Shivani Vats, ’24 Master of Science in Business Analytics: Engineering a Data Future
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Program
’24 Master of Science in Business Analytics
Hometown
New Delhi, India
Fun Fact About Yourself
I can survive a month on just caffeine.
Undergraduate School and Major
Electronics Engineering from Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Engineering
Most Recent Employer and Job Title
Lead Data Scientist at Discover Finance
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 of Science in Business Analytics?
My initial motivation for pursuing a Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) stemmed from a combination of my professional experience and the rapidly changing corporate landscape. With five years of experience in healthcare consulting, I had developed a strong foundation in business strategy. However, I began to realize that the increasing complexity and volume of data in today’s business environment required a more technical skill set to fully harness its potential. I recognized the need to bridge my business expertise with advanced data analytics skills. This realization led me to pursue a formal education in Business Analytics, with the goal of integrating these analytical capabilities into my business knowledge.
Why did you choose the Carlson School?
I chose to pursue my degree at the Carlson School of Management because of its strong alumni network across the U.S. and reputation for providing a cutting-edge curriculum in data science and analytics. Additionally, its strong focus on applying these skills to real-world business each semester with multiple live case competitions and experiential learning projects enables us to be very hands-on.
How has your Carlson School experience helped you change your career path and get to where you are?
My experience at the Carlson School has been transformative in shaping my career path. The program provided a solid technical foundation, with professors who emphasized mastering core concepts rather than simply teaching trendy technologies. This approach has been invaluable, as it not only equipped me with the technical skills needed but also gave me a deep understanding of the underlying principles. This is exactly what employers look for in interviews—strong fundamentals that can be applied to real-world problems.
The hands-on learning experiences, particularly through live cases and the experiential learning project, allowed me to combine technical expertise with business acumen. From day one, I was challenged to communicate complex analytical results effectively.
Being part of a competitive and high-achieving cohort pushed me to sharpen my skills and build a versatile toolkit that I can apply across industries and roles. Coming from a healthcare consulting background, it wouldn’t have been possible to pivot into a data science role in the finance industry. But thanks to the curriculum, the world-class faculty, and the strong alumni network, I could successfully make that transition.
The strong reputation and rapport built by alumni often serve as a key asset, opening doors and creating opportunities that might not otherwise be available.
What’s been your impression of business analytics opportunities in the Twin Cities?
The Twin Cities offers many business analytics, data analytics, and data science opportunities across various industries. One of the standout features of the job market in Minnesota is the strength of the alumni networks within many top companies. These networks provide a valuable support system for recent graduates, helping them navigate the transition from academia to the workforce. The strong reputation and rapport built by alumni often serve as a key asset, opening doors and creating opportunities that might not otherwise be available.
What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Carlson’s Master of Science in Business Analytics program?
My advice is to approach the application process with careful preparation and a commitment to your personal growth. This fast-paced and transformative program has the potential to reshape your career in just one year. Therefore, it is essential to dedicate yourself fully to the rigorous curriculum and absorb all the knowledge the program offers.
I recommend thoroughly researching the courses and the curriculum structure, particularly understanding which subjects are taught each semester. This will allow you to prepare in advance, especially by honing your coding skills. A strong technical foundation before starting will enable you to focus more on mastering advanced topics once the program begins.
Additionally, start networking from day one. Building relationships with professors, peers, and alumni is invaluable—not just for job opportunities but because alumni often serve as mentors who provide ongoing support throughout your career. The network you cultivate at Carlson will be a long-term asset, both professionally and personally.
