“We invite our students, alumni, instructors, industry professionals, and university colleagues to attend,” says Rod Lastra, Acting Dean, Extended Education. “It’s a great opportunity to network, build partnerships, and celebrate educational excellence. We are dedicated to shaping a brighter future for learners and educators alike.”

This is an inaugural event recognizing the connections between Extended Education as part of the greater University of Manitoba, and the community,” says Lastra. “UM has a long history of valued contributions to community and making an impact.”

The day begins with an afternoon Career Fair, where students and alumni will have the opportunity to network and connect with industry partners. Students will explore career prospects and partners will meet potential employees.

The evening begins with a cocktail and networking reception, followed by dinner and a program that celebrates achievement and presents awards to our outstanding students, instructors and industry partners.

Awards

Award categories for the evening:

Industry – Partnership Excellence Award, Industry Placement Host Award

Instructors – Instructor Excellence Award, Instructor Long Service Awards

Students – Dr. Ronald Kristjanson Memorial Scholarship, Dean’s Honour List

Extended Education is the division of UM that provides continuing education and pathways to degree studies.  Among the professional development credentials offered are certificates including Artificial Intelligence: Machine Learning Solutions, and micro-certificates including Facilitating Older Adult Learning, and Media Literacy, Critical Thinking and Investigative Journalism.

“Continuing Education brings community together for the benefit of community. For me, the value of the CE unit is to ensure we maintain, sustain and acknowledge our relationships with our partners and learners. It’s not just about us. Many make a valued contribution to upskilling and reskilling, and that makes a difference.”

Buy your tickets

“With this event, Extended Education aims to inspire a passion for education and lifelong learning. We want our students, instructors, and industry partners to feel valued and appreciated. We want to connect, collaborate, and gain new perspectives. We want to share the relevance of our educational programs and their impact on society,” says Lastra.

“This event underscores the ethos of continuing education and the UM – efforts that embody the spirit of lifelong learning, uniting diverse communities for the greater good of all. We hope everyone will leave with a sense of empowerment and a belief in the transformative power of education.”

Buy your tickets for the Gala Evening Empowering Excellence

Micro-credentials are short, focused credentials that provide an opportunity to fill in learning gaps or build competencies, says Rod Lastra, Acting Dean, UM Extended Education. “They are an upskilling opportunity, to build on your knowledge and experience. This is one way we are responding to industry needs and the shift to ‘skills-first hiring’. Degrees are still valued but employers also want potential employees to show them what they can do. Micro-credentials like these micro-certificates can play an important role, complement a degree, be stand-alone and provide employers with what they are looking for.”

Artificial Intelligence: Machine Learning Solutions

The Micro-Certificate in Artificial Intelligence: Machine Learning Solutions is for anyone looking to understand the possibilities of AI and Machine Learning and what they can do for their business or organization, and for their career.

For a limited time, students can register for all three courses to earn this convenient and compact credential for one special introductory price. They will complete the program in just 16 weeks.

When many people think of Artificial Intelligence, they think of that scary robot assassin in the Terminator movie. But don’t be afraid, says Briana Brownell, content provider for the Artificial Intelligence: Machine Learning Solutions micro-certificate program. AI is good for every industry and savvy professionals must be aware of the technologies and how they can determine effective solutions to their most important business challenges like retaining customers, making better products, reducing risk, marketing effectively, innovating and leading in their marketplace. The power lies in AI’s ability to quickly analyze large volumes of data, enabling complex pattern recognition, predictions and powerful decision-making capabilities.

“This is mission critical for most industries now. There is a push to have technology infrastructure, the ability to collect and analyze data quickly, and to create solutions,” says the founder and CEO of Pure Strategy Inc. noting examples of AI and Machine Learning in action are all around us providing us with relevant data from Netflix recommendations to Facebook news, and even auto-correcting us on our phones.

“One of the biggest challenges in any business is to understand the possibilities of AI and Machine Learning and how to use them in order to achieve what the organization most needs to do. It’s not about AI for its own sake. This program provides a basic understanding of what’s possible and how you can apply it,” says Brownell. “AI is such an effective and useful area for business.”

For alumni, professionals and graduate students
It’s designed for professionals who have some experience in the business world, to provide them with relevant, real-world AI and Machine Learning applications. It will also complement the studies of graduate students and IT professionals alike by providing them with additional practical experience with real-world data and problems.

