Kwantlen Polytechnic University Bachelor of
Information Technology graduate, Minaz Jiwa named
Canadian Regional Analyst of the Year by the Help Desk Institute.

 

For immediate release

March 13, 2009
 

Kwantlen grad receives HDI Canadian Regional Analyst of the Year Award

(METRO VANCOUVER, B.C.) Kwantlen Polytechnic University Bachelor of Information Technology graduate, Minaz Jiwa, was named Canadian Regional Analyst of the Year by the Help Desk Institute (HDI).

After his manager's nomination and a phone interview for the B.C. Analyst of the Year award this past fall, Jiwa was selected by Help Desk B.C. as 2008/2009 Analyst of the Year in November 2008. After winning the provincial award, he was nominated as a candidate for the Analyst of the Year on the national level. In February 2009, Jiwa was named the Canadian National winner and in April, Jiwa will be competing for the biggest prize of them all—the HDI Global Analyst of the Year.

Jiwa completed a two-year Computer Information System (CISY) Diploma at Kwantlen and then continued on to graduate with a Bachelor of Information Technology (IT) degree. During his studies, Jiwa participated in two co-op work terms with WorkSafe B.C. and then, upon completion, he was offered a full-time position in November 2007.

Jiwa notes, "Co-op enabled me to apply the skills I learned in the Bachelor of IT program while I was still finishing up my degree. Working at WorkSafe B.C. as a co-op student, I did not have to worry about graduating with a degree without IT work experience. Working in an office environment was of great benefit and gave me confidence very early in my career. Without co-op, I know I would not have as great of a stepping stone to a successful career in information technology."

"Minaz was and still is a great ambassador for Kwantlen's CISY, Bachelor of Information Technology and co-op programs," said Shawn Erickson, Co-operative Education instructor at Kwantlen. "During his co-op work terms, he continuously exceeded expectations and was able to successfully blend his academic studies and work experience to truly prove why work-integrated learning is such a valuable component to a student’s education."

Kwantlen Co-operative Education provides students with paid, practical work experiences that offer students an opportunity to apply their skills acquired at Kwantlen. Co-op experience expands students’ professional skills and increases their career networking and contacts. For more information about Co-operative Education at Kwantlen, visit: kwantlen.ca/coop

HDI is the world’s largest membership, training, and certification association for technical support professionals. Each year, HDI local chapters identify the industry’s top first-level support analyst and present an award.

-30-


For more information about Co-operative Education, contact:
Bevin Heath Ansley
Director, Co-op Education and Career Services
Tel: 604.599.2013
bevin.heathansley@kwantlen.ca

OR

For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Peter Chevrier
Director, Marketing and Communications
Tel: 604.599.2286
peter.chevrier@kwantlen.ca