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Source: Northeastern University
A business can thrive when data is used strategically—a principle well understood by Sai Prasad Shashank Urlam, who transitioned from a background in computer science to business analytics. Drawn by the fusion of data-driven decision-making and business strategy, he found the perfect match in the MS in Business Analytics program at Northeastern University’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business.
While his coding skills laid a strong foundation, the program’s focus on business strategy and marketing opened new opportunities, including a co-op at T-Mobile. As a business intelligence analyst, he not only honed his data analysis skills but also learned to translate complex data insights into actionable business strategies. This unique combination of technical and business expertise is now central to his career aspirations. “Data-powered decision-making is where the world is headed and where I want to go,” Sai says.
The program welcomes learners interested in numbers-focused business or data-focused science fields. It teaches you to mine data, analyze it skillfully and leverage it effectively for strategic decision-making. With technology advancing and big data disrupting operations at a rapid pace, such competencies have never been more essential.
If you aspire to lead with impact–the journey will begin with lessons in data mining, statistical and quantitative analysis, multivariate testing, and predictive modeling. D’Amore-McKim faculty share real-world data throughout your courses to help you explore the art of building sales, enhancing marketing, and strengthening a company’s infrastructure.
Source: Northeastern University
Sai enjoyed learning how to communicate his ideas successfully in academic settings. “I’ve been encouraged to draft business reports, present them, and talk about my findings which has helped me gain the confidence to communicate effectively,” he says. With increased assurance, he is ready to enter the professional world of comprehensive data.
This is the kind of success D’Amore-McKim’s experience-powered learning produces. The MS in Business Analytics allows you to apply for a graduate co-op. Graduate co-ops allow you to work on a specific project for a company during your Curricular Practical Training (CPT). These opportunities give Northeastern students a chance to get a head start in their careers as they gain professional experience while completing their degrees.
Whether at a leading company or a start-up in Boston, you will not only apply what you’ve learned in the classroom, but you’ll get a feel for the company’s culture and build professional connections.
MS in Business Analytics alumna Sarocha Promsombat recognizes that the program’s emphasis on experiential learning builds on her existing knowledge of data analysis. At the same time, she gains new skills in data modeling, integration, and predictive analytics. A graduate co-op at Point 32 Health offered hands-on experience, where she exercised her strategic thinking by working closely with the data management team.
The support from Northeastern’s Graduate Career Center and the practical experience gained through the co-op program have been instrumental in preparing her for her current role as a business analyst at ConcertAI. She is ready to make a meaningful impact in the field of business analytics.
The MS in Business Analytics prepares students for a bright future. Depending on your work background, you could build towards leadership roles fueled by data – such as Chief Data Officer or Director of Analytics – in a wide range of industries, from retail to finance and health services.
If you’re looking to build your CV in the U.S., you’ll be happy to know that the MS in Business Analytics is STEM-designated. This means international students studying on campus on an F1-visa can apply to work for up to 36 months in the U.S. after completing their program. The OPT STEM extension is an additional 24 months of work authorization students can apply for, following their initial period of regular post-completion OPT (often for 12 months).
Applying your business analytics knowledge can be extremely impactful for your community. Fidan Afandiyeva participated in the Community Impact Initiative: a part-time team-based project where students assist nonprofits using their degree knowledge. She assisted Behind the Book, a New York-based organization dedicated to inspiring young people to read and pursue education. Fidan specifically aided Behind the Book in diversifying the volunteer base to better suit the needs of the children being helped. “We’re collaborating with universities and cultural clubs in New York, aiming to strengthen connections and enhance the impact of our programs,” she says.
The journey to a career in business analytics often begins as an undergraduate, just as it did for Daewon Yoon at Northeastern University. He fell in love with Boston and built an extensive network. Encouraged by a professor to apply for the MS in Business Analytics program at D’Amore-McKim, he saw an opportunity to develop the data analytics skills necessary for a successful career. Although he lacked a programming background, the program’s comprehensive coursework equipped him with the analytical tools and technology needed to thrive in the field.
“After going through this program, I have better understood how to work with data,” he says, “I am confident that I can bring the lessons I’ve learned and the skills I’ve gained into my future career.” Daewon was offered a full-time position at Samsung NeuroLogica as a financial analyst after completing his co-op. He is excited to apply his analytics skills to the new role.
Source: Northeastern University
The MS in Business Analytics taught him how data could advance his career and how new technologies can create exciting possibilities.
To join Sarocha and Daewon, click here to learn more about D’Amore-McKim’s MS in Business Analytics.
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