Brownell’s courses, “Machine Learning Algorithms and Frameworks” and “Developing Machine Learning Solutions”, will incorporate examples and case studies featuring a variety of data including customer information, music, images, and photos. “It’s not just numbers and financial data. This applies in every type of industry.”

The courses will also have an important discussion of AI ethics including big questions like how to manage its privacy implications. “These are important conversations for everyone in every business or organization. It’s not just the responsibility of tech or governance. We want people to think about the implications and be involved in the conversations.”

With AI and Machine Learning, “It’s all about the data,” says Arooj Ahmed Qureshi, content provider for the “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning” course.

“There is no magic. The processing is too complex for the human mind to understand so we train AI to make decisions. We need to understand the steps. We need the tools. We need to do this responsibly. That’s what this program is all about,” says the data scientist at EnPowered.

For IT professionals and aspiring CTOs
For this program, you don’t need to be a computer programmer to understand the industry, how to make a product, and how to keep a check on it. But experienced IT professionals who are usually focused on coding can also benefit from this program because it offers them the bigger picture of the industry. For those who would like to position themselves as Chief Technical Officer (CTO) in their firm, says Qureshi, she would especially recommend the first course. “It gives you the overall picture to add to your coding. That puts you in a strong position, providing you with good insights on the industry.”

As a busy data analyst with over a decade of experience, even Qureshi learned something new from creating this course. In the process, she finally realized why a previous AI Machine Learning project of hers was destined to fail. Medical privacy laws would never allow it.

“You just can’t make everything you can imagine,” Qureshi says. “You need to be responsible for what you design. You may have a great idea and good technical skills but you need to understand the rules and regulations that govern an industry and technology as well.”

Understanding “Responsible AI” or how to operate within privacy and other laws that apply to such technology, is also an important part of this program.

“I realized a lot by doing this content. Even as a working professional, you don’t always get time to look into things in so much detail. This also gave me a good insight and good perspective… Extended Education programs are created with industry people. It’s important to make this connection with the real world and prior experience or knowledge. This is very good.”

Artificial Intelligence is the backbone of all advances in technology, says Cuneyt Akcora, program consultant from the Faculty of Science. Over time, any intelligent developments in computer science are AI-related. If you want to use them, you need to know the basics.

A new kind of literacy
“I see it as an important new kind of literacy. If you don’t understand AI and Machine Learning, others have an advantage over you. You don’t need to program but you need to understand,” says the professor of computer science and statistics.

“Machine learning is the intersection between computer science, statistics and mathematics. It can be applied to anything, in any company with a lot of data like readings or photos, to clearly predict results. If you have data in a system, if you work in a company, it is good to have an overview of algorithms needed. Automation is becoming even better. These are easy things to do.”

For example, a farmer may want to reduce the use of chemicals in farm operations so they would need to know which data and algorithms to use and then the robots can lead. Or, if you work for a bank, AI is used to assess credit applications. The algorithms automatically deny some applicants and approve others. Or if you work in human resources, algorithms on job search websites narrow down applications for specific jobs. You need to know how they are figuring this out.

“Understanding AI will help you and your company in most of the jobs today,” says Akcora.

“I very much like the practical aspects of this program. It is not coding, and not using data searches. Coding is often automated these days. It is about understanding the decisions made by AI, understanding the main direction, where to focus, the tools needed to know. It is a very nice view of this.”

Facilitating Older Adult Learning

Older adults want to keep learning, contribute to society, and find meaning in their lives. For those who work with them in every capacity, including university instructors who welcome older students to their undergraduate and graduate classes, there is a now a convenient and compact credential to help you to help them to continue their lifelong learning.

The Micro-Certificate in Facilitating Older Adult Learning was funded by the Centre on Aging at the University of Manitoba in its development. For a limited time, students can register for all three courses to earn this credential for one special introductory price. They will complete the program in just 12 weeks.

Knowledge and skills in a short time
“It’s not a whole degree. In a short time, you get a lot of knowledge and skills,” says Michelle Porter, Director, the Centre on Aging, noting the program could be beneficial for anyone who works with older adults.

“People are living longer and living well. I encourage everyone to think about older adults as part of the lifelong learning continuum. You may not have always aspired to work with older people, but then you do. You may not have the tools to do that.” Or maybe you would just like to learn more, she says.

With Facilitating Older Adult Learning, students will learn how aging affects learning by looking at the developmental lifespan. They will also learn to design and provide learning experiences for older adults, and to use appropriate learning technologies to do so.

