Welcome Back Dr. Terrence Perera as Qlik Educator Ambassador for 2026!

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We are delighted to welcome back Dr. Terrence Perera, Module Leader at the triple-accredited Management School of the University of Sheffield, as a returning Qlik Educator Ambassador. With over three decades of experience in UK higher education, Terrence continues to champion the role of data analytics in modern management education and inspire students to develop the analytical skills required in today’s data-driven business environment.

[ElizCayirli]

Since joining the Ambassador community, Terrence has continued to expand the role of analytics within his teaching. One exciting development is the upcoming update of the Year 2 Business Intelligence module, which will be relaunched in September 2026 under the new title “Business Analytics and Visualization.” The revised course will include an additional lab session, bringing the total to five, and will further strengthen students’ practical analytics skills through hands-on learning.

Alongside this update, the University of Sheffield is preparing to launch a new master’s program, MSc Business Analytics, starting in September 2026. The program will include a new module titled “Data Mining and Visualization 2,” where Qlik will play an integral role in helping students explore advanced analytics and data visualization techniques.

Terrence has already seen the tangible impact that analytics skills can have on students’ career opportunities. According to him, students with Qlik experience are increasingly attracting attention from employers. In fact, a UK-based company recently reached out directly to recruit graduates who have worked with Qlik as part of their studies. “Qlik is certainly helping our students secure internships and jobs in the data analytics sector,” he explains.

This growing impact was also recently highlighted in a Qlik Academic Program success story featuring the University of Sheffield, where Terrence and his students shared how hands-on analytics training is helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world data skills. The story illustrates how integrating practical tools such as Qlik into business education can significantly enhance students’ employability and analytical confidence.

In the classroom, Terrence continues to look for new ways to evolve his teaching. One of his key goals is to introduce more content focused on predictive capabilities, helping students move beyond descriptive analytics toward more advanced analytical thinking.

Looking at the broader industry landscape, Terrence believes the growing influence of artificial intelligence is reshaping the role of analytics across industries. “AI is having a significant impact across industries, making it increasingly important that Business Intelligence and AI are integrated,” he notes. As organizations increasingly rely on data-driven insights, universities are feeling the pressure to equip students with the skills required to work at the intersection of analytics and AI.

Beyond the classroom, Terrence has also received notable recognition for his dedication to teaching excellence. Over the past year, he was awarded Senior Fellowship by the Higher Education Academy and received the Education Award for Teaching Practice in the Faculty of Social Sciences, highlighting his ongoing commitment to innovative and impactful education.

His role as a Qlik Educator Ambassador has also created opportunities to extend the reach of analytics beyond his own institution. Over the past year, Terrence has introduced Qlik to four additional business schools and delivered workshops for both students and staff within the management school, helping to build awareness of modern analytics tools in higher education.

Reflecting on his decision to return as an Ambassador, Terrence emphasizes the value of the partnership:

“I decided to apply again to be a Qlik Educator Ambassador because the partnership has been genuinely transformative for my teaching, my students, and the wider curriculum.”

We are thrilled to have Terrence continuing as part of the Qlik Educator Ambassador community. His dedication to embedding analytics into business education and preparing students for the future of data-driven decision-making continues to make a meaningful impact on both students and educators alike.

👉 For more information about our Ambassador Program, visit: qlik.com/us/company/academic-program/ambassadors
👉 For more information about our Academic Program, visit: qlik.com/academicprogram