Business analysis is becoming a fundamental skill in many technology and business careers, according to the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA).  As a result, the demand is growing quickly for business analysts and related positions.  The U.S. Department of Labor shows that jobs related to business analysis are projected to increase 14% nationally from 2018-2028 compared to the average growth rate of all occupations of 5%.[1]  According to a LinkedIn study, business analysis skills ranked #6 in the top in-demand hard skills companies are seeking in 2020.[2]  In Wisconsin, the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) also mentions that a management analyst type position is a hot job based on projected openings and wages to the year 2024.[3]

With all this growth, the number of jobs may outnumber qualified candidates.  To help close this gap, Moraine Park recently partnered with the International Institute of Business Analysis or IIBA to enrich the Business Analyst associate degree program.  Bobbi Fields, Associate Dean of Business and IT states, “As a member of the NEW IT Alliance and advisory committee leader for Business and IT career paths, I have the opportunity to connect with many industry professionals. Frequently, conversations emerge surrounding an industry demand for individuals with the skillset one would acquire through completion of the Business Analyst program.”

The Moraine Park Business Analyst program launched fall 2017 and has had steady growth in enrollments each year.  The new IIBA affiliation allows Moraine Park to align all of the business analyst core courses to the globally recognized standard, the BABOK Guide and be endorsed by IIBA.  IIBA also offers colleges’ access to other valuable curriculum materials, books and case studies for business analysis. By aligning the curriculum with IIBA standards, MPTC graduates will also be prepared to take the next step and obtain the Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA) credential.  Fields added, “Industry-recognized preparation provides graduates with a competitive advantage, while certification demonstrates competency and a commitment to the profession.”

Jo Ann Giese-Kent, Business Analyst Instructor, noted that “Employees who do business analysis primarily help identify business needs and solve problems to produce better business outcomes.  They help organizations add value to customers, suppliers, or end users of a process or system.  They are often known as the liaison or agent to enable change to occur.” 

The online MPTC business analyst program prepares students to decipher organization structure, policies, and operations. Graduates will be prepared to define problems, scope, and learn to gather business and stakeholder requirements or needs.  They will explore the use of a variety of best practice techniques, analytics, and relevant technologies to validate, analyze, and synthesize information to gain insights and connect the dots.  The Moraine Park Business Analyst training also includes strategy analysis and solution evaluation to assess performance and value.

If you’re ready to enhance your skills and be part of a fast growing career, apply now at morainepark.edu. 

On March 9, 2020, students in Sarah Ninmer’s Marketing and Social Media Management class presented their marketing and design plan for the ARC Fond du Lac to Executive Director Liz Morrell. Students worked on the plan throughout the spring semester as a service learning project, designing social media for facebook, instagram, and hulu. Students also created ideas for you tube, print ads and radio ads. Students explained the goals of the new plan for increasing donors, growing community involvement, recruiting volunteers, and promoting employment opportunities.

All marketing content was designed to encourage engagement and appeal to a broad audience. Liz told the students, “thank you so much for all this great work! I love your ideas and can’t wait to implement them. You are making my head spin with so much creativity!”

morainepark.edu

Written by: Mindie Boynton, EWD Business Representative

Most business professionals went from primarily working in an office setting to working virtually with less than 24 hours of notice this past week. This required many of us to think creatively, paper-less and connect with co-workers and clients in a new virtual world.  In less than a week, I have had meetings using 6 different software applications and wanted to share my feedback to help businesses during this transition.

1. Zoom

Zoom has been the most user-friendly application for me so far but I did have an account set up prior to quarantine but rarely used it previously. It was quick and easy to download the app to my phone and schedule meetings. There are also live training sessions and video tutorials free on their website. There is a screen share function and also a polling option which can be helpful for teaching or making group decisions. One downfall is that without a paid license account you can only set up meetings or classes for up to 40 minutes but you can have up to 100 participants with a basic (free) account.

