Celebrating endings and new beginnings with EMTM Class of 2019

July 25, 2019

July 19 marked the final academic requirements for the MSc candidates of the Executive Master in Technology Management program – the defence of their major research projects.

For months, the EMTM learners have been pursuing answers to practical research problems within the technology industry. Basing their academic work on the EMTM foundations of innovation management, digital literacy and design thinking, the learners defended their projects in front of a total of 12 Lazaridis School faculty members.

Once the presentations were over, it was time to celebrate with a reception hosted by EMTM program director, Hamid Noori.

“We wanted to give our learners something special as a way to congratulate them on their remarkable achievements this year,” says Noori.

Each EMTM cohort elects a class president to represent the students; this year’s cohort had three. Co-presidents Aman Mander, Julie Johnson and Alison Wood used their remarks to thank those who helped to get their class across the finish line.

“Thanks to Hamid and all the faculty for their work in constantly evolving the program and keeping the curriculum current for us,” says co-president Aman Mander.

Co-president Alison Wood went on to thank her fellow learners and said, “A big part of my decision to take this program was being exposed to a network of smart, dedicated professionals. I for one know that I’ve grown from the connections I’ve made.”

There were several EMTM learners who had extra reasons to celebrate, those who have gotten new jobs or promotions over the course of the 11-month program.

“This program gave me an insight into business, providing me with a wider perspective than my background in computer engineering provided,” says Abed Maati Hussein. “Beyond the lessons that taught me about marketing, economics, accounting and strategy, it ultimately helped me learn how to ask the right questions about business in the tech sector.”

In addition to celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2019, the reception also provided Director Noori with the opportunity to announce the latest development for the Lazaridis program.

“I am pleased to announce that all Lazaridis EMTM graduates, past, present and future, will be given exclusive membership to the newly created EMTM Innovators Network,” declared Noori.

The new network provides four distinct benefits to those who have joined the Lazaridis EMTM community:

1. The ability to sit in on any bi-weekly EMTM classes at no charge to keep current with industry trends.

2. Opportunities to join the Lazaridis EMTM industry networking receptions held twice a year in Toronto and Waterloo.

3. Access to join all guest speakers events throughout the academic year.

4. A standing invitation to join integrated session panels as judges and industry experts.

More information about the EMTM Innovators Network will be available in the coming weeks - stay tuned.