Luis Corredor Duarte's educational marathon from GCL to MBA
Luis shares lessons from the GCL program and his path to an MBA.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Luis Corredor Duarte. I'm originally from Colombia, and I work at USask as the Postdoctoral and Interdisciplinary Studies Coordinator with the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
What are your main responsibilities at USask?
I coordinate the operational cycle for two portfolios within the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies: the Interdisciplinary Studies program and postdoctoral fellows at USask. My role includes managing key processes across both areas and providing clear policy and procedure guidance to ensure an efficient experience for Interdisciplinary Studies graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty, from admissions, postdoctoral appointments, onboarding, and award coordination to committee support and other program components. I collaborate with campus partners and navigate emerging needs to maintain smooth and effective program operations.
Can you share your educational journey and how it has helped you in your current role?
I completed a master’s degree in public administration here at USask, but I wanted to expand my skill set, so I went looking for programs that would complement my current knowledge in policy and governance. I came across the Edwards Graduate Certificate in Leadership. The GCL has given me new approaches and tools to navigate multifaceted and multi-layered situations where I'm able to provide better assistance to our students and postdocs.
What did you find the most valuable about the GCL program?
What stood out for me was the opportunity to connect with a rich network of professionals coming from different backgrounds and experiences and being able to learn from their leadership experiences and opportunities. It was a perfect mix that allowed me to enrich my knowledge and equip my toolkit with new ideas and innovative approaches to current problems.
How are you continuing to build your skills?
I am a forever learner, and I'm always willing to take on new challenges. The GCL program just provides me with a stepping stone to move on to my next step in the career, which is the MBA.
How do you feel about the progress you’ve made in your education so far?
Having access to all these programs has made me feel glad to have moved to Saskatchewan. While I didn't know what to expect at first, I now feel incredibly grateful for all the opportunities that I've gotten along the way. I'm ready to take on the next journey. Just like a marathon, I'm ready to run, even though I have to run in the snow.
How does running influence the way you approach challenges?
Running makes me feel alive, empowered and energized. It clears my mind, and it gives me a sense of accomplishment with every step. Much like leadership, running requires setting clear goals, staying disciplined and pushing through challenges. The cold weather took a little getting used to, but now that it has warmed up, running is something I look forward to every time.
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The Edwards GCL focuses on contemporary leadership issues to impact formal and informal leadership roles. The courses explore the fundamentals of leadership in a 3-week modular delivery format. More than a credential, you will have increased self-awareness and heightened inner potential to make an impact through leadership.
Ready to take the next step in your educational journey? Learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Leadership program.