Understanding technology and analytics is a must to succeed in business today. Those that do emerge equipped with highly sought-after skills, boosting their job prospects and contributions to their organisations.
Heemakshi Deka is one such in-demand business graduate, thanks to her STEM MBA from Bentley University.
In class, she worked on analytical projects that challenged her to solve real-world problems. Outside the classroom, she pursued a certification to deepen her expertise. But the biggest game-changer was her co-op experience. It gave her hands-on exposure to industry challenges, allowing her to apply what she learned in a real-world setting.
That experience not only strengthened her skills but also led to a full-time job opportunity. Today, she’s an associate in Boston-based Vertex Pharmaceuticals.
Deka credits her upward career trajectory to her STEM MBA. But she knows this is by no means the furthest she can go. Having developed resilience and adaptability as well as learning how to navigate fast-paced projects, collaborate with diverse teams, and communicate insights effectively, she’s set for bigger things ahead. “I aspire to one day be in a leadership position where I can drive decision-making and risk management initiatives,” she says. “And these skills will help me achieve this goal.”
Bentley University’s STEM MBA equips future leaders with tech and data skills, blending theory and hands-on experience to drive business success in a digital world. Source: Bentley University
A Bentley MBA for the future
For more than a century, Bentley University has been transforming students into future business leaders. Located in Waltham, Massachusetts — just 10 miles from Boston — the AACSB-accredited school has long blended business education with the arts and sciences.
In 2025, technology remains at the heart of Bentley’s approach. STEM MBA students gain specialised skills through core courses while concentrations let them specialise in accounting analytics, business analytics, financial analytics, and information systems and technology.
“My degree gave me the skills and confidence to excel in data-driven decision-making,” says Natalie Nguyen, a Class of 2022 graduate who is now a Product Operations Manager at Google.
Beyond coursework, there are ample opportunities to expand learning. Deka’s experience with the PL-300 Power BI Data Analyst Associate certification is a great example. While she had some exposure to Power BI through coursework and a co-op, she realised there was much more to explore. Frequent requests from her manager to build customised dashboards sparked a deeper interest, leading her to pursue the certification.
“The certification complemented my coursework by solidifying my ability to clean, transform, and visualise data, making me a more efficient and strategic analyst,” she says.
Bentley provides strong faculty and career support for students looking to enhance their skills through certifications, workshops, and training programmes. For instance, Professor Ahmet Kurt actively shared information about Tableau, Alteryx, and Power BI certifications, especially if they offered relevant learning opportunities.
When Deka expressed interest in Power BI, he added her to his Brightspace module, helping her prepare for the certification. “This level of faculty support made it easier to take advantage of these opportunities and build technical skills beyond the classroom,” Deka says.
At Bentley University, students receive support with resumes, job searches, interview preparation, and more. Source: Bentley University
From university to a dynamic career and fulfilling life
Bentley University is widely recognised for its outstanding business education by Bloomberg, US News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and the Financial Times. A graduate business degree from Bentley has long signalled to top employers that a graduate is prepared for today’s innovation-driven economy and the in-demand careers of tomorrow.
With such reputation, it’s little wonder graduates are engaged in great jobs at the likes of Bloomberg LLP, Boston Consulting Group, Google, and PwC, whilst contributing actively to society.
This smooth transition from university to a dynamic career and fulfilling life is due, in no small part, to Bentley’s award-winning Career Services team. They understand the importance of building skills, gaining experience, and growing confidence.
When Deka was struggling to balance coursework and job searching, she turned to Career Services. “With each interview, I became more confident in telling my story,” she says. “Attending career panels and connecting with my peers helped me feel more integrated within the Bentley community and reassured me that I wasn’t alone in facing these challenges.”
Deka’s co-op experience elevated her resume and helped her showcase her work ethic which earned her mentors and sponsors who actively advocated for her. When an entry-level opening wasn’t immediately available at Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Deka, now with new-found confidence, took a proactive approach — monitoring internal job postings and leveraging connections. Five months in, the right opportunity came along. “In my new role, I support the Global Card & Expense team by managing the corporate card and expense process, auditing cardmembers to ensure compliance to company and continue building dashboards to mitigate risks,” she says.
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