Work more effectively with older adults
This is a micro-certificate for anyone who works with older adults, sometimes or all of the time. It’s for health care professionals and those who work in seniors’ organizations. It’s for teachers, instructors and educators. Potential students may volunteer, or work with them in other capacities like as a consultant working in banking and financial services.

For example, while the university is often focused on traditional age students, university instructors can find a diversity of ages in the classroom. They may not be used to having older students and like many people, may hold some misconceptions about older adults and their ability to learn.

Unfortunately, a lot of agism still exists, says Porter. People still often talk about providing care for older adults rather than supporting their need for autonomy and their desire to continue their lifelong learning. “Older adults may still be working. We are seeing more of that, so human resources and training professionals will work with them. Older adults may want to upgrade their education and skills. They want to learn. They want to find meaning in their lives. They are a great addition to any classroom, and we want them to feel welcome.”

Age-friendly
Older students do pursue degrees and audit courses and UM is an Age-Friendly University, trying to make the university a better place for people of all ages. “Older adults bring something to the university classroom, for intergenerational learning. Many didn’t get degrees when they were younger for many reasons.” 

There are still some unfortunate stereotypes that linger, but “most older people have skills for learning. They can be highly articulate and can achieve benefits from being involved in educational programs. Lifelong learning is important for all of us as we age. And we are all aging.”

UMextended.ca/programs

As published in the Winnipeg Free Press

“This is mission critical for most industries now. There is a push to have technology infrastructure, the ability to collect and analyze data quickly, and to create solutions,” says the founder and CEO of Pure Strategy Inc. noting examples of AI and Machine Learning in action are all around us providing us with relevant data from Netflix recommendations to Facebook news, and even auto-correcting us on our phones.

“One of the biggest challenges in any business is to understand the possibilities of AI and Machine Learning and how to use them in order to achieve what the organization most needs to do. It’s not about AI for its own sake. This program provides a basic understanding of what’s possible and how you can apply it,” says Brownell. “AI is such an effective and useful area for business.”

For professionals and graduate students
This micro-certificate is earned by completing just three online courses. It’s designed for professionals who have some experience in the business world, to provide them with relevant, real-world AI and Machine Learning applications. It will also compliment the studies of graduate students and IT professionals alike by providing them with additional practical experience with real-world data and problems.

Brownell’s courses, “Machine Learning Algorithms and Frameworks”, and “Developing Machine Learning Solutions”, will incorporate examples and case studies featuring a variety of data including customer information, music, images, and photos. “It’s not just numbers and financial data. This applies in every type of industry.”

The courses will also have an important discussion of AI ethics including big questions like how to manage its privacy implications. “These are important conversations for everyone in every business or organization. It’s not just the responsibility of tech or governance. We want people to think about the implications and be involved in the conversations.”

With AI and Machine Learning, “It’s all about the data,” says Arooj Ahmed Qureshi, content provider for the “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning” course.

“There is no magic. The processing is too complex for the human mind to understand so we train AI to make decisions. We need to understand the steps. We need the tools. We need to do this responsibly. That’s what this program is all about,” says the data scientist at EnPowered.

For IT professionals and aspiring CTOs
For this program, you don’t need to be a computer programmer to understand the industry, how to make a product, and how to keep a check on it. But experienced IT professionals who are usually focused on coding can also benefit from this program because it offers them the bigger picture of the industry. For those who would like to position themselves as Chief Technical Officer (CTO) in their firm, says Qureshi, she would especially recommend the first course. “It gives you the overall picture to add to your coding. That puts you in a strong position, providing you with good insights on the industry.”

As a busy data analyst with over a decade of experience, even Qureshi learned something new from creating this course. In the process, she finally realized why a previous AI Machine Learning project of hers was destined to fail. Medical privacy laws would never allow it.

“You just can’t make everything you can imagine,” Qureshi says. “You need to be responsible for what you design. You may have a great idea and good technical skills but you need to understand the rules and regulations that govern an industry and technology as well.”

Understanding “Responsible AI”, or how to operate within privacy and other laws that apply to such technology, is also an important part of this program.

“I realized a lot by doing this content. Even as a working professional, you don’t always get time to look into things in so much detail. This also gave me a good insight and good perspective… Extended Education programs are created with industry people. It’s important to make this connection with the real world and prior experience or knowledge. This is very good.”

