With an interest in healthcare and technology, the informatics program with a focus in health was the ideal choice for Vanessa Fitzgerald (BINF’10). After completing one year in the science degree, Fitzgerald switched to informatics because she was interested in the technical areas of healthcare. Combining courses with co-op terms made her realize that she would be able to graduate with knowledge as well as practical experience in the field.

Fitzgerald enjoyed taking the community outreach class and was able to gain useful skills while engaging in real life projects with other informatics students in second, third and fourth year.

“The community project classes were invaluable for me as not only did I learn about a project life cycle, but also the right questions to ask and how to interact with clients in the real world,” says Fitzgerald.

Where she is at now

Within two years of graduation, Fitzgerald had already gained work experience in private, government and non-profit sectors. This includes work as a data analyst at the Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation.

“The informatics program taught me the analytical, communication and technical skills and knowledge I need to perform my job properly,” Fitzgerald concludes.