Extended Education graduates and friends, Narda Mc Master (left) and Tricia Ng Wai
Extended Education grads apply skills, celebrate success
Looking forward to Fall 2024 Graduation
Last time, Narda Mc Master celebrated graduation, it was for her friend, Tricia Ng Wai as she completed her Applied Business Analysis program package. This time, the two friends from Trinidad and Tobago will celebrate her completion of the same journey.
Mc Master is one of 146 grads completing intensive program packages including Applied Business Analysis, Applied Human Resource Management, and Applied Business Management. At our Fall 2024 Graduation on Nov. 7, Extended Education also congratulates an additional 237 grads from 15 part-time programs including Artificial Intelligence: Machine Learning Solutions, Business Analysis, Management and Administration, Human Resource Management, and Program Development for Adult Learners.
“Tricia came here to do it first and then she encouraged me to do it,” says Mc Master, who earned her ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) professional accounting designation and her MBA before coming to the University of Manitoba.
“In school, I didn’t like math and then, one explanation turned on a switch for me. That was it. I picked it up. I have an appreciation for it now,” says Mc Master.
In her job as a Manitoba budget analyst, attained after her program’s industry placement in a CPA firm, she says uses much of what she learned in her Business Analysis studies. “I am excited I can push forward as a consultant, bringing much more value, information and knowledge.”
Taking career to the next level
In some way, we are all business analysts, Mc Master says. “When I learned about the tasks of Business Analysis, I realized I had done this before, but the program brought some structure to it. I definitely recommend it because it awakened me to the skills required, that I had to develop them further and take my career to the next level.”
She says the lectures were great, and she appreciated the extra knowledge and real-world experience shared by the instructors who were also business analysts.
For those considering going back to school, Mc Master says, “My advice is just to be open to the experience itself, meeting new people and learning about new cultures, embracing the differences you encounter.”
And for those still looking for their next job, she says, “Don’t give up. Just keep on going. Keep pushing. It will happen soon.”
Siddh Sheth earned his Micro-certificate in Artificial Intelligence: Machine Learning Solutions.
Siddh Sheth
Siddh Sheth googled AI and Machine Learning programs near him, and the first thing he found was Extended Education’s Micro-certificate in Artificial Intelligence: Machine Learning Solutions.
“So I said, why not? I wanted a program from a good school and UM has a good brand. I wanted my employer to sponsor my learning. And they paid for it,” says the UM alum who also holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree.
Now he’s celebrating his graduation from the program.
A great experience, a unique program
“What a great experience. I wasn’t expecting such a unique program,” Sheth says. “I was quite impressed. As a business systems analyst at New Flyer, I can apply what I have learned. And my director and manager are quite impressed too.”
As AI is becoming more prominent, Sheth says, “I recommend this program for anyone. Because everyone should have a bit of knowledge on AI and Machine Learning. AI is growing a lot. In the coming years, a suitable knowledge of AI and Machine Learning may be one of the basic things if you want to advance your career.”
Advanced technical knowledge and programming is not required for the program, he says. “You can do this with just a little knowledge of computers.”
Optimizing, making better
At work, Sheth says he will now work on various AI projects, automating the routine and tedious tasks so staff can focus more on speaking with customers. The process will become optimized, better.
“I was amazed by the knowledge I gained. Now I can link AI to a business application to get rid of a business problem. It is a very good way to impress the boss.”
After a few years since his degree, Sheth says, “My brain needed to warm up to learning.” But he recommends the experience and notes how it will contribute to his career goals as an entrepreneur, or as he says, “ a businessman.” Currently Sheth consults to help people get jobs in IT and he also has his own podcast helping others in their job journey.
For those going back to school after time away from their studies, he advises, “Just enjoy your course. Make connections. Be flexible. Talk less, and listen more to people.”