TORONTO, February 8, 2017 - With access to more data than ever before, businesses are facing a serious shortage of big data experts and predictive analysts who know how to properly analyze it.  York University's School of Continuing Studies is pioneering a unique solution to this challenge.

York University has launched two new certificates, the Certificate in Big Data Analytics and the Certificate in Advanced Data Science and Predictive Analytics that will prepare graduates to enter this growing job market in just six months.

"Employers tell us that there is, and will continue to be, a significant shortage of qualified data analytics professionals. Our Certificates will quickly produce graduates with comprehensive expertise in the field without requiring working students to be out of the office," says Tracey Taylor-O'Reilly, York University's assistant vice-president, continuing studies.

Representing one of the largest talent shortages in Canada, big data opportunities are exploding in every sector from marketing to financial services to professional sports. The Greater Toronto Area is at the epi-centre of this talent gap. Employers frequently report that they cannot find qualified candidates and are heavily investing in re-training their workforce.  In 2016, more than 60% of Canadian executives reportedly planned to add professionals trained in big data analysis and business intelligence to their teams. Researchers estimate that 150,000 data analytics professionals are needed to fill roles in Canada. The demand will continue to grow with open access to data sets, the introduction of new big data software applications, and the increased applicability of big data to new market segments.

Together, the Certificates provide a comprehensive education in contemporary data analytics through online coursework and bi-weekly evening computer labs using the leading software applications with which many employers require familiarity.

The Certificate in Big Data Analytics provides a foundational overview of the field, focusing on how to use the data to identify opportunities and solutions to organizational challenges. This Certificate will benefit those who are new to the field along with specialists in other fields (such as marketing, insurance, finance, human resources, and policy) who want to confidently leverage big data to excel in their sector.

The Certificate in Advanced Data Science and Predictive Analytics will build on foundational knowledge to prepare graduates to take on Data Analyst or Business Analyst roles and to pursue the Certified Analytics Professional (CAP®) designation, the premier global professional certification for analytics practitioners.

"Today more than ever, analytics play a crucial role in creating a positive customer experience," says Roland Merbis, Director of Customer Insights & Analytics at Scotiabank. "As a member of the program's advisory council, I look forward to working with York University to help establish an analytics program that will set students up for success and close the skills gap for employers."

The School of Continuing Studies at York University offers professional education certificates, English academic preparation and a degree pathway for mature, working students.

York University is helping to shape the global thinkers and thinking that will define tomorrow. York U's unwavering commitment to excellence reflects a rich diversity of perspectives and a strong sense of social responsibility that sets us apart. A YorkU degree empowers graduates to thrive in the world and achieve their life goals through a rigorous academic foundation balanced by real-world experiential education. As a globally recognized research centre, York U is fully engaged in the critical discussions that lead to innovative solutions to the most pressing local and global social challenges. York U's 11 faculties and 25 research centres are thinking bigger, broader and more globally, partnering with 280 leading universities worldwide. York U's community is strong− 55,000 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and more than 275,000 alumni.

The CAP® designation is offered through the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS), the largest society in the world for professionals in the field of operations research (O.R.), management science, and analytics. If you are interested in pursuing the CAP® designation, see the INFORMS (visit https://www.certifiedanalytics.org/ for full details.)

Roland Merbis is Director of Customer Insights & Analytics at Scotiabank, where he works with various business lines across the Bank, helping their decision-making capabilities by providing customer-centric strategic analytics. Roland has close to 20 years' experience in the customer insights profession.

Media Contacts:
Christine Brooks-Cappadocia, School of Continuing Studies, York University, 416-736-5449, cbc@yorku.ca

Sandra McLean, York University Media Relations, 416-736-2100 ext. 22097, sandramc@yorku.ca