Greg Alstad’s 20-Year IIBA Milestone: Insights on Business Analysis and Career Growth

Milestones mark the moments that shape our professional journeys and remind us of the dedication it takes to achieve true mastery. Greg Alstad, a proud 20-year member of IIBA, exemplifies each of these qualities.

Earning the IIBA Membership Milestone Badge celebrates not only his enduring commitment to the business analysis profession but also his passion for lifelong learning and fostering meaningful connections within the field. This milestone is a testament to Greg's unwavering dedication to professional development and his inspirational career path.

Join us as we honour his remarkable achievement, explore his reflections on two decades of growth, and uncover his words of wisdom for aspiring business analysis professionals.

Building a Multifaceted Career

Greg Alstad is a seasoned finance and project management professional with extensive experience in higher education. Currently serving as Finance & Budget Manager, Academic Affairs at MacEwan University, Greg has built a career that bridges finance, project management, and business analysis.

Greg began his career in IT, supervising programmer analysts at a post-secondary education institution. His role involved supporting business stakeholders in Finance, HR, Student Services, and more.

When two of his team members pursued a master’s certificate in business analysis, he saw an opportunity to expand his own skill set and decided to join them. Around the same time, he discovered IIBA and was eager to experience the value such an organization would bring. “It’s been inspiring to see IIBA’s evolution and growth over the years,” he recalls.

Adapting and Thriving: The Lasting Impact of Business Analysis

Over the past two decades, Greg’s career has transitioned from managing IT projects to focusing on finance and budgeting. However, his project management and business analysis expertise remain valuable assets in his role.

As Finance & Budget Manager, Academic Affairs, he manages and coordinates business liaison responsibilities between the university’s schools, faculties, and academic departments, supporting cross-functional teams in finance, HR, project management, communications, and administration.

“I may not be managing projects or conducting business analysis as directly as before, but IIBA membership still keeps me connected to the profession. I stay updated through their resources, webinars, and training opportunities,” he notes.

Advice for New and Prospective IIBA Members

For those just beginning their journey with IIBA, Greg emphasizes the importance of communication, particularly when engaging with stakeholders.

“Vital to business analysis is eliciting information effectively. Active listening is key—pay attention to stakeholders, be mindful of their time, and recognize that not everyone is familiar with business analysis terminology. It’s important to explain concepts in a relatable way and build trust. Strong rapport leads to better insights and more accurate requirements.”

This focus on clear communication and trust-building strengthens stakeholder relationships, exemplifies the core skills of successful business analysis professionals, and highlights the ongoing benefits of being part of the IIBA community.

Commitment to Growth and Lifelong Learning

Being an IIBA member is more than earning a credential—it signifies a dedication to ongoing education, professional advancement, and engagement in a global community that drives the business analysis field forward.

The IIBA Membership Milestone Badge honours members like Greg who have demonstrated decades of commitment to excellence and continuous learning. Whether you're just starting out or have been part of IIBA for years, each milestone is a chance to reflect on achievements and set new goals.

What milestone are you celebrating? Share your badge and tag us!

Explore IIBA’s digital badge program. 

---

About the Author