Artificial Intelligence is the backbone of all advances in technology, says Cuneyt Akcora, program consultant from the Faculty of Science. Over time, any intelligent developments in computer science are AI-related. If you want to use them, you need to know the basics.

A new kind of literacy
“I see it as an important new kind of literacy. If you don’t understand AI and Machine Learning, others have an advantage over you. You don’t need to program but you need to understand,” says the professor of computer science and statistics.

“Machine learning is the intersection between computer science, statistics and mathematics. It can be applied to anything, in any company with a lot of data like readings or photos, to clearly predict results. If you have data in a system, if you work in a company, it is good to have an overview of algorithms needed. Automation is becoming even better. These are easy things to do.”

For example, a farmer may want to reduce the use of chemicals in farm operations so they would need to know which data and algorithms to use and then the robots can lead. Or, if you work for a bank, AI is used to assess credit applications. The algorithms automatically deny some applicants and approve others. Or if you work in human resources, algorithms on job search websites narrow down applications for specific jobs. You need to know how they are figuring this out.

 “Understanding AI will help you and your company in most of the jobs today,” says Akcora.

“I very much like the practical aspects of this program. It is not coding, and not using data searches. Coding is often automated these days. It is about understanding the decisions made by AI, understanding the main direction, where to focus, the tools needed to know. It is a very nice view of this.”

Learn more about the Micro-certificate in Artificial Intelligence: Machine Learning Solutions

Unlike many other BIM programs which focus on specific digital construction software, this one focuses on the process, says David Thompson, industry consultant for the Certificate in Building Information Modeling (BIM) Management. “BIM is not a software. It is a process. We need to upskill humans in the management of this process. They can’t simply rely on technology. It changes.”

With this program, participants get a holistic view of what BIM is and what it means, so they can better understand how it can impact the entire lifecycle of a project.

University students or graduates can benefit from taking this program, says the senior consultant for global consulting company Turner and Townsend. “If I was an employer and I had to choose between a great engineer who does not know how to operate in a BIM environment and one who does, I would lean towards the one with the digital experience.”

For all industry professionals
Many construction professionals who would not normally pursue a university education can also benefit, Thompson adds. Even those who use BIM already will come away from this program with something new. With BIM, everyone has their part but understanding the common principles helps everyone from architects to engineers to site workers understand where they fit in. “It’s about real-life experience, working things out in those awkward situations where something doesn’t work the way you thought it would.”

In the program, any hesitation from professionals about adopting BIM due to worries of sharing proprietary information is also alleviated with a discussion about the legal protections built into the process. There is so much misinformation out there, Thompson says. The program provides practical information from around the world.

“The move from traditional peer-based factor asset management to one centrally digitized asset model where all the information is at your fingertips is critical. So much time is saved in the process. It benefits operations and helps the design and construction client make more informed decisions.”

Hailing from the United Kingdom where BIM is THE way of working, Thompson also worked in the Middle East before coming to Canada. He came from Dubai to Winnipeg to set up the BIM department at PCL Constructors. He also co-founded the Winnipeg BIM Community, to connect local professionals.

Some professionals have been working with BIM for over 20 years, Thompson says, and over the years, the principles have remained but the technology has greatly evolved.

“In 2016, the UK government mandated BIM Level 2 on all government projects. The drive from the government put the UK on a BIM path. That hasn’t happened yet in Canada. Canada is learning from other parts of the globe.”

The use of BIM’s international standards is not widespread in Canada yet but it is growing, says Mark Meagher, program consultant from the Faculty of Architecture.

International standards
“There are so many benefits to the ability to exchange information with anyone using these standards. It is already widespread in the US, Europe and some parts of Australasia. For cross-border projects, this is very important. No matter which software you are using, you must understand what defines a project or building and the standard applications of these data.” says Meagher.

That’s where the BIM program comes in. It was created to meet the international standards and earn certification from the international BIM association, buildingSMART.

“Other programs have a different focus. This is not a deep dive into the software. It’s the higher-level understanding that is much harder to acquire on your own,” says the adjunct professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture.

The BIM program is offered online and is available to anyone in Canada. It was designed by very experienced industry experts who have been very involved in practical applications in BIM. It’s also connected to cutting-edge research in the field of BIM with its Special Topics. Students will learn practical applications and about up and coming areas in Canada and internationally.

While the need to learn BIM in Canada may only be contextual right now with professionals requiring it as their work adopts it, Meagher says, “Increasing adoption is coming and that will drive the need.”

