Radhika Nanda, ’23 MHRIR, ’24 MSBA: Combining HR Expertise with Data Analytics
Monday, October 13, 2025
Meet the Minnesota Carlson community and learn about the experiences and career connections we offer.
What was your initial reason or motivation for pursuing an MS in Business Analytics and a Master of Human Resources & Industrial Relations?
I majored in HR and minored in psychology in undergrad. My motivation to pursue a Master of Human Resources & Industrial Relations (MHRIR) stemmed from wanting to understand the human side of business. During my MHRIR program, I became deeply interested in how organizations make people-related decisions. My internship at Gilead Sciences in the summer of 2022 solidified that curiosity when I worked with the People Analytics team. It showed me how data could uncover insights that improve employee experiences and business outcomes. I realized I wanted to build the skills to translate workforce data into strategic action. Pursuing a Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) was a natural next step. Together, these programs provided me with a rare combination of analytical depth and human understanding, preparing me to approach workforce challenges with both HR skills and evidence-based insights.
Why did you choose Minnesota Carlson?
Carlson offered the perfect blend of academic rigor, practical experience, and professional opportunity. The school’s strong reputation in both HR and analytics drew me in, but it was the collaborative culture that convinced me to stay for my second master’s. I valued that the MHRIR and MSBA programs emphasized real-world application through projects, faculty with industry backgrounds, and connections to leading companies in the Twin Cities. Carlson’s approach encouraged me to think critically, challenge assumptions, and work across disciplines. Taking electives alongside MBA and undergraduate students provided new perspectives and broadened my problem-solving approach. The support from faculty, career coaches, and peers fostered continuous growth and development. Ultimately, Carlson felt like a place that not only prepared me academically but also shaped me into a thoughtful professional ready to make a data-driven impact in the field of human resources.
What has been or was your most valuable Carlson experience?
My most valuable experience was serving as both a teaching and research assistant throughout my time at Carlson. Working across MHRIR, undergraduate, MBA, and Executive MBA programs allowed me to interact with a diverse group of students, faculty, and executives, each bringing unique perspectives. Teaching strengthened my communication and leadership skills, while research deepened my analytical and critical thinking abilities. They showed me the real-world relevance of academic work. Beyond technical or theoretical skills, these roles taught me the importance of curiosity, clarity, and connection in professional growth. They also reinforced that teaching and learning go hand in hand. Carlson’s collaborative environment turned every experience, whether in the classroom or research lab, into an opportunity to refine my perspective and build confidence in my expertise.
Program
’23 MHRIR, ’24 MSBA
Fun Fact
I have traveled to many countries across 4 continents!
Undergraduate School and Major
Pandit Deendayal Energy University, India
Major: HR, Minor: Psychology
Most Recent Employer & Job Title
Staffing and Workforce Associate at Keystone AI
Carlson’s collaborative environment turned every experience, whether in the classroom or research lab, into an opportunity to refine my perspective and build confidence in my expertise.
How did being part of Minnesota Carlson’s broader business ecosystem—spanning the Twin Cities community, local industries, and global partners—shape your experience in the MS in Business Analytics and Master of Human Resources & Industrial Relations programs?
Carlson’s integration with the Twin Cities’ business community significantly enriched my experience. The region’s strong network of Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, and consulting firms provided countless opportunities to connect classroom learning with real organizational challenges. Through volunteer work and applied projects, I gained insight into how data and human capital strategies intersect to drive performance (I was a member of the Graduate Volunteer Consultants and the Graduate Society of Human Resources Leaders). The proximity to industry leaders (alumni) made mentorship and collaboration accessible, while global partnerships exposed me to broader perspectives on analytics and workforce trends (through experiential learning projects in MHRIR and MSBA curriculum). Being part of this ecosystem encouraged me to think beyond academics: to understand how HR and analytics operate in dynamic, real-world contexts. These experiences strengthened my problem-solving approach, built my professional network, and instilled a deep appreciation for the value of community engagement in shaping meaningful, business-driven impact.
How has your Carlson experience helped you change your career path and get to where you are?
Carlson helped me bridge two passions: understanding people and leveraging data. The MHRIR program provided me with a strong foundation in workforce strategy, labor relations, and organizational behavior, while the MSBA program refined my ability to analyze, interpret, and effectively communicate data insights. Together, they shaped me into a professional who can connect human-centered perspectives with analytical rigor. The interdisciplinary exposure taught me how to approach decisions with both empathy and precision. Classroom projects, mentorship, and experiential learning helped me recognize the strategic potential of people analytics not just as data analysis, but as a storytelling approach that drives organizational change. Carlson equipped me with the technical fluency, business acumen, and confidence to navigate complex workforce challenges, ultimately guiding me toward a career that unites my interests in human behavior, analytics, and organizational impact.
What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Carlson’s MS in Business Analytics and Master of Human Resources & Industrial Relations programs?
Be clear about your purpose, and be open to growth. Carlson values authenticity, intellectual curiosity, and a willingness to learn from diverse experiences. Demonstrate how your background, whether in business, psychology, or another field, connects to your aspirations and how you hope to contribute to the Carlson community. Admissions looks for more than technical ability; they look for problem-solvers who think critically and work collaboratively. I also encourage applicants to engage with current students or alumni to understand the programs’ pace and culture. Use your essays and interviews to reflect your motivation, resilience, and readiness for a challenging yet rewarding experience. Ultimately, success at Carlson comes from being proactive, embracing new perspectives, and committing to continuous learning, which are ultimately qualities that will serve you well long after graduation.