2. Skype

Skype for Business is a supported software by my organization and so it is really easy to set up meetings with my colleagues because there is a button right in Microsoft Outlook calendars. I would recommend this for 1:1 meetings rather than larger groups. I have experienced more technical difficulties with audio and video as more people are added to the meeting. Skype also allows for screen sharing and there is a little paper clip for sending files. Other handy features include live subtitling of conversations, and the ability to record chats. Some of the companies I have tried to connect with through Skype do not allow for the download and install of software due to security or bandwidth. There is a free version and app that can be downloaded for up to 50 people group video calls.

3. Facebook Messenger

Facebook messenger is mostly used for one-on-one or group messaging, but it can be used to send images, emoji and video chat. Messenger is a great application for friends, family and any co-workers that you have added as “friends” on Facebook.  This works for quick chats but I have not used this application for scheduled conference calls or meetings. There are concerns regarding privacy issues as with most Facebook applications and that it can drain your phone battery.

4. GoToMeeting

GoToMeeting was developed for hosting business meetings online and works well if you have global clients. It has screen sharing with the ability to take over another person’s machine if they are struggling with information or a presentation. The only thing that is required is the meeting link and access the GoToMeeting software. There are options to host up to 250 attendees so you could host an all-company event or large training/webinar. There is a free plan that allows up to 3 participants to meet for 40 minutes maximum. There are different levels of monthly paid plans available that offer a suite of resources.

5. Google Hangouts

I tried to set up a video conferencing hangout with a teacher to get instruction for an assignment and was unsuccessful. Google Hangouts has a desktop and mobile application that can also be used in a web browser. The Hangouts chat function can be used for up to 150 people but video chat is limited to 10 participants. This is typically good for smaller groups and participants that have Gmail accounts already set up. It is currently free but requires an invitation from someone that is using a Google+. There have been concerns with security and privacy.

6. Microsoft Teams

If your organization has Office 365, then Teams might be a great option.  Teams gives you the option to set up phone calls or video conferences with two to many people.  I’ve used it very successfully this week for individual meetings and group sessions.  The benefits of Teams is that all of your contacts are already there, it’s pretty intuitive to use by clicking on the Calls section and putting in the email address of the person you want to reach.  The downside, they won’t get the call if they aren’t also on Teams.  My suggestion is to send the meeting invitation in Outlook, with the location of the Teams site you want them to go to.  If you have multiple people, you have to invite them all.  If you contact the same people often they will show up in your favorites or frequently contacted list, making those invitations easy. 

Amy Harmsen’s Fall, 2019 Business Practicum students made a generous impact on their local and global communities, while learning all the ins and outs of creating and managing a small business! 10 students in Amy’s fall class partnered with our local Just Fare Market and created their own Fair Trade Pop Up Shop with beautiful Mayan Hands friendship bracelets, mini chocolates from Equal Exchange, and hot cocoa and milk chocolate bars from Divine Chocolate.

Students sold Fair Trade products throughout the semester and were very proud to use their profits to give donations of $179.07 each to the FDL County Sheriff’s Shop with a Cop program and the FDL Humane Society. Sales of the Fair Trade products also benefited farmers and artisans in Guatemala, Dominican Republic and Ghana! 3 students, Heather Fousek, Taran Smith and Valerie Stafford, also earned full scholarships to attend the National Fair Trade Colleges Conference in Pasadena, CA in March. Congratulations!

Moraine Park Technical College was named the first Fair Trade technical college in the U.S in May 2015! Fair trade supports farmers and artisans in developing countries. These producers lack economic opportunity and often face steep hurdles in finding markets and customers for their goods. Fair Trade is about making a tremendous impact on artisan and farmer communities while offering great products to the public all around the world.

Small, growing businesses need help. The reality of entrepreneurship is that you can’t do it all on your own.  With thousands of new businesses starting each year, any advantage you can get the better.

For this reason, Moraine Park Technical College, in partnership with the Beaver Dam Chamber and Downtown Beaver Dam Inc., will hold it’s popular, “Start Your Own Business” series of workshops this month at the Beaver Dam Campus . The workshops are scheduled for Thursday nights beginning on January 23^rd from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. The fee is $175 for the series of five workshops. Workshops can also be taken individually for $40 each. MPTC’s Beaver Dam Campus is located at 700 Gould Street, Beaver Dam, WI 53916. 

