PACE sends first cohort of data professionals into the workforce

The first cohort of UW PACE Predictive Analytics Diploma students presented their capstone projects on Friday, September 9, 2022, to complete their program.

The cutting-edge program focuses on harnessing big data for smart business decisions that optimize competitive and social benefits within organizations.

“Today, we got to be part of a unique moment in the UW PACE Predictive Analytics program,” Dave Fulawka, Associate Vice President, Network Analytics and Development at Bison Transport, one of the industry professionals who attended the presentations. Industry professionals were invited to ask questions following each presentation, putting the students' skills and experience to the test.

“What inspired me the most about the day is that this next generation of smart, creative, and well-educated graduates have their feet on the ground. They are thinking in a practical way about real issues in business and society, and how data and prediction can enhance outcomes,” said Fulawka.

Projects use real-world data to apply predictive analytics to fields as diverse as climate change and health modelling to the housing market and online retail pricing.

 “The data landscape is rapidly changing and transforming nearly every discipline, from marketing, financial services, government, and even professional sports,” said Kim Loeb, PACE Executive Director.

Throughout the intensive 1-year program, students create and use problem-solving algorithms to provide insights, predictions, and strategies for organizational growth.

Tech is one of Winnipeg’s key business sectors and according to Economic Development Winnipeg, Winnipeg comes in as number 9 among the top 10 cities in Canada with tech-talent clusters in Canada, and shows promising growth. UW PACE is among the institutions training the next generation of data professionals to strengthen Winnipeg’s position as a technology hub.

“Graduates of our new post-degree diploma will be among those contributing to the continued growth of the tech sector across in the city and across the province,” says Loeb.

Graduates of the Predictive Analytics Diploma hone their skills so they are ready to enter the workforce and mine data sources to help transform organizations use and understanding of data to help create innovative, efficient, and sustainable businesses and organizations.