Previously, Meagher worked at the University of Sheffield in England, teaching and researching BIM and other architectural applications. “In the United Kingdom, BIM is a big deal. It is still a growing area of knowledge in Canada.”

Meagher also teaches a graduate-level BIM critical applications course, but he says in Canada, unlike in England, “Schools of architecture at research-intensive universities tend not to prioritize BIM content.” That’s why he would also recommend the BIM certificate program to recent grads so they get deeper content not covered in their programs.

Understand how it works
Understanding BIM is not something you can get a handle on with a quick search online and that’s why this program is important, so professionals and aspiring professionals can learn how it functions both in the office and onsite, says Jason Shields, program consultant from the Faculty of Architecture.

 “I have always been an advocate of BIM. When done properly, it can be an important tool,” says the assistant professor in the Department of Interior Design.

BIM is an absolute advantage, he says. “The way we deliver projects is changing. BIM is not going away. You can’t avoid knowing how to do it. The more who know how to use it, the more successful your projects will be. One person should not hold the key. All should have a basic understanding. With this program, you will become quite skilled and knowledgeable in BIM specialization. You will learn something new both in the professional workplace and onsite.”

Shields previously worked in an architectural firm in Winnipeg and he has experience with BIM both in the workplace and at the university. His recent research examines architectural technologies including virtual and augmented reality, and archival processes in contemporary BIM frameworks.

Learn more about the Certificate in Building Information Modeling (BIM) Management

D2L Wave is a bold new approach to professional development that makes it easy for employees to gain new skills by accessing an online catalog of high-quality education options from leading educational institutions like University of Manitoba.

The University of Manitoba is recognized as one of the top 15 research universities in Canada. Through its Extended Education division, the university offers a robust suite of professional development courses and pathways to university studies. Programs are enhanced with insights and input from a variety of academic, industry and community experts.  The University of Manitoba’s commitment to offering Canadian content – with both short- and long-term certificates and university credentials designed for the workforce – make them an ideal D2L Wave education partner. 

Powerful lifelong learning
“We know how powerful lifelong learning can be to help people take positive steps forward in life and work,” says David Mandzuk, acting dean of Extended Education at the University of Manitoba. “Whether people are looking for a fresh start or a new career direction, our Extended Education programs help professionals gain new skills, strengthen their knowledge and prepare for the road ahead. We’re so proud to partner with D2L to make professional development opportunities more accessible and seamless.”

“As the digital economy transforms workplaces, employers and employees need innovative approaches to meet the constant demand for new skills,” says John Baker, President and CEO of D2L. “D2L Wave is our simple and elegant solution to deliver educational opportunities that are good for people’s careers, as well as their companies. I’m thrilled to partner with the University of Manitoba and connect more people to this leading Canadian research institution’s high-caliber content.”   

Learn more about D2L Wave

Visit University of Manitoba Extended Education

You’ll be in good company. Many people keep learning with us. In fact, in October, Extended Education celebrated its virtual (online) fall convocation, recognizing 305 graduates from 19 different programs including part-time programs like Management and Administration, Human Resource Management, and Municipal Administration.

For example, the Municipal Administration program is one of our partnership programs that connect us with our community. It is offered in long-time partnership with the Manitoba Municipal Administrators’ Association. Executive director, Adrienne Bestland, says, “The program arms our members with the ability to do a very difficult task, being Chief Administrative Officers of municipalities. It’s a specific skill set that isn’t necessarily acquired in any other program.”

Three grads share how they are now facing the pandemic, with the power of their new UM Certificate in Manitoba Municipal Administration (CMMA). As David Mandzuk, Acting Dean, Extended Education told his fall graduates, “Although there is much uncertainty that lies ahead, we have faith that all of you will be able to navigate any turbulence that lies ahead thanks to what you have learned in Extended Education.”

Jodi Thorkelsson, Municipal Administration Grad

Jodi Thorkelsson, West Interlake
Municipal Administration graduate, Jodi Thorkelsson is the administrative assistant for the Rural Municipality of West Interlake. She was born and raised in Ashern, Manitoba.

“The biggest challenge we’ve had is the constant release of updated health care recommendations, how we’ll be moving forward doing municipal operations. Now we have a lot more procedures and guidelines to make sure everyone is safe,” says Thorkelsson.

A friend originally suggested Thorkelsson apply for the job in the municipality. She’s been there for a few years now and really enjoys it. “The program helps me be a better administrator.”

