Hamza Hamayun, '24 Master of Business Analytics: Supercharging a Passion in Data
Thursday, August 15, 2024
Program
'24 Master of Science in Business Analytics
Hometown
Lahore, Pakistan
Most Recent Employer & Job Title
Prior to program: Senior Performance Analyst at e-commerce food delivery company (similar to Uber Eats)
Upon graduation: Senior Business Analyst at Capital One.
Fun Fact
I can speak five language and I love to eat fries dipped in vanilla ice cream.
Undergraduate School and Major
Lahore University of Management Sciences; Economics major and Computer Sciences minor
Meet the Carlson School community and learn about the experiences and career connections we offer.
What was your initial reason or motivation for pursuing the MSBA program?
I got my bachelor's in economics, but an econometrics course in my sophomore year sparked my interest in analytics. This led me to take a data science course, where I discovered my passion.
With newfound clarity, I worked as a data analyst in various e-commerce companies in different departments after graduation, gaining practical experience in the field.
One common thing that stood out was how every business relied heavily on data-driven decision making and how data is becoming increasingly important. This motivated me to pursue a master's in business analytics. I believed the degree would enhance my technical and soft skills, enabling me to contribute significantly to any organization I join next.
Why did you choose the Carlson School?
While researching universities, I mainly focused on four key areas including ranking of the university, alumni feedback, curriculum, and job placement.
The Carlson School stood out in all areas.
Ranked #5 in the U.S. for a masters degree in business analytics, the Carlson School's strong reputation caught my eye. Conversations with alumni revealed positive experiences in campus life and job placement, further driving my interest. The MSBA curriculum, with its balance of technical and business courses, immediately stood out as exceptionally well-designed. Lastly, Carlson School graduates’ high job placement rate and competitive average compensation made it one of the best choices in the country.
These factors combined convinced me that Carlson was the perfect place to pursue my master's in business analytics.
Working as the student lead for the Analytics for Good Hackathon was my most valuable experience at the Carlson School.
What was your most valuable Carlson School experience?
Working as the student lead for the Analytics for Good Hackathon was my most valuable experience at the Carlson School. As an international student, organizing a national event in the U.S. from marketing to logistics was a significant learning opportunity. I got the opportunity to meet with industry professionals and students from around the U.S. The experience boosted my confidence and allowed me to make connections that have been invaluable to my career so far.
What advice do you have to help potential applicants gain admissions to the Carlson School's MSBA program?
Since Carlson’s MSBA is more technical compared to other programs, I highly recommend applicants take some online technical courses if they lack relevant experience or background.
Additionally, ensure you have a compelling story for your application explaining why you are interested in business analytics and why you chose the Carlson School. This will strengthen your application and demonstrate your genuine interest and preparedness for the program.
