Career Pathways: Accelerating Career Growth with Baltej Gill

Career Pathways is a Schulich ExecEd ongoing series showcasing some of our talented alumni. Everyone has something interesting and insightful to share, from independent business owners to corporate managers. We want to bring their stories to life.  

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, staying ahead of the curve and acquiring new skills is crucial for career advancement. Baltej Gill, a motivated professional with a background in data governance and process improvement, recognized the need to upskill and refine her expertise. In March 2023, Baltej completed the Masters Certificate in Analytics for Leaders with Schulich ExecEd, a transformative experience that has quickly propelled the trajectory of her career. In this blog post, we delve into Baltej’s journey, from her pre-ExecEd career to the profound impact the program had on her professional growth.

The Starting Point

Baltej stumbled upon data governance and process improvement early in her career in the retail sector. She found herself naturally drawn to the analytical aspects of her work, effortlessly identifying areas for improvement and optimizing processes. While she held positions overseeing business intelligence, governance teams, and reporting and analytics, Baltej acknowledged that she lacked formal technical experience in these areas. Despite her practical expertise, she yearned for a deeper understanding of best practices and the ability to validate her instincts.

Before enrolling in the program, Baltej sought advice and guidance to ensure the program aligned with her career goals. She reached out to the program coordinator for material and content related to the course, providing her with a deeper understanding of the program’s intent and learning outcomes. She also extensively explored Schulich ExecEd’s website, reviewing the  experiences and testimonials of many past participants. This research solidified her decision to pursue the Masters Certificate in Analytics for Leaders, cementing her belief in its potential value for her career.

When Baltej decided to invest in honing her skills, she turned to Schulich ExecEd having received positive feedback about Schulich School of Business and its Executive Education programs from others who had already embarked on their own learning journeys. “There’s something really fancy about the name, you know, Schulich ExecEd, and I’ve heard really great things about it.”

The Program

Baltej expressed how the program’s format perfectly suited her demanding schedule, offering a three-month commitment of two hours, three times a week, delivered online in a virtual classroom. This intensity allowed for focused, accelerated learning without encroaching too heavily on her work and personal life.

Another standout aspect of Baltej’s experience with the Masters Certificate was the diversity and expertise of the faculty members. Each professor brought a unique perspective and set of skills to the program, ensuring a rich and varied learning environment. “The faculty were all very different, no two were alike” she says. Baltej appreciated that the faculty members came from different professional backgrounds, ranging from data governance and managing business intelligence teams to startup founders and experts in behavioral science. This amalgamation of expertise allowed for practical, hands-on learning, with instructors sharing real-world experiences and imparting valuable insights.

Networking can often be a challenge in virtual learning environments. Baltej acknowledged that some participants were shy during sessions, but she made a point to embrace the opportunities that did arise, actively participating in discussions, group projects, and virtual networking events organized by the program. Despite the physical distance, Baltej formed meaningful connections with fellow participants, exchanging ideas, insights, and industry best practices. 

A New Path Forward

Baltej’s decision to pursue the Masters Certificate in Analytics for Leaders program with Schulich ExecEd marked a significant turning point in her career. Armed with new technical skills and a boosted confidence, she is now better equipped to validate her instincts and take on more challenging projects. 

The standout experience, exceptional faculty, and networking opportunities in a virtual setting have shaped Baltej’s professional growth, paving the way for a bright and promising future. With her newfound expertise, Baltej is ready to embrace new opportunities and continue her journey of accelerated career growth.

We want to thank Baltej again for taking the time to chat with us about the Career Pathways series. If you’re interested in learning more about Schulich ExecEd’s Masters Certificate in Analytics for Leaders program, you can read about it here.

Not sure what program is right for you? Our expert advisors can help. Talk to a Schulich ExecEd advisor today.