The February 28th symposium was a valuable opportunity to bring George Brown College students, faculty and staff together with many leading industry experts to share perspectives on how data-driven practices shape and influence innovation worldwide. Yet again, the symposium proved that GBC is a leading force in the data analytics industry and a destination for discussion and growth.
"I'm immensely proud of our academic community's dedication to advancing knowledge and shaping the future of business analytics through collaborative dialogue and expertise exchange with practitioners in the field, and having our students as beneficiaries of these rich and robust exchanges,” said Dr. Ian Austin, Dean, Centre for Business.
A 'mind-opening experience'
The focus on data analytics affects many business industries and specialties. From discussions on cybersecurity and data governance to applications of data-driven strategies and using market research to the future impact of artificial intelligence, there was a wide array of thoughtful leadership for many stakeholders.
“The symposium was enlightening and invigorating,” said Dr. Nadira Singh, Associate Dean, School of Management. “We explored the multifaceted world of business analytics, methodologies, innovative technologies and transformative insights that are shaping the future of work and industries around the globe.”
The day was broken up into three discussion tracks: business, technology and case studies, alternating between keynote speeches and choices of breakout sessions.
The three keynote speakers were Vijay Wadhawan, Senior VP of Health & Wellness at Environics Research; Nan Oldroyd, AVP at Definity; and Gayle Ramsay, Head of Everyday Banking, Segments & Customer Growth and Personal Banking at BMO Financial Group. The group of 19 breakout session speakers included leading experts from Manulife, Microsoft, the Ontario Arts Council, PwC Canada, Accenture and more.
Well-attended by GBC students, the day was a great opportunity to learn about the latest advancements in the industry and network and make connections.
“The symposium was a mind-opening experience for me,” said Centre for Business student and Analytics Club member Siddhant Berry. “As an international student who recently decided to switch careers from marketing to analytics, the day provided me with a platform for learning about the industry, culminating in meaningful connections and developing a deeper understanding of the term 'expertise' in the field — a truly unique experience for students and experts alike.”
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