MSBA Class of 2023: Communications major elevates data visualization skill set

Michelle Leporatti, M.S. in Business Analytics ’23
Amazon, Last Mile Delivery. Washington, DC

What is your background?

I’ve worked for Amazon since I graduated from college, and I’m currently a Senior Program Manager on Amazon’s Last Mile delivery team.

I work on a team working to optimize reporting processes for the organization coordinating Last Mile delivery. This work involves automating different tools and centralizing some of our data into easier-read-reports, so a lot of what I spend my time on at work has gone hand in hand with what I’m learning in class.

How did you decide to pursue an M.S. in Business Analytics?

In undergrad, I majored in Communications, and I knew I wanted to get a master’s degree in something that had more technical content. I have an interest in a lot of different languages and data visualization tools. I considered a few different graduate school paths – MBA, master’s in Public Relations, etc. – but the MSBA resonated with me the most.

I liked that the UVA program had a nice combination of leadership skills, visualization skills, storytelling, as well as technical content. I just felt like it checked every box I wanted out of a master’s degree. And I’m excited to see where it takes me.

What’s been the impact of the program for you so far?

I have really enjoyed the structure of the program and have found the active learning approach and project-based curriculum mimic actual work. Even though we’re only wrapping up the second module, I can already tell I’ve become a more competent presenter. I also feel more comfortable asking all sorts of technical questions and diving into statistics in a way I did not before the program.

During these first few months, I have seen my technical skills grow with SPSS, R studio, Tableau, all tools I’ve never used before. But I also feel more confident in myself. Our cohort is so supportive, and our classroom is a judgment free zone. This has really allowed me to stretch myself and ask questions. It has allowed me to really focus on why I’m here – to learn.

What’s your favorite piece of advice for prospective MSBA students?

Doing anything new – like an MSBA program – requires you to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Be proud that you are willing to step outside your comfort zone. Remember that you’re here to learn, so don’t be hard on yourself. The course material is going to feel very foreign at first, but you will learn. And you have incredible classmates and professors to help support you along the way.