Business Matters

With a focus on the fluid needs of today’s workforce, we’ve launched leadership training from the OSU Portland Center or just about anywhere you need to be to upskill your team, develop a new job skill yourself, or earn a professional certificate.

Enrollment is now open for executive education workshops and training, offered by the College of Business at the new OSU Portland Center.

A major initiative within the College of Business, these new continuing education and professional development offerings focus on the fluid needs of today’s workforce and leading-edge businesses. There is no admission process to enroll, and professionals can pick and choose classes that meet their immediate training needs.

Executive education programs are based out of the OSU Portland Center at Pioneer Square and cover topics like leadership, analytics, marketing and business administration. These offerings are designed for executives, managers and those seeking executive leadership roles.

Programs are taught by OSU faculty or other experts in their fields, providing targeted learning that can be applied immediately in the organization. 

Companies looking for custom training for their team can work with the College of Business to tailor online and onsite workshops to meet their needs. For example, the college partnered with E. & J. Gallo Winery to create a sales training series focused on digital marketing strategies for Gallo sales executives combined on-site trainings across the country with web-based learning modules.

“We’re identifying niche executive education programs and opportunities, while leveraging our strengths as a leader in analytics, leadership and business,” said Melanie Mitchell, director of executive and professional education for OSU’s College of Business. “We’re building partnerships with a wide array of stakeholders and companies who are committed to programs that will help develop and retain a strong workforce in the region and nationally.”

Mitchell has nearly 15 years of experience in higher education, spanning across corporate training, strategic partnership development, marketing and enrollment management, instructional design and research and evaluation.

Through executive and professional education, Mitchell works with companies to improve employee development, support a workforce in career progression, and promote employment recruitment and retention.

“Most executives and professionals recognize what a great added value and benefit it is to have continuing education opportunities,” Mitchell said. “We like to say that these courses create sparks, and inspire real change and innovation among teams by bringing together the bright minds within our great companies.”

The College of Business also offers online certificate programs in a wide array of topics, from advanced digital marketing and digital brand management to human resources management, nonprofit management, and procurement and contract management. Industry experts teach these certificate programs, and an all-online platform lets students learn from anywhere.