“PACE helped me bridge the gap between my prior experience and current industry trends," says Amit Saini, Senior Data Engineer at Economic Development Winnipeg, the city’s lead economic development agency and champion for local growth.

“The curriculum offered best matched my learning goals and predilections within an optimized duration,” says Amit, who had a formal education gap of 17 years before deciding to pursue a post-degree program.

Prior to studying at PACE, Amit held a Bachelor’s degree in Technology (Electronics and Communication) and a Post-Grad in Advanced Digital System Design from the University of Pune, in north-western India.

In his role as Senior Data Engineer, Amit converts complex data into usable insights that improve business operations and outcomes for Economic Development Winnipeg's business development teams. He also proactively looks at improving existing processes and research to see how to best harness the vast amount of data for the betterment of Winnipeg.

“My program was unique because we got to work on real world problems under the guidance of the instructors who are masters of their streams,” says Amit. “The content has been well-designed by keeping the latest trends in the industry in mind. You get many opportunities to interact with industry professionals to make connections.”

Amit says the range of students from different backgrounds in his cohort helped him understand different viewpoints for solving the same problem. His graduating class has 23 students from 10 different countries with a range of educational backgrounds and professional experience.

Amit says his most valuable lesson from PACE was to put in “an honest effort” to complete assignments on time. “If you put your honest efforts for the curriculum, the course gives back for your hard work.”

“If you are looking to upskill or change your field, this is the place for you,” says Amit to anyone considering taking the Predictive Analytics program. “The duration and content have been designed keeping in mind the diversity of the class.”

“If you are one who has played with data throughout your life or if the word “predictive analytics” sounds bizarre to you, this is the place which will make sure that you advanced to a level where you can enter the industry comfortably at the end of one year.”