When people shop for a new home in BC, Luiza Urbanczyk is there to help protect them, thanks to the applied education she received at Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC).
Luiza is a compliance investigator with the Homeowner Protection Office, a branch of BC Housing that works with industry to ensure all new homes built for sale in the province are covered by an approved new home warranty.
In her work with the licensing and compliance team, Luiza regularly uses the analytical techniques and investigative methods she learned in JIBC’s graduate certificates in Intelligence Analysis and Tactical Criminal Analysis. With her skills, she helps ensure contractors and owner-builders understand and fulfill their regulatory obligations under the Homeowner Protection Act when they are building or substantially reconstructing a home.
There aren't many programs like this in Canada, especially for those who are already working
Using her skills to protect consumers is a rewarding way to make a living, she said.
The role allows Luiza to work in the public sector and to use her education and skills to help make a difference. She first considered becoming a police officer, completing police studies in college then joining a police department as an auxiliary constable. But while the investigative aspect of policing intrigued her, it wasn’t quite what she was after so she obtained a degree in Applied Science with a major in Justice Studies.
She wanted to work in a field that secured results through research. She found it at JIBC.
“This is intelligence analysis – collection and interpretation of information. I discovered the JIBC program through online research. There aren’t many programs like this in Canada, especially for those who are already working, and in fact, I believe this is the only one offered online by actual experts in the field.”
Since completing JIBC’s intelligence analysis graduate certificates, she has continued her studies and is pursuing a Master of Science in Intelligence Analysis through Mercyhurst University. The university accepts the graduate certificates as credits towards its master’s degree. JIBC’s program is based on Mercyhurst’s curriculum but adapted for Canadian laws and protocols.
“Intelligence analysis is an ability to manage unforeseeable conditions that can be found in every aspect of our lives and in every career. It is most known for national defense or policing environments; however, it is greatly used in business and financial worlds as well. It is a valuable skillset to collect, understand, and apply data to solve problems and/or make predictive decisions.”
Luiza was thrilled to find her chosen career at JIBC.
“My experience at JIBC was exceptional. The Intelligence Analysis instructors were highly educated, active experts in their field and their passion for training shone through any interaction. I highly recommend JIBC to anyone wishing to enhance their career.”
For more information on JIBC's graduate certificates in Intelligence Analysis and Tactical Criminal Analysis visit the Intelligence Analysis area of study page.