Student Ambassadors
M.S. in Business Analytics student ambassadors are an invaluable extension of our admissions team. They’re here to offer unique student perspectives and to answer any questions you may have about the culture and community of the MSBA program.
What is your motivation for pursuing an M.S. in Business Analytics?
I worked in marketing, sales, and customer service functions following graduating with my bachelor’s degree and found that these roles didn’t fit my interests. I saw what analysts at my previous and current companies did and found the direct impact they have on business decisions exciting. I lacked the tools and knowledge to be competitive in applying for these roles and believed an MSBA would give me that edge against other applicants.
What led you to UVA’s MSBA program?
UVA’s MSBA stood out to me partially due to its hybrid nature. I didn’t want to quit my job to attend a full-time, in-person program. I also didn’t like the sound of being isolated in a fully online program. UVA’s offers the best of both worlds, and the opportunity to connect in person with classmates has been exponentially valuable. The partnership between the McIntire and Darden Schools also drew me to the program. The breadth of expertise offered by both schools allows for an in-depth, well-rounded curriculum.
What is your best piece of advice for prospective students?
Be open to everything! If it’s a tool you’re familiar with, someone in class knows a way to use it you’ve never considered. If it’s a concept you’ve never encountered, you will come to learn it through discussions and application. It’s all about having an open mind. Embrace the material and the people around you!
What is your motivation for pursuing an M.S. in Business Analytics?
I’m excited to develop this knowledge to help build our firm’s capabilities for client delivery.
What led you to UVA’s MSBA program?
I have admired the academic reputation of the program and have always wanted to attend UVA.
What is your best piece of advice for prospective students?
Prepare, and set aside time.
What is your motivation for pursuing an M.S. in Business Analytics?
To gain hard skills that will serve me in the short term while gaining a degree and network that will be valuable in the long term
What led you to UVA’s MSBA program?
The in-person element and much more in-depth topics being covered
What is your best piece of advice for prospective students?
Spend time with the content every day, and don’t be afraid to take on topics that are out of your comfort zone.
What is your motivation for pursuing an M.S. in Business Analytics?
I wanted to expand my analytical acumen while continuing to work full time.
What led you to UVA’s MSBA program?
UVA’s MSBA program was the perfect fit for me. I wanted to pursue a degree in data analytics to learn how to effectively glean strategic business insights from data analysis.
What is your best piece of advice for prospective students?
Treat this program like you are learning a new language. Practice, practice, practice!
What is your motivation for pursuing an M.S. in Business Analytics?
I am pursuing the MSBA program to stay ahead in a world rapidly transformed by AI and data-driven decision-making. My career as a marketing leader has evolved alongside groundbreaking changes in analytics, from the pivot of my previous startup toward large language models (LLMs) to the integration of generative AI tools in content creation. The MSBA equips me with the technical frameworks needed to lead in this new era, ensuring I remain competitive and relevant in an industry that demands constant adaptation.
What led you to UVA’s MSBA Program?
As a Darden MBA this was the only school I considered. UVA’s MSBA program stood out for its exceptional balance of technical rigor and real-world application, a perfect complement to my previous experience at Darden. Having witnessed the transformative power of analytics in reshaping marketing strategies, I sought a program that could deepen my expertise in leveraging tools like AI to drive innovation. The collaborative cohort model and UVA’s reputation for excellence in analytics education made it the ideal choice to propel my career forward.
What is your best piece of advice for prospective students?
Enter the program with a curious and open mind, ready to embrace both the technical and strategic challenges of analytics. Leverage the wealth of knowledge within your cohort, and don’t hesitate to apply what you learn to your current role immediately—it’s the best way to maximize the program’s impact while keeping balance in your personal and professional life. And complete all the prereqs!
What is your motivation for pursuing an M.S. in Business Analytics?
