She is a business analyst with a strong background in project coordination, handling multiple projects, team management, requirement analysis, agile, scrum, test case management, risk assessment, incident management, and user acceptance testing (UAT). She has a working knowledge of all the phases of the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) like design, development, coding, implementation, debugging, deployment, and maintenance of software applications. Meet Ishita Verma, a senior application system analyst (e-Commerce) at Sobeys (Mississauga, Ontario, Canada).
In an impromptu interview, the alumna of Apeejay College of Fine Arts talks about her professional journey and fun days at the college.
Where are you currently working?
I’m settled in Canada at the moment, working with a company called Sobeys, a Canadian firm. My typical workday follows the corporate routine, starting at 9 am. It’s a 9-to-5 job, and I hold the position of senior business analyst. But if need be we work beyond these hours as well.
How did your journey from India to Canada for work unfold?
After completing my Bachelor’s in Computer Application from Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA) and master’s degree in Computer Application from Apeejay Institute of Management & Engineering Technical Campus (AIMTEC), I worked at Iniz Solutions, where the CEO, (Hitesh Dawar) also an alumnus of Apeejay mentored me for about two years. Later, I pursued further studies and career opportunities in Canada, opting for a master’s in Information Technology Security at Ontario Tech University.
Could you shed light on the current state of cybersecurity, particularly in India?
Cybercrime, especially in India, is on the rise. There’s a surge in fraudulent messages, calls, and various schemes targeting unsuspecting individuals to extract money from their accounts. It’s crucial to raise awareness about these scams and protect personal information from falling into the wrong hands.
Do you notice any differences in cybersecurity awareness between Canada and India?
The awareness levels are similar across both regions. Irrespective of location, certain demographics, particularly the elderly, might lack awareness about cyber threats. It’s vital for everyone, regardless of age, to exercise caution and refrain from sharing personal information without verifying the authenticity of the request.
Any memorable experiences from your college days?
It has been 10 years since I passed out from college. It is difficult to remember small things. But I was a member of a club. Through that, we planned the different events. This continued even when I was during my master’s I was an active participant in all of the activities. I was also the anchor of the annual event – Pinnacle – for straight three years when I was in AIMTEC.
How did you manage academics alongside extracurricular activities during your studies?
Balancing academics and activities required meticulous scheduling and timely studying. The support from professors at Apeejay, encouraging students to participate in extracurricular, played a significant role. Making time for both academics and activities was essential, and it contributed to overall skill development and confidence.
Have you noticed any differences in work culture between India and Canada?
I sense a stronger work-life balance culture in Canada, though it can vary based on the company and position. While I haven’t experienced the MNC culture in India extensively, the work culture in Canada seems somewhat more conducive to work-life balance.
What advice would you offer to those aspiring to build a career in the IT sector?
In the tech domain, fields like cybersecurity, data analysis, data science, and data engineering offer promising career paths. For those inclined towards less technical roles, software testing, particularly automation testing, is a valuable field. Additionally, roles in project management, such as business analysis or project coordination, offer a blend of technical understanding and managerial skills.
Are there specific soft skills necessary for success in the IT sector?
Certainly! Strong communication skills, leadership qualities, the ability to work independently, and adeptness at collaborating within a team are essential traits for success in the IT sector. Confidence in decision-making and adaptability to changing technological landscapes also play crucial roles.
