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4 beginner-friendly courses at Toronto's DMZ to kickstart your next big career move

Plus, you’ll get access to their slick co-working space downtown.

Four colleagues at DMZ Toronto looking at a laptop and smiling.

Four colleagues at DMZ Toronto looking at a laptop and smiling.

Sponsored Content Contributing Writer, Studio

In the professional world, tech is constantly evolving at warp speed, turning industry standards on their heads and making it next to impossible to stand out in today's workplace. Taking a course is a great way to add a new skill to your toolbelt (aka upskill) or learn something totally different and take your career in a new direction.

If you're looking to shake things up in your career or professional development, you can apply for a course at DMZ's SkillHouse. This new program from the world-leading startup incubator is open to people of all professional backgrounds, career stages and levels — no tech or entrepreneurship experience required.

Based at Toronto Metropolitan University, DMZ has been equipping Canadian and global tech entrepreneurs for success for over a decade.

SkillHouse's courses are designed to give you a competitive edge in today’s fast-evolving workplace. They're taught by industry experts who instruct and mentor, providing insights and knowledge that only practicing professionals can offer.

So, what’s in it for you? A SkillHouse course will empower you in your career with hands-on learning, and you'll also get to meet like-minded people, boost your professional network and connect with industry leaders and innovators.

The reception desk at DMZ Toronto. The reception desk at DMZ Toronto. Courtesy of DMZ

Each part-time course runs for three to five weeks and costs $500, making it a budget-friendly and efficient investment in your future. Plus, every student accepted into SkillHouse gets eight weeks of co-working access to DMZ's stylish downtown Toronto space.

To help you decide which one to sign up for, here are four upcoming courses at SkillHouse.

Productization: Delivering on customers wants and needs

Colleagues work together around a desk at DMZ Toronto.

Colleagues work together around a desk at DMZ Toronto.

Courtesy of DMZ

Application deadline: June 24, 2024

When: Every Monday, July 8-22, 2024 (3 weeks)

Address: DMZ HQ - 10 Dundas St. E., Suite 6th floor, Toronto, ON

What you’ll master: In this course, the product is king. You'll learn how to interpret consumer needs and translate them into actionable, evidence-based product plans that align with market demands and drive growth.

Plus, you'll learn from industry vet Anthony Lau, who'll share examples and experiences from his career spanning over twenty years. This course is great if you love business, data, and working with various teams to achieve results.

Sign up for Productization

Customer Success: Loyalty through enhanced experiences

A shared workspace at DMZ Toronto.

A shared workspace at DMZ Toronto.

Courtesy of DMZ

Application deadlines: In-person - June 9; virtual - July 25, 2024

When:

  • In-person: every Wednesday, June 26-July 17, 2024 (4 weeks)
  • Virtual: Every Wednesday, August 15-September 5, 2024 (4 weeks), 5-7 p.m.

Address: DMZ HQ - 10 Dundas St. E., Suite 6th floor, Toronto, ON (for the in-person classes only)

What you’ll master: Hone your existing skills and gain new ones in this course that focuses on helping your customers succeed with your product or service. In it, you'll acquire the knowledge, best practices, and tools to build strong client relationships, reduce churn and improve business outcomes, ultimately boosting customer loyalty and driving revenue.

The instructor for this course is Karen Hogg, a seasoned leader with over twenty years of experience in B2B companies and an extensive background in building and scaling customer-facing teams.

Sign up for Customer Success

Professional Communications: Winning with strategic communications

Two people talking at DMZ with views of Yonge-Dundas through the large windows.

Two people talking at DMZ with views of Yonge-Dundas through the large windows.

Courtesy of DMZ

Application deadlines: Session 1 - July 3, 2024; session 2 - July 31, 2024

When: Session 1 - every Wednesday, July 24-August 14, 2024 (4 weeks); session 2 - every Wednesday, August 21-September 11, 2024 (4 weeks)

Address: Virtual

What you’ll master: Communication is critical in any profession. Learn the core principles of business communication, including active listening, formal and informal communication, engaging storytelling and more.

Under the guidance of Mansi Vagt, who has nearly two decades of experience with luxury hospitality brands and a background in global brand strategy and guest experience, you'll be equipped with key written and oral communication skills, tools and techniques for building relationships and finding success. This course is offered virtually for people across Canada.

Sign up for Professional Communications

Sales Development Representative Training: Master the SDR role and elevate sales

A mentor coaches a student in a modern office.

A mentor coaches a student in a modern office.

NDABCREATIVITY | Adobe Stock

Application deadline: July 8, 2024

When: Every Monday (except the Civic Holiday and Labour Day), July 29-September 16, 2024 (5 weeks)

Address: DMZ HQ - 10 Dundas St. E., Suite 6th floor, Toronto, ON

What you’ll master: Acquire the skills and know-how you need to succeed in enterprise B2B sales. Learn about the enterprise sales process and how to prepare and give an effective sales pitch, and gain practical experience through role-playing activities like making cold calls and handling objections.

Perfect for anyone passionate about sales, this course is taught by Ted Mercer, a seasoned sales and sales management professional with nearly two decades of experience across industries, including accounting, finance and business.

Sign up for Sales Development Representative Training

Ping pong tables and foosball at DMZ Toronto. Ping pong tables and foosball at DMZ Toronto. Courtesy of DMZ

After completing a SkillHouse course, you'll receive a DMZ certificate, eight weeks of access to DMZ's coworking space, and invitations to exclusive events.

Signing up is easy: Fill out an online application form, which takes about ten minutes, wait to receive your acceptance email and get ready to learn.

DMZ’s SkillHouse is more than just an educational program — it's a career transformation platform.

Whether you’re looking to hone existing skills or take your career in a bold new direction, SkillHouse provides the tools, training and networking opportunities to help you achieve your goals and take your professional life to the next level.

To learn more about DMZ's new SkillHouse program, check out their website or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, X or YouTube.

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