When I got my job at UVA in early 2023, I found out about this program. Once I heard about it, I knew I wanted to do it at some point. First of all, I know it will help me in my career going forward to have a master’s degree, but also because this program aligned so perfectly with my current job. I was excited to learn some newer technologies in a practical application setting vs. doing classes on LinkedIn Learning or similar.
What led you to UVA’s MSBA program?
I went to UVA undergrad, I live in Charlottesville, and I work at UVA, so this was a no-brainer for me. I love all things UVA (go Hoos!), and this program had the perfect mix of in-person and Zoom classes. It was important to me to actually get to know my classmates as people and not just boxes on a Zoom screen. The content also aligns perfectly with my job, so I did not look at any other programs. I heard about this program when I started work at UVA and knew that I would pursue it at some point in my career.
What is your best piece of advice for prospective students?
As Nike says, just do it. There will never be a perfect time to do this program, but once you are committed, you won’t regret it. Having the classes and in-person residencies scheduled will make sure you complete this program in slightly less than a year. You can do anything for a year, and in this case, you can learn a lot in just one year and come out on the other side with a new degree, new skills, and new friends/connections.
What is your motivation for pursuing an M.S. in Business Analytics?
In my previous roles, I’ve consistently seen the power of data to drive informed decisions. For instance, while serving in the Marine Corps, I analyzed critical equipment shortfalls and financial constraints, enabling the reallocation of funding and ensuring operational continuity. This experience, coupled with the dynamic landscape of business, motivated me to pursue an M.S. in Business Analytics. I’m eager to learn cutting-edge techniques and tools that will allow me to make a greater impact in my workplace and expand my career opportunities in fields such as supply chain optimization or financial technology. I’m particularly excited about the prospect of using data to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and drive strategic decision-making.
What led you to UVA’s MSBA program?
While UVA’s Instagram ads initially sparked my interest in the MSBA program, it was the combination of Darden’s prestigious reputation and the unique hybrid format that truly set it apart. The hybrid model offers the flexibility I need to balance my work and personal commitments while still providing valuable in-person experiences and networking opportunities.
What is your best piece of advice for prospective students?
My best advice is to proactively connect with your teammates early on. Set up study groups and virtual meetings to foster collaboration. Teamwork is essential for success in this program. By working together, you can leverage each other’s strengths, gain diverse perspectives, and stay motivated throughout the challenges. Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance when you need it–your teammates are your greatest resource.
What is your motivation for pursuing an M.S. in Business Analytics?
My work experience prior to the MSBA program in corporate financial planning and analysis (FP&A) and strategy development made it clear that strong data analytics skills are not just “nice to have,” but necessary to effectively solve complex business problems and design innovative solutions. I ultimately decided to pursue an MSBA to expand my data analytics skills, facilitate data-driven decisions, and continue to advance my career.
What led you to UVA’s MSBA program?
UVA’s MSBA program stood out to me due to its one-year length, experiential learning model, and access to extensive resources from the Darden Business School and McIntire School of Commerce. The experiential learning model and case method offer exposure to real-world business scenarios that prepare students to be effective business leaders and data translators.
What is your best piece of advice for prospective students?
I would encourage prospective students to embrace the unknown once they start the program. Everyone has different personal strengths and areas of expertise from a professional standpoint. There will be parts of the curriculum that will be less familiar than others or completely new to you, which is okay. But that is the purpose of pursuing further education—to learn and gain new skills. The MSBA faculty is always willing to provide the level of support needed to succeed throughout the program. There is also a wide range of UVA resources available to students to leverage throughout the program.
What is your motivation for pursuing an M.S. in Business Analytics?
My motivation for pursuing an M.S. in Business Analytics is to acquire advanced analytical skills that can be directly applied in my role, enabling me to make more informed, data-driven decisions.
What led you to UVA’s MSBA program?
I was drawn to UVA’s MSBA program because of its outstanding reputation for academic excellence, its emphasis on real-world application, and its focus on developing both technical and business acumen.
What is your best piece of advice for prospective students?
Take full advantage of all the resources UVA offers to enhance your academic and professional growth.