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University of Toronto
Rotman Women in Leadership
Conquer the internal obstacles hindering your progress as a woman in the professional arena and embark on a journey of introspection.
Start date
09 April 2025
Course duration
6 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
6–8 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) offers funding to qualifying Canadian citizens.
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Catalyst (Aug, 2020).
Duration: 6 weeks (excluding orientation)
The historical and cultural beliefs about gender have played a significant role in shaping the opportunities available to women in the workplace. Although there has been an increase in the conversation around women in leadership, women still face unique challenges and continue to use male-normed management theories.
The Rotman Women in Leadership online program aims to empower women and address the systemic barriers they face in business. Developed by the prestigious Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, this six-week program examines the cultural and historical constructs that have shaped perceptions of women in the workplace. It provides you with valuable development tools and communication skills to overcome the barriers to success that you encounter, and offers an opportunity to connect with a diverse and global cohort of fellow women leaders.
The program explores the impact of gender stereotypes and focuses on building leadership presence through non-verbal cues and emotional intelligence. You’ll learn how to overcome inner obstacles such as imposter syndrome and understand how to harness your inner dialogue. Upon completion of the program, you’ll have created your own leadership plan, customised to your unique personal goals and leadership vision.
Is this program for you?
This program is highly relevant to women across various industries, both in the private and public sectors. While it is particularly beneficial for women currently holding leadership and management positions, it is also suitable for those aspiring to assume such roles. Women executives and managers will be able to enhance their leadership skills, develop a stronger presence, and increase their effectiveness. Aspiring leaders can build their capabilities and advance further in their career paths. Those who are interested in empowering other women can gain a deeper understanding of gender inclusivity and how it can be promoted in the workplace, as well as an awareness of the internal challenges that can hold women back.
While the program is designed for those who identify as women and non-binary professionals, those who identify as male are welcome as well.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 6 weeks (excluding orientation)
The historical and cultural beliefs about gender have played a significant role in shaping the opportunities available to women in the workplace. Although there has been an increase in the conversation around women in leadership, women still face unique challenges and continue to use male-normed management theories.
The Rotman Women in Leadership online program aims to empower women and address the systemic barriers they face in business. Developed by the prestigious Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, this six-week program examines the cultural and historical constructs that have shaped perceptions of women in the workplace. It provides you with valuable development tools and communication skills to overcome the barriers to success that you encounter, and offers an opportunity to connect with a diverse and global cohort of fellow women leaders.
The program explores the impact of gender stereotypes and focuses on building leadership presence through non-verbal cues and emotional intelligence. You’ll learn how to overcome inner obstacles such as imposter syndrome and understand how to harness your inner dialogue. Upon completion of the program, you’ll have created your own leadership plan, customised to your unique personal goals and leadership vision.
Is this program for you?
This program is highly relevant to women across various industries, both in the private and public sectors. While it is particularly beneficial for women currently holding leadership and management positions, it is also suitable for those aspiring to assume such roles. Women executives and managers will be able to enhance their leadership skills, develop a stronger presence, and increase their effectiveness. Aspiring leaders can build their capabilities and advance further in their career paths. Those who are interested in empowering other women can gain a deeper understanding of gender inclusivity and how it can be promoted in the workplace, as well as an awareness of the internal challenges that can hold women back.
While the program is designed for those who identify as women and non-binary professionals, those who identify as male are welcome as well.
What will set you apart
The skills and resilience to address and overcome internalized, structural barriers to work fulfillment and success.
An elevated leadership presence that leverages emotional intelligence and non-verbal communication techniques.
The ability to lead gender-inclusive teams and navigate difficult scenarios through effective conflict management. 
A leadership plan for your future that’s designed to achieve your personal goals and leadership vision.
Unlimited access to edX’s Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward.Program curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Women in the workplace
Module 2
Reflect on your own motivations and wants
Module 3
Overcoming inner obstacles to success
Module 4
Develop your leadership presence
Module 5
Communication and conflict management
Module 6
Craft a personal leadership vision
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Program Director
Maja Djikic
Associate Professor, Organizational Behaviour and HR Management; Director, Self-Development Laboratory; Teaching Fellow, The Institute for Gender and the Economy, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
About the certificate
Explore women’s leadership and earn a certificate of professional achievement from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the program handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the program.
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Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter operates as edX's partner for premium online short course products from the world's leading universities and institutions. With edX, we leverage our people, technology, and resources to power your education and your potential.
We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.
Read more about GetSmarter here and edX here.
Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please visit your Account page here.