More specifically, she built on her knowledge of municipal administration, governance, and budgeting. Having to prepare a budget was new to her, and she says she felt very prepared having taken the Municipal Finance course.

“In municipal government, we’re pretty quick to adapt. So I feel like COVID was just another one of those things that just pop up and you know, you just take the information you have and go from there.”

Laurel-Lee Kidd, Municipal Administration Grad

Laurel-Lee Kidd, Selkirk
Municipal Administration graduate, Laurel-Lee Kidd is an accounting clerk for the City of Selkirk. She lives in Selkirk, Manitoba.

“For me, I think, for the biggest challenge for municipalities on COVID is making sure that they are keeping their citizens safe and their municipality boundaries safe and making sure they’re adjusting their budget accordingly for any losses that may be happening because of the COVID,” says Kidd.

With the program, she increased her knowledge of the various acts that govern how a municipality operates including The Municipal Act. She adds her UM certificate to her resume, eagerly using her new knowledge in her work.

Kidd shared her graduation with her two young sons, eager to let them know that yes, you can continue your education and graduate from a program later in life. She also inspired her husband to consider continuing his education and moving into a new career, encouraging him to start looking at Extended Education.

“What I see are the numbers of what COVID is actually costing the city. So we’ve actually been lucky enough that we are almost pretty on par of not losing money because of COVID for some of our programming where as there are other municipalities by us that we are seeing are having really negative effects because of COVID.”

Paul Boily, Municipal Administration Grad

Paul Boily, La Broquerie
Municipal Administration graduate, Paul Boily is administration and finance clerk for the Rural Municipality of La Broquerie. He was born, raised, and continues to live in La Broquerie, Manitoba.

“Every part of how we operate has had to adapt to this and it’s been a challenge. Until now the public could easily come in and voice their concerns in-person and so on, and those are the things we need to make sure don’t get lost here. We still want the public engaged with their municipality and having their concerns heard,” says Boily.

Boily considers his municipality like one big family and enjoys his work, doing something to help his community. His Chief Administration Officer encouraged him to take the program and he was glad he did.

“Graduating was very enriching and it is something I will cherish for a long time. I grew as a person in the municipal world both personally and professionally.”

These grads have done it. You can too. May their success inspire you to learn more about our online, part-time programs today.

Explore programs and courses

As published in the Winnipeg Free Press

The disruption to our lives caused by the current pandemic is dramatic, but it is also a great reminder that there is really no way to predict the future. Change happens.  It is the only constant in life.  In order to move forward in our lives and in our careers, we too must continue to adapt and change.

“Nobody could have predicted this pandemic and now we have to respond appropriately,” says Michael Benarroch, President of the University of Manitoba.

About UM’s important role in transitioning our provincial economy, post-pandemic, Benarroch adds, “One of our responsibilities is going to be to try to help people transitioning to new careers or having to move to different fields post-pandemic. Our role is to provide educational options that will help individuals apply the skills they’ve learned in one industry and transition to new jobs.

As you face your transition and plan to move forward in your life and career, at UM, Extended Education is here for you. Together, we can do this.

“At this time when there is so much uncertainty and the ground beneath us is shifting daily,” says Acting Dean of Extended Education, David Mandzuk, “some people may find themselves out of work or decide that this is time for them to up-skill, re-skill or even change career direction. Whatever your situation is, Extended Education is here for you and can help you chart a whole new career path or give you the knowledge and skills you will need to adapt.”

It may feel like our worlds have become smaller. Much of life has slowed down. We spend more time in our homes. We worry about health and finances. Yet our experiences are growing. We all keep learning.

Lifelong learning fuels the kid in all of us. It nourishes our dreams and helps us to prepare for a better future. Imagine how flexible education programs and courses might support your dreams and help prepare you to move forward in your career but also in your life.

“Continuing education and lifelong learning are typically associated with job-specific skills delivered through flexible, short-term programs of study,” explains Paul Jenkins, Manager, Delivery, Extended Education. Professional development, up-skilling, or career pivoting is only one part of that story. With this investment, you get so much more.

“Beyond professional motivations, lifelong learners cite a raft of more personal reasons for continuing their educations like increased confidence and preparation for the changes life throws, a sense of responsibility to remain current, and being well-rounded and versatile, or, one might even say, more future-proof.”

