Praveen Kumar G, ’24 MS in Business Analytics: From Tech Solutions to Business Impact

Meet the Carlson School community and learn about the experiences and career connections we offer.

What was your initial reason or motivation for pursuing a master’s in Business Analytics? 

My mentor’s feedback drove me to pursue an analytics degree in a business school (B-school).

Let me provide a bit of background about me here. After completing my undergraduate degree in electronics and communication engineering, I worked as an automation software engineer for nearly a year. While this role provided a strong foundation in technical and programming skills, I realized that it wasn’t fulfilling my desire for more impactful decision-making work. I wanted to engage directly with business challenges, not just technical solutions. This led me to transition to the analytics domain, where I spent almost two years at LatentView Analytics - India, a pure-play analytics firm. At LatentView, I was immersed in understanding the complex data problems faced by global leaders, which solidified my decision to pursue a career in analytics.

Starting as an analyst, I appreciated the freedom to solve problems creatively, unlike the structured environment of software engineering. In analytics, I could explore data and form my own approaches to addressing business questions. Over time, my role evolved into that of a consultant, where I developed expertise in ideating solutions, understanding client needs, and engaging in strategic conversations with executives. 

My mentor’s feedback that I needed to broaden my focus from technical details to understanding business impact was instrumental in my decision to pursue a Master of Science in Business Analytics. I wanted to learn how to translate technical solutions into business value and to develop a broader perspective that could help me communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders. That’s why I decided to pursue an analytics master’s degree at a B-school.

Why did you choose the Carlson School?

When researching graduate programs, the Carlson School of Management immediately stood out to me. Initially, I doubted my chances of getting in, but as I connected with alumni, I heard nothing but positive feedback about the program. While some students faced challenges in securing job offers, the overall sentiment was that Carlson delivered a strong education and valuable experience, equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge needed for success. One of the major highlights was the emphasis on working in diverse teams, which teaches you to handle conflicts, manage expectations, and collaborate effectively. I was also drawn to the Carlson Analytics Lab (CAL) experience, where students work with real clients on significant business problems during the final semester.

The program’s rigorous structure, offering 45 credits in one year, was another appeal for me. I didn’t want to take time off for internships or CPT, and the Carlson School’s accelerated pace suited my goals. The diversity of career paths pursued by alumni—ranging from data scientists at top tech firms to business analysts at financial institutions—gave me the confidence that this program would provide the skills needed for success in both technical and business roles. I worked hard on my application and was thrilled to receive an offer with a scholarship, which made my decision even easier.

How has your Carlson School experience helped you change your career path and get to where you are?

My time at the Carlson School has accelerated my career growth in ways I could never have imagined. The program exposed me to a variety of projects and teams, each with different priorities and team dynamics. This experience sharpened my communication and collaboration skills, especially as I worked with peers from diverse international backgrounds. Before the Carlson School, I mainly worked with colleagues from India, so learning to navigate the nuances of professional communication in the U.S. business environment was invaluable.

One of the most significant shifts for me was how I viewed myself. Before the program, I saw myself primarily as a data scientist; post-Carlson School, I identify more as a consultant who uses data-driven insights to solve business problems. I’ve become much more confident in communicating technical solutions to non-technical stakeholders, preempting their questions, and tailoring my presentations to address their concerns. This shift in perspective has been instrumental in my role as assistant manager at LatentView Analytics, where I now manage two teams and act as the voice of the consultancy.

The Carlson School of Management also offered numerous opportunities to network with alumni and industry experts through events like the Trends Marketplace and the Analytics for Good Hackathon. In my current role at LatentView Analytics, I engage with prospective clients during professional networking events. While I initially struggled with building rapport with new people, my networking experiences at the Carlson School helped me develop the confidence to engage in meaningful conversations, explore mutual interests, and ask insightful questions. Although I’m still working to improve my networking skills, I now feel much more comfortable and effective in these settings.