US universities offer outdoor industry courses
The programme has been expedited in response to the covid-19 pandemic which has taken a toll on the job market.
Kristen Freaney, director of the emerging leaders programs at OIA, said: “Outdoor Industry Association is dedicated to supporting our members and the industry through these difficult times, and we saw launching these courses ahead of schedule as one way to do that.
“We know that layoffs, furloughs, a changing job landscape, and a more competitive job market are a few of the challenging economic impacts of covid-19. The ability to upskill or re-skill at an affordable price is critical for people who are trying to enter, find a new role in, or adapt to changing demands in the outdoor industry workforce.”
Utah State University is offering a certificate in Sustainable Product Design and Supply Chain. Academics with outdoor industry work experience will teach courses on the circular economy, integrating sustainability into business practices, creative team dynamics and sustainable supply chain strategies.
The Western Colorado University Outdoor Industry Business Certificate will focus on responsible business in the outdoor industry. The MBA programme will include courses in marketing and brand strategy, leadership, bringing socially responsible products to market and understanding and integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion principles in the workplace.
