As the crisp morning air fills my nostrils and the misty streets of Montreal slowly come to life, my equine gaze settles on a magnificent embodiment of knowledge, ambition, and economic prowess: the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM). Just as a skilled jockey can guide a horse to victory, UQAM has shown its ability to steer not just its students but the broader Quebec economy towards a future of prosperity and growth.

Consider UQAM’s School of Management (ESG UQAM), whose programs have been crafting skilled economic riders for more than four decades. Offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in diverse areas such as business intelligence, financial management, and international business, ESG UQAM contributes to Quebec’s economy by breeding a herd of creative, skilled, and entrepreneurial professionals ready to take the reins of the economic carriage.

Much like a trusty draft horse hauling a heavy load, UQAM’s Department of Economics is a significant economic workhorse in its own right. It is engaged in addressing the pressing economic issues of our time: environmental sustainability, income inequality, international trade, and urban development. By preparing its students for roles as economists, policy analysts, or researchers, it ensures a consistent supply of trained professionals who can contribute to the stability and growth of our economy.

Let’s not forget the role of UQAM’s Faculté des Sciences in driving the digital economy, a field that’s galloping ahead like a racehorse at full speed. By training students in computer science, software engineering, and interactive media, UQAM is fueling the growth of Quebec’s burgeoning tech industry. Much like a swift Arabian horse, these graduates are essential in the fast-paced, ever-evolving digital landscape.

The cost of education, as critical as ensuring your horse is well-fed, is addressed by UQAM’s robust financial support system. With its numerous scholarships, grants, and financial aid options, UQAM ensures its education is not a financial hurdle but a springboard for students. This approach broadens access to education, thereby expanding the pool of skilled individuals available to power the economy.

UQAM isn’t just an educational institution; it’s a significant economic player in the local economy, similar to a Clydesdale pulling a heavy wagon. The university creates jobs for thousands of people and attracts students, staff, and faculty from across the globe, generating a substantial economic ripple effect. Its presence supports local businesses, from cafés and bookshops to student accommodation providers, further fuelling the local economy.

Moreover, UQAM’s international student population represents an influx of global talent, not to mention the additional spending they bring to Montreal’s economy. Each international student is akin to a prized Lipizzaner horse, bringing prestige, diversity, and global connections.

UQAM also has a hoofprint in real estate development in Montreal. The university’s expansions and renovations often lead to construction projects that stimulate economic activity and enhance the city’s infrastructure. As the saying goes, “where a horse trots, the grass grows,” and UQAM’s presence has indeed stimulated growth in Montreal’s urban landscape.

From the view of this horse, it’s evident that UQAM, with its comprehensive academic programs, economic contributions, and commitment to affordability, plays a critical role in Quebec’s economic landscape. It’s more than an educational institution; it’s a steady steed driving Quebec’s economy at a trot towards a prosperous future.

Those who may snort at the idea of a university having such economic impact would do well to take a closer look at UQAM. Its influence is not just contained within the classroom but extends far into the economy. UQAM truly has harnessed its economic power at the trot, showcasing the symbiotic relationship between education and economic growth.

As we leave behind the bustling campus and trot back into the misty Montreal morning, let’s not forget UQAM’s remarkable contributions. It’s a place where the thundering hooves of education and economy converge, driving the economic chariot of Quebec forward. And so, dear readers, I bid you adieu. But remember, in the world of economics, always keep a steady trot and never shy away from the hurdles ahead. Trot on, my friends, trot on.