"Whether you're starting a new career or looking to strengthen your existing skills, business analysis gives you a strong foundation to grow, lead, and create value." - Deepti Gupta, SCS learner.
As a recent newcomer to Canada seeking professional opportunities, business analyst Deepti Gupta wanted to ensure her skills remained sharp and aligned with current Canadian industry standards.
This desire brought her to the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies, where she registered for courses in the school’s Business Analysis program.
“My primary goal was to bridge the gap between my prior experience as a Business Analyst and the expectations of the Canadian job market. I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of local business practices, methodologies, and tools commonly used in Canada,” she explains.
When one of her courses included a group project, Gupta saw an opportunity to take a deep dive into a topic close to her heart.
“My husband has been living with diabetes for over 15 years and relies on a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) device to manage his condition. I have observed how he frequently has to check his phone to monitor his glucose levels, which can be inconvenient, especially in the middle of daily tasks,” she says.
“I saw an opportunity to explore how wearable technology could integrate the CGM functionality in a more seamless, user-friendly way. This idea was not only inspired by real-life experience but also driven by the desire to create a solution that improves quality of life for people like my husband.”
So, the group got to work, conducting research and applying business analysis techniques and frameworks like context diagrams, process models, gap analysis, key performance indicators and SWOT analysis to structure the problem, identify opportunities, and propose a viable solution.
“One of the main challenges we encountered during the project was navigating the complexity of healthcare technology, particularly the feasibility of integrating no-invasive glucose monitoring into wearable device like the Apple Watch,” Gupta shares.
“Since none of us came from a medical or engineering background, we had to invest significant time researching scientific studies, patent filings, and emerging tech trends to ensure our proposal was both innovative and realistic.”
Gupta happily reports that she and her group received positive and encouraging feedback from both peers and instructors about the project. She also says that taking Business Analysis courses at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies provided her with the foundational knowledge and practical tools she needed to confidently approach such a future-focused and tech-driven topic.
“Through courses like Foundations of Business Analysis, and Business Analysis Tools and Techniques, I gained hands-on experience with frameworks such as context diagram, process model, user stories and gap analysis. These tools allowed me to break down complex systems like healthcare wearables and translate high level concepts into actionable insights,” she explains.
“The structured approach of the program, combined with real-world assignments and collaborative projects, helped me feel more confident tackling emerging technology topics, even those outside my core background. It encouraged me to be curious, do in-depth research, and think strategically, qualities that are essential for any business analyst working in a fast-evolving tech landscape.”
In addition to bolstering her confidence and expanding her skill set, the program, and her wearable tech project have changed the way Gupta sees business analysis and its potential to help shape the world we live in. It plays a critical role in identifying innovation opportunities, aligning business goals with technology, and delivering customer-centric solutions.
“I saw how a business analyst can bridge technical possibilities (like health integrations and wearable tech) with market demands and user needs. It taught me that business analysis can drive not only operational efficiency but also strategic growth, innovation, and meaningful customer engagement,” she adds.
“This project also emphasized the importance of systems thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and the use of data and KPIs to validate business decisions. It has inspired me to see business analysis as a change enabler, not just a support function.”
Gupta says she’s already been able to apply her newly updated skills acquired through the SCS program in her current role as an administrative assistant at SIM Toronto.
“I am using various BA techniques to understand the organization’s structure, stakeholder responsibilities, and current state operations. My focus has been on helping the team define their future state and offering potential solutions to improve internal processes and strategic alignment,” she explains.
“By analyzing gaps and facilitating discussions, I’ve been supporting SIM Toronto in clarifying their goals and moving toward a more structured and efficient framework.”
Having completed Business Analysis Foundations and Tools and Techniques of Business Analysis, Gupta is currently enrolled in Leadership in Business Analysis in an effort to strengthen her strategic and leadership capabilities in the field. Looking ahead, she also plans to pursue Project Management courses to complement her business analysis skills and broaden her professional opportunities.
Learning business analysis skills has been a transformative journey for Gupta, who stresses that the role is about more than tools and techniques.
“It’s about thinking strategically, solving real problems, and making a meaningful impact. Whether you're starting a new career or looking to strengthen your existing skills, business analysis gives you a strong foundation to grow, lead, and create value. Stay curious, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to explore new opportunities,” she suggests.
And for fellow newcomers to Canada, Gupta recommends taking advantage of the networking opportunities that come about through SCS courses as well. “Engaging with peers, attending events, and having personal conversations with professionals has helped me understand the local work culture, expand my network, and gain confidence,” she says.
“These genuine connections have guided and supported me in my journey, and I encourage others, especially newcomers, to actively seek out these opportunities. It truly makes a difference.”
To learn more about SCS Business Analysis courses and certificates, please visit our program page.
