By Amy Beladia (M.S. in Commerce ’24)
I chose the Business Analytics (BA) Track in the M.S. in Commerce Program because I am interested in gaining a business background and passionate about building technical skills. This track combines both interests! I come from a family of entrepreneurs, so I understand business owners’ challenges. I want to help them navigate some of those challenges so they can become stronger and more resilient. Hopefully, with my help, clients will have a more substantial return on their investment and create a more significant, positive impact.
Previously, I completed a bachelor’s in Political Science and Public Policy and Administration (double major) with a minor in honors Interdisciplinary Studies. I also pursued a CIS background with the additional space and time in my schedule because I was passionate about building my technical skills. Being on the BA track from a diverse background helps other potential BA prospective students by encouraging and inspiring them to pursue their passions, even if it is a pivot from their current educational background. I realized later in my undergraduate years that I was interested in a career outside of politics. However, it’s better late than never!
This program taught me to leverage technological solutions and learn about Excel (PivotTables), Tableau, Visio, SQL, Python, and more. I also better understood how to analyze data and create visualizations to drive informed decision-making. After graduation, I plan to blend my soft and technical skills in a full-time entry-level BA/Consulting role. McIntire offers many courses and other resources to help me prepare for a career in BA. For instance, there were Consulting boot camps and case prep sessions during the summer and academic year.
Business Analytics Track Courses
During the fall semester, I took a database management class, during which I learned about SQL and the importance of understanding and preparing data (cleaning, organizing, storing, etc.) before data analysis, modeling, and evaluation. It was nice to get a refresher on SQL, which I learned during my undergraduate years. I also worked on a group project that allowed us to create a database with fictitious data. We could then write our own SQL queries to create and present meaningful insights that could shape decisions in a formal presentation with the rest of the class. It was nice to apply the skills and knowledge gained in my class and share this relevant experience with potential employers during interviews.
I was excited and eager to excel in some technical classes in the spring semester, taking Predictive Analytics with Low-code Technology, Topics in IT (learning R script using Rstudio), Python for Data Science, Advanced QA, and Essentials of Project Management. I enjoyed these classes because I am passionate about learning programming languages and concepts and figuring out how to leverage technology best to drive positive change. I look forward to applying the skills and knowledge gained in my future role as an Analytics Analyst. I feel more prepared and competent in my full-time role, understanding how to use some of these skills, help organizations better manage their systems, protect sensitive or confidential information, and create positive client interactions.
