Tuesday, August 30, 2011, Calgary, Alberta – A SAIT student took her proud place on the podium at the Certiport Worldwide Competition on Microsoft Office, held July 31 to August 4 in San Diego.

Mary Head, a recent graduate of SAIT’s Administration Information Management (AIM) program finished second in the Excel 2010 category, making this the second year in row an AIM student from SAIT has captured a medal in the competition.

The Worldwide Competition on Microsoft Office tests students’ skills with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. While many have a solid working knowledge of these software programs, few can operate them with the speed, accuracy and deep understanding demonstrated by Head. 

“The second I heard about this opportunity, I knew I wanted to enter,” says Head. “AIM prepared me to be a strong contender for the competition.”

The two-year diploma program—the only one of its kind in Canada—is designed to provide graduates with the confidence and skills necessary to succeed in the business sector.

Janine Violini, an AIM Instructor, says the Certiport Worldwide Competition serves as a tool to evaluate the proficiency of administrative professionals entering the workforce.

“The role of administrative professionals has changed so much over the years that it is difficult for prospective students and employers to understand a graduate’s level of competency,” says Violini. “SAIT’s success at the competition proves that AIM grads are some of the most qualified in the world.”

Head says she was already interested in the Microsoft Office programs, but credits AIM for equipping her with the skills and confidence to utilize the software at a world-class level.

“Earning a spot on the podium felt amazing, not only for myself, but for Canada, my team and the AIM program,” says Head.

SAIT Polytechnic is one of Canada’s most exciting destinations for post-secondary education, offering more than 100 career programs that position people for success in technology, trades and business. A leader in innovation, SAIT also collaborates with industry on applied research and delivers corporate training worldwide. SAIT is a member of Polytechnics Canada and one of Alberta’s Top 50 Employers for 2011.

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