Synopsis:
Back by popular demand! Join us as we take a 360° View of a Career in Business Analysis. This event will provide perspectives from various thought leaders within the profession (recruiters, managers, practitioners, consultants and trainers).  We will tackle the questions that have been on your minds by allowing you the opportunity to ask any questions pertaining to a career in Business Analysis!

The format of this event will allow for plenty of Q&A and opportunities to interact with the panelists. Space is limited, so register early to avoid disappointment! 

Bio(s):

Robert Abaliwano is a self-employed IT Business Consultant, who has been working within the Financial Industry for the past 15+ years.  Robert started off his career as an Oracle Applications Developer before transitioning to the Business Analyst role. With the exception of two IT firms that provide financial technology solutions, Robert has primarily been providing his services to one of the top 5 banks in Canada. His assignments are contract based and have consisted of the following three roles: Business Analyst, Business Systems Analyst and Scrum Master. These roles have been carried out within both the business and the technology domains. Robert's work is mainly associated with project related work and he typically works closely Product Owners, Project Managers, Business Analysts, Quality Assurance Analyst and Architects.

Jacqueline Young, co-founder of B.W. Young Consulting, has 22 years of IS/IT consulting experience. She has worked in both the public and private sectors for such companies as the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), Transat, RBC, Scotia, CIBC, Ministry of Health, HBC, McDonalds, Canada Life, Loblaw, Ministry of Consumer / Commercial Relations, Attorney/Solicitor General, ADP Payroll, and Toyota. Her roles have included Senior Business Analyst/BSA, Team Lead and Project Manager.  Her responsibilities have spanned all facets of the Project and System development life cycles, resulting in a deep understanding of their respective methodologies. 

John Simpson is a contract consultant to Toronto’s banking and investment industry. He studied Political Science and Economics at the University of Guelph and Commerce at the University of Windsor. His first Financial Services job involved work in the back-office for Trimark Investment (now Invesco). A year later he began his IT career as a business analyst writing requirements and specifications for enhancement of Trimark’s accounting system and was responsible for design and release of an industry leading Financial Planning product for advisors. Following this, he was called to a consulting career with Andersen (now Accenture) and later launched JD Simpson Consulting. In 18 years John has worked at some well-known organizations including: Caterpillar, Province of Ontario, Enbridge, CIBC, TD Waterhouse, Dominion Securities, RBC, ScotiaMcLeod, Scotiabank, TDBFG, and Macquarie Private Wealth. His roles have included: Business Analyst, Business System Analyst, Data Analyst, QA Lead, Test Manager, Release Manager, Project Lead and Project Manager.

Judith Blakely is a Senior Account Director with Nexus Systems Group, who has been working within the IT Recruitment World for the past 15+ years.  Judith has had the pleasure of supporting a some of Canada’s Top Fortune 100 Clients across the GTA.  Nexus Systems Group has been recognized as one of Canada’s Fastest Growing IT Staffing Companies (2017 PROFIT 500), providing IT Staffing services for both Technical & Project-Recruitment needs.  Nexus provides both contract and permanent search services to clients across many verticals including: Financial Services, Retail, Insurance and Telecommunications. Judith works closely with consultants and permanent candidates to assist them through the interview process and is a support once onsite with the client.

Agenda:
6:15 PM – Registration, networking with light meal and refreshments
7:00 PM - Session starts
8:30 PM - Session ends