Our Master of Urban Innovation graduates have gone on to accomplished careers. They lead teams, improve the communities they live in and strive to make lasting change.
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The MUI Inaugural Graduating Class of 2022
June 21, 2022
The Institute for Management and Innovation, together with the Master of Urban Innovation Program, is pleased to congratulate the inaugural Class of 2022 MUI Graduates.
The Master of Urban Innovation (MUI) Program launched in September 2020, with its first cohort, made up of eight students from across disciplines. The Program, a 20-month professional master's program, prepares students for careers relating to urban issues and economic development. Graduates will contribute to creating innovative, vibrant, livable cities and regions, sustaining the quality of life and economic well-being of Canadians.
The Class of 2022 led the Program, thriving in uncertain times during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the first year, this cohort, together with the staff and faculty, forged new partnerships with organizations across our communities and across industries. Students participated in a Case Competition with the Toronto Regional Board of Trade on COVID-recovery in the City’s regions and presented findings on Innovation in the Pearson Airport area. The class also worked with Toronto City Councilor Wong-Tam, completing a jurisdictional scan on City and Culture, which was presented to the Councilor's team and posted on the City of Toronto’s website.
Further, the Class of 2022 completed their internships with 100% placement rate, with students working in diverse areas, including the City of Toronto, City of Mississauga, City of Hamilton, Provincial Government, and at local non-profit agencies and think tanks.
In their second year, the cohort completed a full-year capstone project where, in groups of two, they acted as consultants, contributing meaningful strategic work for host organizations to improve local businesses and communities. Partners, including the City of Hamilton, were thrilled:
“We are very pleased with the work that was completed by the students, as it is comparable to other works we have had completed by consultants in the industry. This project is one of the many action items noted in our Economic Development Action Plan 2021-2025, and its completion is instrumental in achieving our departmental goals. I would highly recommend this program to other economic development organizations or anyone in municipal government who is tasked with seeking innovative solutions to community challenges.”
City of Hamilton
Within a month of graduation, this impressive cohort is nearly all employed full-time, with 88% of the cohort securing professional roles within the Provincial Government, Waterfront Toronto, Toronto Global and the Canadian Urban Institute, and the City of Mississauga.
Beginning a new Program, during a global pandemic, took tenacity, resilience, and a passion for their field – and the Class of 2022 tackled their learning, work experiences and professional development with commitment and strength. Each student demonstrated an incredible sense of curiosity, inquisitiveness, and desire to contribute to bettering our communities, creating more innovative societies, and working together to foster engagement.
Please join us in congratulating this first MUI Graduating Cohort, the Class of 2022.
