Skills Business Owners and Employers are looking for in New Brunswick – By Olusegun Ajibade, CBAP

^{As more immigrants begin to find their way into New Brunswick through different pathways ranging from Permanent residence to students and open work permits, there is a need to understand what it takes to succeed.}

^{One of the questions that is paramount of the mind of every immigrant is how to settle down properly in their new country especially from the perspective of securing the right job or setting up a business.}

^{It is interesting to note that one profession that offers the right skills and competencies for immigrants looking to set up their businesses and career-minded folks is Business analysis.
While many might want to challenge the thought process. it is imperative that the perspective is explained.}

^{According to the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) Business analysis is the practice of enabling change in an organizational context by defining needs and recommending solutions that deliver value to stakeholders.}

^{We are all aware that employers usually ask for “Canadian Experience” and I am happy to inform you that the top five skills needed to get ahead in 2022 are Innovative Problem Solving, Conflict Resolution, High Emotional Intelligence, Positive Work Ethic, Adaptability. Coincidentally all these skills are some of the underlying competencies required by business analysis practitioners and they are the soft skills usually referred to as “Canadian Experience”}

^{Problem Solving: Problem Solving is the process of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues. Many other skills are closely knitted to problem solving such as creativity and innovation. This is one of the critical skills many organizations are looking for today and it is required that all applicants irrespective of their role demonstrates this skill.}

^{Conflict Resolution: Conflict Resolution is a way for two or more parties to find a peaceful resolution to a disagreement between them. In doing this, negotiation also comes to play and it is very important that one is able to demonstrate that there might be differing opinions, resolve differences and reach conclusions that have the agreement of all participants.}

^{Emotional Intelligence: Emotional Intelligence is the ability to understand, use and manage your own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively and empathize with others and overcome challenges. We cannot overemphasize the need to demonstrate emotional intelligence when talking about our previous experiences.}

^{Positive Work Ethic: In a Canadian work environment, having a positive work ethic is actually very critical to the success of your career. Ethics require an understanding and focus on fairness, consideration and moral behaviour which stems from understanding the workplace culture.}

^{Adaptability: Adaptability is the ability to be flexible and adjust to changing factors conditions or environments. Being adaptable is very germane in every workplace since every industry and business can be unpredictable. Adjusting one’s behavioural style and method of approach to increase effectiveness when interacting with others in different situations is a must have.}

^{From an intending business owners’ perspective, these skills are also very applicable. If you are looking to start a business, you first want to understand the business needs and possibly put together a feasibility report and/or business plan.}

^{Having that mindset of solving problems, preferring solutions that will add value to your stakeholders are the ‘bread and butter’ of business analysis.}

^{Often, when I have the opportunity to speak on various platforms, I let everyone know that you do not have anything to lose anything gaining business analysis skills even if you would like to remain in your current role or profession.}

^{It is also worthy of note to demystify the wrong conceptions that it is for folks who have IT skills or background or degree.}

^{Another misconception is that you need a technical degree or background to start your business analysis career. Whilst this is not really the case, know that even your CEO is a business analyst and most CEOs are. Watch out for more details to come in the next discovery episode on what Skills Business Owners and Employers are looking for in New Brunswick.}