10 Jul, 2026
One of the most unique aspects of the UVA M.S. in Business Analytics program is the opportunity to step outside the classroom and see analytics in action around the world.
This summer, a cohort of MSBA students traveled to Finland and Estonia for the program’s Global Elective Course, visiting organizations across industries to learn how analytics and AI are shaping business today. For Class of 2026 student Christina Malliris, the week offered a chance to explore two countries for the first time while gaining a fresh perspective on the future of analytics.
“I love to travel, and Finland and Estonia were two places I never imagined visiting on my own,” she said. “I was most looking forward to seeing how business culture is different there versus the U.S.”
Seeing Digital Transformation Up Close
One of the week’s most memorable stops was e-Estonia, an initiative that has transformed nearly every aspect of the country’s public services through digital technology.
“The digital culture Estonia has created is incredible,” Malliris said. “You never have to visit a government office in person. Everything, from accessing public services to getting married or divorced, can be done online.”
Beyond the convenience, what stood out most was Estonia’s approach to data ownership.
“You are considered the owner of your personal information, not the government, and you decide how much information each agency can access.”
Experiencing a fully digital society firsthand highlighted how data, technology, and thoughtful design can fundamentally change how organizations serve people.
Analytics Is Already Here. AI Is Still Evolving.
Across company visits, one theme emerged consistently: While analytics has become deeply embedded in business operations, AI adoption is still taking shape.
“It was interesting to see how AI really appears to be on the cusp of truly changing things, while data analytics was already integrated into almost every company we visited.”
Some organizations are experimenting with AI to streamline work, while others, like quantum computing company IQM, are using it to improve highly technical processes. But one takeaway surprised Malliris most.
“All of the companies had some form of big data analysis going on, and it was so interesting to see how that allowed them more insight into their products, in a way that feels like would’ve been impossible 10-15 years ago.”
For a student studying business analytics during one of the fastest periods of technological change, that realization reinforced an important lesson: Organizations are learning in real time, creating opportunities for professionals who can bridge analytics, AI, and business strategy.
Bringing the Classroom to Life
The experience also reinforced concepts that students recently explored in the classroom.
“We learned a lot about data storage on this trip, which directly related to classes in Modules 3 and 4, and it was cool to see how something people might consider ‘dry’ is actually at the core of modern analytics. It really brought it to life for me”
The company visits also brought discussions from Professor Ryan Wright’s Agentic AI course into sharper focus.
“Understanding how many top-level companies still aren’t quite sure how to use AI made lessons from Professor Ryan Wright’s class really salient.”
More Than a Week Abroad
While the company visits were a highlight, the relationships built throughout the week were equally meaningful.
“As a mostly online program, it was amazing to spend extended time with my classmates and get to know them on a deeper level,“ she said. “The conversations, shared experiences, and even the inside jokes made the trip unforgettable.”
From exploring new countries to discussing the future of AI with global organizations, the Global Experience offered students something difficult to recreate in a classroom alone: The opportunity to see how analytics is transforming organizations around the world, and to experience that journey alongside their MSBA community.
Photos by MSBA Class of 2026 student Thus Laddaphan.