By Isaac Sethian, P.Eng, MBA, PMP, Professor at Seneca College PMI-SOC, Business Analysis and GTIS Branches, in collaboration with the faculty and students of IT Project Management Program at Seneca College, organized and convened a very informative, event on November 20, 2015 at Seneca College campus in York University, with more than 45 students in attendance. The two PMI-SOC branches were represented by Ms. Cheryl Lee, PMP, PBA, CBAP, cofounder, BA Branch; GTIS was represented by Ms. Carmen Sampaleanu and Mr. Ryad Hussain, co-director of the branch. The presenters adeptly delineated the roles, responsibilities and functions of professional Business Analysts and Project Managers in IT projects, in terms of capturing requirements, business analysis, creation and successful implementation of project outcomes. In view of the students’ limited familiarity with Business Analysis as a rapidly emerging profession, Ms. Cheryl Lee provided a comprehensive description of the business analysts’ work. She emphasized the essential soft skills required to effectively perform business analysis on IT programs and projects. Ms. Carmen Sampaleanu, stressed the importance of including a Business Analyst in the project team for most IT projects. She explained the critical link between the BA’s role in elucidating, clarifying and analyzing customer requirements, expectations and business goals, and enabling the project team subsequently develop implement and verify the project scope. Mr. Ryad expanded on these concept by citing examples from his own experience, affirming IT projects that lack a clear and comprehensive definition of requirements are set to fail. In conclusion of the event, the presenters fielded numerous questions from the students, and reiterated that an effective collaboration between Business Analysts and Project Managers is essential to drive projects and programs to more successful outcomes. The panelists counselled the students to consider developing business analysis knowledge and skills besides project management, to enhance their employability in the profession, as BA skills are applicable to all programs and projects, whether they are focused on IT or other industries. Student feedback on the event was very favorable. They greatly appreciated PMI-SOC’s initiative in organizing the event.