Work experience gives grad an advantage
For Edwin Yong, the path to becoming a business analyst wasn鈥檛 always clear. 鈥淚 started in a retail environment,鈥� he explains, 鈥渁nd I actually went to film school in my early twenties.鈥� It wasn鈥檛 until he began working for BC Safety Authority (BCSA) that his future came into focus.
His work with BCSA鈥攁 self-funded organization that oversees the installation and operation of technical systems and equipment鈥攂egan behind the front desk, and over time, evolved into that of a gas fitting exam invigilator. Most recently, he was promoted to client care supervisor. Each step of the way, Edwin learned more about the organization鈥檚 work: 鈥淚 became an expert in my field and I understood the process from start to finish.鈥�
His expertise was soon recognized. 鈥淧eople kept pulling me into meetings because I was the subject-matter expert,鈥� Edwin recalls. 鈥淲e had business analysts within our organization who were enlisting my help... when I noticed what they were doing, I thought, 鈥業 have all this knowledge. I could do that.鈥欌��
To achieve his new goal, he knew he needed to return to school. After researching several different programs, he chose SFU Continuing Studies鈥� Business Analysis Certificate.
Once again, his path wasn鈥檛 always clear. 鈥淚 have the experience, but to be honest I just wasn鈥檛 sure if I was smart enough,鈥� he says. 鈥淚鈥檓 35 and my schooling wasn鈥檛 very vast when I was growing up; therefore, I was lacking that confidence.鈥�
But Edwin soon discovered that his capacity to learn far exceeded what he had originally thought. 鈥淚 felt like I could utilize all my work experience and understand what my teachers were teaching more because I could actually apply it.鈥�
For example, Edwin often used the concepts and themes learned in his Business Analysis: Team Dynamics and Leadership class at work. 鈥淭hat was really important to me because being a supervisor, I need to understand where people are coming from and what motivates them,鈥� he says. 鈥淵ou will always have these light-bulb moments because you are applying everything you鈥檙e learning. I found it much easier to understand concepts and relate them to my work.鈥�
Edwin now feels well prepared to join BCSA鈥檚 business analysis team. 鈥淚t was good to think about my next step and where I can move to within my organization,鈥� he says. 鈥淵ou have to do things like this to set yourself up for success.鈥�
By Alison Brierley