughout the program not only helps students to put required international business skills into context, but also show students that these competencies are important to success.

Upcoming FITT-accredited program at Seneca College.

The Faculty of Continuing Education and Training, Seneca College offers this program on a part-time basis through the year. Depending on the number of courses a student completes each semester, it is possible to complete a certificate in 1 to 2 years. All our international trade and supply chain FITT-accredited classes are offered on weeknights and are 14 weeks in length. Classes are offered at the Newnham Campus located at 1750 Finch Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario.

As a graduate of the program, and a successful industry expert in this field, I look forward to guiding you through the process and educational requirements, as I have with over 350 former students.

For additional information about the FITT-accredited international trade program offered at Seneca College, ask away here or contact me directly.

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