IMPRESSIVE best describes the newly inaugurated educational edifice of the International Management School (IMS), a member of the Joji Ilagan Career Center Foundation, Incorporated (JICCFI).
“Business education at the IMS is distinctly different,” said Nicole Hao Bian, vice president for Education Development of JICCFI, “In this school, we develop our students to become well-rounded individuals, empowered thinkers, effective communicators and global entrepreneurs. The integrated, action-based learning format will make students understand and prepare them to meet the challenges of real life; connecting the gap between theory and practice, and between what to do, knowing how, when, and why to do it.”
Supporting her claim, a tour of the new multi-level school building was guided by a Hospitality and Tourism student, who was articulate, confident and well groomed for her task. From the state-of-the-art audio-visual hall, she directed our tour.
Each floor in the IMS building is color-coded and each room is built with a purpose, each is very conducive for learning. A room that mimics an airport counter and an airplane interior with the appropriate accessories; a tour agency; a mixing bar; a corporate office; a board room; and soon, a certified Halal kitchen.
In these unique classrooms, students taking up Bachelor of Science in Global Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Grand Diploma in Business and Innovation, Grand Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Entrepreneurship, and Master Certificate in Events Entrepreneurship will discover the IMS advantage:
1. “Blended learning” where methods studied in the program will be delivered via face to face interactions with professional teachers while on line lessons and training will be done in partnership with the London School of Finance, the American Hospitality Academy, WorkSkills Australia and other international school partners;
2. “Students will learn from the master” and know about their journey of challenges and success;
3. “Real world experience” with hands on experiences through case discussions; and
4. “Receive international education and global certificates” from IMS partners while taking their courses in Davao.
“IMS will develop in their students an inquisitive mind set and personal entrepreneurial abilities and skills—leadership, value creation, passion for work, flexibility and resilience, excellent communications skills, negotiation and persuasion to ensure success in their entrepreneurial ventures,” shared Nicole.
Among the modern appointments of the building, one room stood out—the Alfonso Guino-o room. “We are dedicating one room exclusively to showcase the personal collection and works of one of Davao’s influential figures in society and fashion,” said Joji Ilagan-Bian.
The content provided a unique contrast to the look, but it’s a good integration of Mindanao into the modernity of the edifice. It will be a reminder for the students that although IMS pushes for a global outlook, it is always best to look back into one’s roots. And just like Guino-o, who brought Mindanao to the international stage, the IMS graduate will be of the same product—Mindanaoans succeeding as corporate leaders and entrepreneurs across the globe.
Congratulations IMS!
For more photos about this feature, visit ofapplesandlemons.com. For travel stories, visit jeepneyjinggoy.com. Email me at jinggoysalvador@yahoo.com