ANALYTICS HELPING TO DRIVE ECONOMIC RECOVERY
The popularity of Humber’s new data analytics program is a reflection of the growing demand for professionals who can use data to derive business insights
When Humber College launched its Business Insights and Analytics graduate certificate program last September, it was scheduled to have one yearly cohort. A few short months later, the program already has two cohorts and three more will be added by May.
The offerings’ popularity, says the program coordinator, reflects the demand for professionals who can use data, analytics and business acumen to derive insights for a more profitable future.
“Our cohorts for May 2021 and September 2021 for International are already full, and people are applying for the cohort that will start in a year,” says Nataliya Korchagina of the program version offered at Humber’s new International Graduate School, located downtown. “That’s a great indication of the area’s growth. ‘Data analytics’ is currently the sexiest term in business. You won’t find an industry or busines area that doesn’t need data, business and research analysts.”
Humber’s program is unique for several reasons, says Korchagina. Two years in length, it’s one of a few Ontario college programs of its type that considers bachelor’s degree holders from any discipline and those with a related diploma or advanced diploma. This, says Korchagina, makes it accessible to those upskilling and reskilling.
Additionally, the program focuses on three areas — general business, research analytics as well as coding, programming and machine learning — while students simultaneously specialize in either marketing or operations.
“If you don’t have a preliminary background, it will be challenging but you can still succeed because the program is designed to start from scratch,” says Korchagina. “Humber is well known for its experiential learning, so students will learn business through case studies, complete lab work and apply their skills to projects, including a Capstone with a real company.”
There is also a 320-hour work placement. “The beauty of this area is that skills can easily be tested during an interview,” she says, “and that really helps people land their first job, even without previous work experience.”
For more information, visit humber.ca.