Mastering Business Analysis as a new career pathway
The Masters in Professional Business Analysis (MBusAn) provided Jarrid Brazer with a pathway from healthcare to the business field, which was exactly the pivot he was looking for.
Switching careers from physiotherapy to business analysis seems like a pretty extreme thing to do—especially when you’ve got a young family—but I’m so happy I made the decision. I trained as a physio in South Africa, and worked in a private clinic there for a few years but I realised it really wasn’t my real passion. It was a hard slog and I got a bit burnt out, so took a sabbatical in Korea where I taught English for a few years. Stepping away like that really gave me the chance to undergo some personal growth and think hard about my next move.
My wife and I emigrated to New Zealand two years ago—I’ve worked as a physio since moving here but getting back into that industry confirmed for me that my heart’s not in it. There were aspects of it I loved, such as interacting with people and building relationships, and it also gave me some useful technical skills. But a move towards the information technology sector seemed a logical move for me, as it’s an area I’m really interested in.
I spent a lot of time looking into different courses, including one-year diplomas or part time study, but realised I’d need a proper qualification if I wanted to set myself up for success and have anyone take me seriously. Then I came across the Master of Professional Business Analysis (MBusAn) at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington and thought, wow, this a really well-rounded course that will give me an excellent grounding in the industry—I’d be able to learn a bunch of new skills and get a Master’s degree at the same time!
Looming over my decision was the big financial and time commitment that would be required to study full time—this was a massive consideration for me, especially having become a dad very recently, and I wavered quite a lot. But I was able to talk everything through with someone from the Professional Programmes Office at the Wellington School of Business and Government, who advised me on career prospects and how I could manage to keep working while studying.
The MBusAn has been the perfect way to transition from healthcare to the business field, and has been exactly the pivot I was looking for. It’s a conversion course—it’s designed for people like me with professional experience but who aren’t that familiar with the business sector. The fact that it’s a Master’s was a big drawcard too—I can study for 16 months and end up with a Master’s degree in a field completely unrelated to what I previously studied.
The structure of the MBusAn is fantastic—there’s a diverse range of subject areas, and the coursework is pitched at a level that I can understand but which is challenging at the same time. I have loved hearing the perspective of the knowledgeable lecturers. Of particular note, I was encouraged to really step outside of my comfort zone and try some coding, a big and rewarding challenge and something new to add to my toolbox.
It’s also been super handy to be able to choose elective courses and tailor the course to suit my already busy schedule. That’s meant I could continue working, combine study, and have time and energy for our family’s newborn baby.
The Work Integrated Learning (WIL) component of the MBusAn means we meet with actual clients to gain valuable industry experience and learn about unique business problems. Victoria University is a great place to study Business Analysis because you’re in the CBD and you have such great access to a range of organisations. You’re able to help them with real world business problems that they’re grappling with, and experiencing what a business analyst might actually do on a day-to-day basis. It’s been an opportunity for me to apply the theory I was newly absorbing while leveraging the people skills I already had. University study can sometimes mean you’re in a bit of a bubble of theory, so it’s really nice to get out of that bubble and do something practical—it’s way more interesting and meaningful from a learning perspective. This practical element of the course has really cemented for me that I’ve made the right decision to undertake such a dramatic career pivot.
The group work and collaboration required was also very beneficial—you get to meet a variety of people from different backgrounds, and learn from each other as well as course convenors. My future career aspirations involve business analysis, obviously. I would love to able to work collaboratively on large scale projects, and to be involved in an innovative and creative industry, whether that’s IT, government, or something aligned with my previous work experience in healthcare. I am striving to find a field where I can show up to work every day and help to make a difference in people’s lives through the projects I’m involved in.
I’ve undergone a lot of personal growth since studying the MBusAn. I’ve learnt time management, and, crucially, that you are never too old to learn new skills. The degree has also given me real confidence by solidifying the skills I already had, and showing me how to apply them in different ways.
My advice for anyone considering a career change is to look into postgraduate study at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. If you think it might be too hard, you will definitely surprise yourself if you try. Take the challenge. You will see yourself grow.