Students will learn how to develop a business plan while exploring business management skills and resources necessary to succeed in today’s competitive business environment. Concepts related to marketing and promotion as well as budgeting and finances will be explored. In addition, students will gain access to a network of national, State and local resources. “Entrepreneurship is a key component to revitalizing any community.” said Moraine Park’s Economic and Workforce Development Community Coordinator Laurie Barz. “With the efforts being made by local officials in Beaver Dam, we felt supporting entrepreneurship at the Beaver Dam Campus was the perfect location to hold the popular ‘Start Your Own Business’ series of workshops.”

To learn more visit the Entrepreneurship section in our course schedule. To register, call 920.924.3207.

My name is Kerry Sauer.  I have lived in the Kohlsville area my entire life. 

After I graduated from high school, I attended Moraine Park Technical College and enrolled in their Legal Secretary Program.  I graduated with an Associate Degree in May of 1992.

Since my graduation, I have worked in various office environments, all of which I enjoyed.  During my career, I noticed that larger companies were a good fit for me.  Larger companies provide more opportunities for advancement and give you the opportunity to work with diverse people.

I got to a stage in life where I decided that it was time to go back to school and further my education. I knew that it would not be easy, but I could do it.

In the fall of 2018, I enrolled in the Office Assistant program (now called the Virtual Assistant program).  I chose this program to update my skills and open new opportunities.  This program allows me to utilize my strong skills such as customer service and organization.  When I graduate in the spring of 2020 with my Office Assistant Technical Diploma, I want to focus on finding employment in the health care, insurance, or manufacturing fields. 

Working at Salem United Methodist Church as Administrative Coordinator allows me to use my current skills and apply what I have learned in school.  I can also focus on my customer service skills when dealing with parishioners.

I chose Moraine Park because it has convenient locations which allow me to go to school and to work.  The entire staff is helpful.  I can communicate with my instructors through phone calls or emails to assist me with any assignments or questions that I have.  I would encourage anyone to attend and capture the Moraine Park experience. Moraine Park offers students the opportunity to join a variety of clubs.  By joining a club, students can interact with their peers that work in the same business area.  You can discuss similarities and difference of where you work.  You can also discuss potential employment opportunities.

–Written by Kerry Sauer

Hi, my name is Taylor Bever. I live in Hartford, WI. I attended and graduated from Hartford Union High School in 2018. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, camping, hiking, and going shopping. 

I started my Administrative Professional Program studies at Moraine Park Technical College in the fall of 2018. Currently, I am in my third semester. I chose this program for many different reasons. I really enjoy doing business related work. I found out I enjoyed the business field while in high school where I was involved in FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) and the Business Co-op/Youth Apprenticeship program. Through these opportunities, I was able to do basic business work. I also chose this program because of the endless career options. Lastly, already knowing the skills that I would learn through this program such as communication, customer service, and organization, it sounded like it would be the program for me as I already had a small grasp on these skills.

After I graduate from Moraine Park in spring 2020, I plan on finding a full time Administrative Assistant job in the educational or real estate field. I have already started to look at the various opportunities that lie within these two fields, as I feel they are perfect for me. I further plan on obtaining a real estate licenses once I am settled in with my new Administrative Assistant job.

I currently do not have a job within my career field; however, I plan on finding an internship by the start of 2020 to help me become more familiar with my future field. I do, however, have a part time job outside of school. I work for the Hartford Joint 1 School District as a substitute teacher aide. Here I get to support, assist, and help special education students succeed. I am very passionate about this job. Although this job doesn’t relate to my future career field, I have learned valuable information and skills that I can apply to my future career field. One very important skill being communication.