Jenkins adds, “In addition to job-specific skills, the lifelong learning model provides a suite of eminently transferable skills, including language and literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking skills.”

Paul Quaye, Management and Administration Grad

Paul Quaye recently graduated from our Management and Administration program. Quaye says, “It’s going to help me. It got me back into Extended Education and taking courses on a regular basis and I’m hoping to continue that moving forward, putting my courses towards a Bachelor of Arts Integrated Studies (BAIS degree).” Several of Extended Education’s certificate programs offer this alternate pathway to a UM degree, by earning credit that can be directly applied to a BAIS degree offered by the Faculty of Arts.

So, while so many things are uncertain right now, one thing is for sure. The kids are doing it. You can too. Study online, remotely from the comfort and safety of your own home. You won’t be isolated because you will be connected with our friendly, supportive, and knowledgeable industry-experienced instructors, dedicated student support team, as well as colleagues from across Canada, and we will all be working and learning together.

At Extended Education at UM, we are here for you, with a variety of courses and programs, offered online.  Register now for fall and winter courses and programs.

Explore Extended Education programs and courses

As published in the Winnipeg Free Press

When an organization has a problem or challenge, the defined process for asking why and determining what to do is called business analysis. By definition, a business analyst (BA) is someone who performs the tasks of business analysis as defined in the Business Analysis Book of Knowledge (BABOK 3- the latest version), the textbook for the Extended Education Business Analysis program at the University of Manitoba.

According to the federal government’s Canadian Occupational Projection System, business analysis is one of the top 10 occupations with the largest number of job openings, from 2017 to 2026. The Extended Education program was developed to meet this incredible demand in Manitoba, Canada, and beyond.

A huge demand
“The local demand is huge,” says Kevin Haines [BA/96, BComm/99], CBAP, President of the Winnipeg Chapter of the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), the recognized professional and accrediting organization for business analysis. Extended Education is an IIBA endorsed education provider. “Online Business Systems has the most certified business analysts in town. Consulting companies are always hiring to keep up with demand.”

Prospects for careers in business analysis are great, says James Fatoki, CBAP and Consultant for the Business Analysis program. “You take your knowledge and experience, layer the program on top, and get to work. The beauty of it is there are so many industries you can plug into. None of your previous knowledge is wasted. I have worked in many industries from financial to insurance and government. There is a good demand out there.”

Every organization needs a business analyst, and everyone is looking for a good one, says Maureen McVey, Ottawa area-based CBAP and Consultant for the Business Analysis program. A business analyst since before the role was defined in BABOK and as commonly recognized as it is today, McVey was among the international professionals who founded IIBA.

Managing change
“Business Analysts are agile professionals who help organizations keep pace with the rapidly evolving world of the twenty-first century by identifying the responsive changes necessary for them to flourish,” says Paul Jenkins, Manager, Delivery, Extended Education. “Their skill-set and expertise give them the ability to identify problems and recommend solutions often based in technology, but that also involve changes in business strategies, processes, and policies.”

Change is happening
“With the rapid pace of business evolution, there are always new challenges to meet, and we need people to facilitate the change that needs to happen,” says Haines. “A significant majority of CEOs recognize the important need to foster a culture of innovation, respond quickly to technological opportunities and invest in new processes, as only those companies and industries accepting the challenge to transform themselves will be more competitive, gain efficiency and ensure the loyalty of customers.”

Fatoki adds, “Defining issues and problems is critical, whether a business accepts it or not. Without proper business analysis, it simply becomes trial and error. Companies will spend money, suffer financial losses, and lose ground in a competitive market.”

Professional connections
Business Analysis students pursue professional certification and make professional connections through IIBA. The IIBA Winnipeg Chapter was the first chapter, founded at the same time as the organization itself. Winnipeg is one of over 120 chapters in over 40 countries.

With IIBA, there are three levels of professional certification. Students in the Business Analysis program can start to work towards achieving the first level, Entry Certificate in business analysis (ECBA), during their studies.

No organization can do without the business analysis skillset, says McVey. It’s something that can be developed, building on your education and experience. The program is a good start.

The demand for business analysts is very strong, Haines says. “The IIBA helps to support those taking certifications and to provide the network to meet other analysts, mentors and employers. We are very excited that the U of M is providing a great option to learn the hard and soft skills of business analysis as we grow our local, Canadian and global communities.”

Learn more about this online program.

Certificate in Business Analysis

As published in the Winnipeg Free Press.