MSBA Class of 2023: From the classroom to the workplace – Consultant strengthens data-modeling skills

Shreyas Malhotra, M.S. in Business Analytics ’23
KCIC LLC. Washington, DC

Tell us about your background.

I’m originally from India, and I moved to the United States in 2014. I did my undergraduate studies at George Washington, studying Business Analytics and Finance, and I am someone who has been very much interested in data and data-related work for a long time.

I currently work as a Senior Consultant at KCIC LLC, an advisory company that provides tools for mass tort litigation management. In my current role, I assist Fortune 500 companies with their mass tort litigation liabilities, specifically related to products they either created or have acquired through mergers and acquisitions.

In my role, I help prepare information systems, data architecture, and data management solutions to help assist throughout all phases of litigation – from initial suit to verdict and settlement. I also do a fair amount of insurance consulting and liability evaluation, providing both modeling but also actuarial analysis to clients who are looking to predict these future product liabilities.

What has been the impact of the MSBA for you so far?

Everything we’re learning feels very applicable. Even though we’re only a few months into the program, I’m already thinking of ways I can apply what we’re learning in class to my work. The program has helped me strengthen my modeling skills and think about how we might update or revise some of the existing models I use in my job.

I’ve also found the emphasis on presentation skills and communication extremely useful. This was actually one of the things that drew me to the program in the first place. Having had the experience of talking with non-data people about data, you realize a lot can be lost in translation. There is a real business need for people who can engage with clients but who can also talk with engineers. I think the MSBA program does a really good job helping students build these skills.

What’s your best piece of advice for prospective students?

You get out of this program what you put into it. The program is participatory in nature – class is not lecture-based. As a result, you want to make sure your prepared to contribute to the conversation and really engage in the discussion. I’ve really enjoyed this more active learning approach, and I’ve found that it’s really helped me learn and understand the topics we discuss in class.

Also, in the MSBA program, everyone has their own path and learning curve. Some students know more about specific tools and techniques than other students, but everyone is here to learn. Focus on what you are learning and the progress you’ve made from when you started the program. At the end of the day, that’s what most important.