How U of T’s Data Sciences Institute is helping professionals and employers stay competitive
As digital literacy becomes crucial to navigating the financial sector, the rapid pace of change can feel overwhelming for many mid-career experts and their employers, alike. This is particularly true in areas such as data sciences, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.
Hiring professionals who are proactively adapting to the rise of data science and generative AI is one of the smartest ways businesses can stay competitive.
The University of Toronto’s Data Sciences Institute (DSI), a hub for data science research, training and partnerships, is helping businesses do just that by growing a pool of job-ready professionals. The DSI has upskilling certificates and microcredentials targeting the growing demand for professionals in finance and other fields to become knowledgeable in AI and understand how available tools can enhance their work.
Since launch, over 500 professionals have completed certificates, forming a job-ready talent pool aimed at bridging the gap between skilled candidates and employers. The DSI plays a vital role and is dedicated to creating new career paths for untapped talent to unleash their full potential.
As a manager of anti-money laundering and compliance data at Scotiabank, Matias Velastegui is one such professional. In search of a way to boost his technical skills, he completed Machine Learning Software Foundations, a 16-week intensive certificate at the DSI.
With the financial support of Upskill Canada, powered by Palette Skills and the Government of Canada, DSI certificates and microcredentials train mid-level professionals on digital literacy skills, including AI and machine learning, and are designed to meet the talent needs of high-growth sectors.
“It provided me with valuable tools that I’m confident I’ll apply in future professional and academic projects,” Velastegui says.
Certificates and microcredentials at the DSI are delivered live online, with weekly support through virtual office hours. Included are opportunities to learn from industry experts during case studies that provide participants with important insights into the professional world of data science and AI analytics. In parallel to the technical training, learners have access to career transition support and exclusive employer networking events, which strengthens talent pipelines and helps keep Canadian businesses globally competitive.
While the certificate offers a comprehensive data science and machine learning overview, the DSI also offers a shorter, three-week microcredential on Deploying AI that focuses on building AI applications to augment work tasks. Deploying AI provides professionals with technical and strategic skills to turn AI prototypes into practical, workplace-ready solutions.
Velastegui says he decided to pursue the DSI certificate because it combined academic rigour with a practical focus. In his current role, he works extensively with SQL and Python languages. Through the DSI certificate, he learned new strategies for approaching complex queries, more efficient ways of handling data and best practices for data governance.
“From ensuring data integrity to grasping the mathematical principles of neural networks, professionals must be actively engaged in these advancements and prepared to evolve alongside them,” Velastegui says.
Now, he plans to hire other DSI upskilling participants to his own team. Velastegui is confident in the DSI’s focus on improving coding expertise and collaboration skills in virtual environments.
The DSI offers employers looking for new talent the opportunity to share job opportunities with its pool of participants, all of whom have post-secondary degrees and now have enhanced skills in data science and machine learning.
The certificates in Data Science and Machine Learning Software Foundations offer part-time coursework, so participants can continue working regular hours. Sakib Sadat, an intelligent automation program manager at Manulife, says the certificate is intensive but worth the time commitment.
Sadat says there has been a strong industry push for professionals to boost their skills using AI and machine learning tools, both for company standards and for personal development. Participating in the DSI’s certificate was a way for him to improve his productivity and the quality of his work.
Through the certificate, Sadat gained the ability to critically assess and identify which AI solutions presented by clients add real value in his current role.
“This certificate was one way to get the accumulated technical expertise to make those assessments on whether or not AI is going to actually be productive,” Sadat says.
Beyond the technical skills, Sadat and Velastegui agree that adding a University of Toronto AI-related certification to your resume is a good way to stand out in a pool of professionals, either when looking to move up internally or make a career switch.
“From a career progression standpoint, AI is a personal brand and selling feature in the industry, whether you’re in IT or not,” Sadat adds.
For professionals looking to learn more about the DSI’s upskilling offerings and employers accessing the DSI professional talent pool, visit certificates.datasciences.utoronto.ca.
This story was created by Content Works, Postmedia’s commercial content division, on behalf of the Data Sciences Institute.