The world of business and media is full of opportunity – giving students the chance to hone their skills, whether in business strategy or creative innovation. According to the BC Labour Market Outlook, there are projected to be about one million job openings in BC between 2025 and 2035, with most roles requiring post-secondary education or specialized training. Within all job openings, many in the business sector will generate more than half of the job openings. These include retail trade (over 100,000 job openings), and finance, insurance, and real estate (over 64,000 job openings).
If you’re looking to gain business acumen or nurture creativity within a dynamic growing field, here are some programs to consider:
1) Operations and Management Engineering
The Operations and Management Engineering diploma equips students with practical skills in business operations, project management, supply chain, and process analysis, design, and improvement. Through hands-on business consulting projects, students apply their knowledge to solve real-world challenges and gain experience working with local companies across BC. The program blends engineering-based problem solving with applied business training, making it one of the few diplomas of its kind in Western Canada.
Graduates leave with a strong foundation in both industrial engineering techniques and business operations, prepared to tackle roles in operations, continuous improvement, business analysis, project management, supply chain, quality, production, and consulting.
2) Global Supply Chain Management
Students looking to learn more about business on a global scale may be interested in the Global Supply Chain Management diploma. This program teaches students how to interact with today’s ever-changing business environment. Students will learn about crucial topics such as strategic sourcing and procurement, contract negotiation, demand planning and forecasting, international trade, and logistics management. The curriculum also explores risk management, global trade compliance, and sustainability, all key priorities in today’s interconnected supply chains.
Graduates of the program will be ready to enter a business environment with advanced expertise. They will be prepared for several in-demand roles, including supply chain analysts, buyers, logistics coordinators, and global trade compliance officers.
3) Marketing Management
For students who are interested in the creative side of business, the two-year Marketing Management diploma is a program to consider. Students can choose to specialize in areas including: digital marketing and branding, entrepreneurship, professional real estate, professional sales, or tourism marketing and sales.
Students complete a common first year of core business and marketing courses before choosing a specialized option aligned with their career goals. Some career opportunities include marketing coordinators, project managers, and event managers.
4) General Insurance and Risk Management
The insurance and risk management industry is a dynamic field of business relevant to nearly every aspect of our lives. Through the two-year, General Insurance and Risk Management diploma program, students gain practical experience in claims investigation, insurance product marketing and sales, and risk management in securities and banks.
Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to write three Global Risk Management Institute national exams. They will also have completed 8 of the 10 Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) courses as part of their BCIT program.
Graduates of the program will be able to work across a variety of fields including insurance and risk management for disaster preparation, marine, shipping, and vehicles and natural resources.
5) Financial Planning
With strong demand for qualified financial planners, the full or part-time Financial Planning diploma program prepares students for a rewarding career in financial and investment planning. As the program focuses on networking opportunities and practical skills for the workforce, students are job-ready to prepare a comprehensive financial plan.
Many graduates begin their careers as financial planners and pursue the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, while others continue their studies by completing a bachelor’s degree before advancing to professional designations such as the CFP or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). This diploma program is recognized by many universities for block credit transfer.
6) Business Management
The in-person Business Management diploma program provides students with core business knowledge and operational skills to effectively manage and grow an organization. Over two years, students develop competencies in accounting, marketing, and business technology while strengthening problem-solving skills.
Graduates are prepared to make strategic decisions, analyze business performance, and lead teams across a range of industries. Career opportunities span operations, sales, finance, marketing, project management, and business analysis, with pathways into senior management or entrepreneurship.
7) Radio Arts and Entertainment
Students who are looking to get into a creative, yet practical job may want to consider the Radio Arts and Entertainment diploma program. The two-year program gives students the chance to work with industry professionals and gain practical skills in production, performance, and storytelling for radio, podcasts, live streaming, and social media.
Graduates can pursue careers as on-air hosts, producers, social media coordinators, technical producers, or voice-over talent, with many also choosing to work independently or continue their studies in related degrees.
8) TV and Video Production
The Television and Video Production diploma program introduces students to all aspects of creating professional video content, from scriptwriting and directing to shooting, editing, lighting, and audio mixing. Students gain hands-on experience with industry-standard digital and HD equipment, producing content ranging from music videos to documentaries as well as live multi-cam productions. A 4-week practicum provides the opportunity to apply these skills in a real media environment.
The program prepares students for careers behind the camera in television, film, live events, and video production. Graduates leave with a professional portfolio, practical industry experience, and the skills to work as editors, camera operators, directors, lighting and audio technicians, or content producers.
9) Graphic Communications
The Graphic Communications diploma program covers the full workflow of graphic output – from design to final production. Delivered in a blended format, the two-year program provides hands-on training with industry-standard creative software, technology, and equipment to produce packaging, marketing, apparel, and specialty graphics.
Students graduate with both a Diploma in Graphic Communications and an Associate Certificate in Graphic Design Foundations. Extensive portfolio development, paid co-op placements, and a culminating practicum ensure graduates leave with real-world, job-ready experience. The BCIT Diploma in Graphic Communications opens doors to diverse opportunities throughout the graphics industry.
10) Digital Design and Development
As media pushes to the forefront of the job sector, the Digital Design and Development diploma program provides a strong foundation in designing, developing, and marketing dynamic online applications across multiple digital platforms. In the two-year, full-time program, students collaborate in teams to create web and mobile applications, interactive media projects, and business-focused digital products. The program also provides the opportunity for an 8-week practicum.
Graduates leave with a professional portfolio and are prepared for roles in user interface design, frontend development, web and mobile development, digital media production, and interactive design.
11) New Media Design and Web Development
The New Media Design and Web Development diploma program is for students interested in creating engaging digital experiences. The 18-month, full-time program equips students with the skills needed to design and produce interactive websites, user interfaces, and visually compelling digital stories.
Graduates leave the program with a professional portfolio and job-readiness for the fast-moving world of new media. Graduates often pursue careers such as web and mobile developers, user interface designers, and find opportunities in advertising, marketing, and media production.
12) Graphic Design
For those interested in turning creativity into a career, the Graphic Design Certificate is a great place to start. Whether full-time in 45 weeks or part-time at your own pace, the program teaches everything from typography and UI/UX to brand identity and corporate communications. Students get hands-on experience bringing ideas to life while learning the tools and processes professionals use.
After finishing the certificate, graduates have the skills to step straight into a design role, whether it’s creating marketing materials, designing user interfaces, or helping a brand tell its story. The certificate also works as a foundation for those who eventually want to pursue a diploma or degree.
The BCIT Business + Media is one of the largest business and media schools in Western Canada. Explore programs to support a dynamic career in business or media.