On November 26, students enrolled in Conestoga’s Information Technology Business Analysis program had the opportunity to learn first-hand from a panel of industry experts about the many opportunities that a career in Business Analysis can provide.
Career Connections, a full-day showcase of Business Analysis careers, featured presentations from representatives of the banking, manufacturing, technology and insurance industries. Students learned how business analysts use their skills in various departments to support the business goals of each industry, and had the opportunity to find out more about actual working conditions, day-to-day activities and projected career paths.
Anca Preda, director of Information Technology at Linamar, began her career with the company in 2007 as a business analyst. She explained that business analysts resolve challenges and problems in many capacities within the manufacturing environment, working with many people and departments to study existing processes and develop possible solutions.
Preda explained that although technical skills are the foundation of the business analysis process, successful analysts must also be effective problem-solvers who have the ability to work successfully with many different people and groups, understand different perspectives, create relationships and translate complex information in ways that can be understood by multiple stakeholders.
According to Preda, the best business analysts are passionate and curious, eager to explore existing processes from every angle to develop better business solutions.
Business analysts are increasingly in demand in a variety of industries in Canada as companies are challenged to make sense of vast amounts of data in order to improve their competitive position and growth.
Conestoga’s Information Technology Business Analysis graduate certificate program includes 39 weeks of in-class instruction as well as 12 weeks of practical on-the-job training. It focuses on the development of business analysis skills as well as employability and workplace preparation. The program is funded through the Ontario Women’s Directorate, and is free for qualified applicants.
Students in the program can choose to focus on an industry aligned with their existing skills and knowledge by completing an Integrated Industry Case Study, or focus on General Insurance Essentials to prepare for a career in insurance.
Spaces are still available for the next intake for the IT Business Analysis program, which will begin in February 2015. A number of information sessions will be held in January for individuals interested in participating.
For more information, visit the program website, contact itba@conestogac.on.ca or call 519-748-5220 ext. 8060.