Over the years I’ve taken several training courses from a variety of training providers and have found that you really need to do your research before handing over your valuable time and training dollars. I’ve taken courses that have inspired me on both a personal and professional level, giving me the push I needed to challenge myself and then there have been the courses that have made time stand still and taught me to sleep with my eyes open – not really, but it felt like it at the time!

Personally I enjoy an instructor who can tie in the subject matter to real world examples to reinforce understanding and who can inspire me to take my newfound knowledge back to work and make a difference.

I recently came across this letter from a student who recently completed their Certificate in Business Analysis with Procept at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia and wanted to share feedback on their experience:

For several years my manager and I have been trying to find relevant and local Business Analysis training. We found your program online while attempting to find BA courses at some of the local universities. Although much of the course material was new to me (as I am not a typical BA) I believe obtaining the certification has definitely given me credibility and general BA knowledge that should benefit my career.

It seems as if most of the students enrolled the courses were looking for an introductory high level overview of ‘what is a BA’ and in general, the course delivered. I found the curriculum was quite intense, packed full of terms and tools relevant to the role of a BA. After meeting and chatting with many of the course participants over the past several months, I learned that many BA’s (myself included) perform bits and pieces of BA work along with many, many other things, so to receive the full spectrum training was very enlightening. I like that the course provides training based on the IIBA and that the BABOK reference handbook was provided to each student. The course is well suited to adult learners and the structure allowed for me to complete the curriculum quickly without too much disruption to my day job (and home life). I was very fortunate to have the support of my manager in this manner.

Throughout the course, I was continually trying to fit the BIG picture together and to build on the courses and materials that came before but must admit it was a bit challenging to piece it all together depending on the order the courses are taken and the manner in which the material is presented.

I am happy to have completed the course, your staff and facility are top-notch. I would recommend the course to others looking for similar training.

What do you think makes the difference between a great training course and an okay one?

Please share your experiences with us and post what has made the courses you have attended great or just okay, and why.