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Why Data Analysts Are in High Demand, and How We’re Preparing Students for the Future of Work

September 12th, 2025 / By Jason Eckert, Dean of Technology

In today’s data-driven world, the ability to extract meaningful insights from complex information is more than a technical skill… it’s a competitive advantage. Businesses, governments, healthcare organizations, and nonprofits are all turning to data analysts to help them make smarter decisions, optimize operations, and stay ahead of trends.

That’s why the demand for data professionals – including data analysts, data scientists, and AI specialists – has skyrocketed across nearly every industry. According to recent labour market trends, jobs in data analytics and AI are growing at double-digit rates, with roles such as Data Analyst, Machine Learning Specialist, Data Scientist, and AI Researcher consistently ranking among the fastest-growing occupations globally.

Why Is Data Analysis So Valuable?

At the heart of this demand is the exponential growth of data. Every click, transaction, search, and sensor generates information, and organizations are desperate for people who know how to turn that raw data into actionable insights. In other words, to make business decisions, you need data analysis – and this is why data analysts are often called Business Intelligence (BI) analysts.

Modern data analysts not only work with traditional tools like SQL, Excel, and Tableau, but also harness the power of Python programming and even machine learning (ML) models to predict trends (called predictive analytics) and make informed decisions. ML is the technology behind artificial intelligence (AI). And as organizations generate more and more data, the need for ML models to analyze it continues to grow.

Career Pathways

Graduates with skills in data analysis and artificial intelligence have access to a wide array of career opportunities, including:

  • Data Analyst
  • Business Intelligence Analyst
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • AI Specialist
  • Data Engineer
  • Data Visualization Developer
  • Predictive Analytics Consultant

These roles span multiple industries – from tech and finance to healthcare, education, and public policy – making data analytics one of the most versatile career paths in the modern workforce.

Preparing the Next Generation of Data and AI Professionals

To meet this growing demand and equip our students with the skills employers are looking for, we’re proud to announce the launch of our new Data Analysis and AI Specialist (DAAS) program.

This innovative program combines foundational and advanced training in:

  • Ethics and communication for AI and data science
  • Python programming and SQL databases
  • Statistical analysis and data visualization
  • Machine learning, computer vision, and predictive modeling
  • Real-world capstone projects that integrate complete AI and data analysis workflows

Students graduate not only with strong technical competencies but with the critical thinking and ethical grounding needed to apply these skills responsibly in the workplace.

Why We’re Launching the DAAS Program Now

At our college, we believe in training graduates for high-demand careers that shape the future. The DAAS program is the newest addition to our growing Technology Faculty, complementing our well-established programs in IT administration and mobile and web development. By adding a data-focused stream, we’re giving students more pathways to success in a rapidly digitizing economy.

The future of work is data-driven. And we’re helping students lead the way.