There are endless reasons for what I like most about Moraine Park. The staff is absolutely incredible. Everyone is so supportive and willing to help. Having smaller class sizes, which is also a plus, allowed me to build a relationship and connection with a number of my instructors. Being able to build this connection with my instructors has drastically helped me throughout my education. For example, it very easy to communicate with my instructors about any questions or difficulties I experienced. I also love the flexibility. A lot of my classes were offered both in class and online; therefore, I had options for how I wish to complete some of my classes. Overall Moraine Park is an amazing college and has exceeded my expectations as a student!

—Written by Taylor Bever, Administrative Professional program student

A brand is worthless if it does not connect with the right audience in a responsive and relevant way was one takeaway at the Moraine Park Technical College Economic and Workforce Development’s Business Forum help on Friday, October 18, 2019 at the Fond du Lac campus.

A panel of business professionals shared their expertise on “Digital Recruitment” bringing experience from a diverse range of industries including construction, trucking and manufacturing. Sarah Pantol, HR Director at FLASH, shared her experience with using various platforms to develop relations, stay relevant and be responsive to candidates. She uses a variety of platforms, website landing pages and videos to engage her target audience to stay relevant and speed up the recruitment process.

Mercedes Tucker, Digital Marketing Coordinator at C.D. Smith Construction, Inc., spoke to the importance of spending more time focused on your culture then strategy. She utilizes employee brand ambassadors to promote open positions to their networks.

Jeff Kennedy, Labor Relations Manager at John Deere – Horicon Works spoke to his 3 step approach of researching perceptions, utilizing agency support to manage digital marketing and then restructuring roles to best serve their employees.  Jeff wanted to reduce the number of touch points and interviews a candidate had to do as part of the process so he consolidated skills assessments and automated communication.

There were over 30 attendees representing a broad range of industries from non-profit to manufacturing that are all faced with challenges finding workforce to fill open positions and no longer finding as much success with traditional recruitment practices. During the event, the participants shared best practices during table breakout sessions and had the opportunity to ask questions during the panel presentations.

“MPTC business forums are a great way for a busy professional to get a compact and high value dose of useful information and professional connecting” shared one attendee.

Mark your calendars to save the date for the next Business Networking Forum scheduled on Friday, May 1, 2020 from 8:00 – 10:30 am on the Moraine Park Fond du Lac campus.

Questions can be directed to training@morainepark.edu or 920-924-3449

With the support of the University of Wisconsin-Extension, Regional People of Color, Fit Oshkosh, Wisconsin Public Television, Thelma Arts Center, and Moraine Park Technical College, the showing of “BOSS: The Black Experience in Business” was shown at Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts in Fond du Lac on Wednesday, September 18. Casa Del Tequila provided dinner before the event and UW-Extension Youth Development Educators provided activities for children during the event.

“BOSS: The Black Experience in Business” is a must see two hour documentary that follows the lives of African American entrepreneurs in America over hundreds of years. It is an emotional story of discrimination and racial violence. Despite these barriers, the film also highlighted stories of courage, resilience, and success.

One such story is about Berry Gordy, Jr., the founder of Motown Records.  In 1957, already a successful songwriter, Gordy borrowed $800 from his family to start an R&B record company. Motown played an important role in the racial integration of America. Gordy had a unique gift for recognizing musical talent. Soul music artists under the Motown label include: Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, and Diana Ross and the Supremes. Motown was the most successful record label of soul music for its time. Gordy official retired from the entertainment industry on September 24, 2019

Another story is about Ursula Burns. Burns, the former CEO of Xerox, was the first African American woman to serve as CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Burns started her career at Xerox in 1980 as an intern. She held various positions there before serving as CEO from 2009 until 2016.  She led a workforce of over 140,000 employees. She went on to hold the position of chairman of the board at Xerox until 2017 and has held numerous other board positions, including one at Exxon Mobil. She is currently chairman and CEO of an Amsterdam-based telecommunications provider. 

Talented African American businessmen and women have been building successful companies in America for hundreds of years. Today, building upon their predecessors’ contributions, courage, sacrifices and willingness to help each other, we see African American managers and CEOs in most large corporations. To view “BOSS: The Black Experience in Business” check out the official website: https://to.pbs.org/2Tn9klg. The documentary can be rented or purchased on Amazon or iTunes.