It only took a year for UK-born David Igbokwe to earn a future-focused degree that complements his economics background with a keen understanding of data analytics, programming languages, and technology.
He has Northeastern University’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business to thank for his swift professional growth and his confidence in making data-driven decisions. The school’s MS in Business Analytics molds ambitious professionals like David into leaders who are ready to respond to the business challenges of our tech-driven marketplace.
Igbokwe had specific career plans in mind when he chose this route. “I wanted to improve my technical skills and become a business leader that knows how to leverage data analytics to define strategy,” he explained. “I wanted to present technical information and data in a form that’s easy to understand by top executives in any organization.”
David Igbokwe. Source: Northeastern University
He is using precisely that skillset today as a competitive analyst at Brightcove – a video-savvy media company based in Boston, Massachusetts. Many of his peers also used this program to prepare for their next career step.
Fellow graduate Enoska Ventura accepted an associate consultant position at Boston-based global consumer agency C-Space. 2019 graduate Jonathan Tran now works as a data analyst at LeanData, Inc., a computer software business in California.
You can complete the program in as little as 12 months of full-time study on Northeastern’s vibrant Boston campus. With the 16-month option, you may be able to spend the summer using your Curricular Practical Training (CPT) on an internship. Alternatively, you can opt for its 20-month long online program to integrate at-home learning into your existing schedule from anywhere in the world. However, to qualify for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) visa or the STEM OPT extension, you will need to opt for on-campus delivery.
The MS in Business Analytics program teaches with D’Amore-McKim’s signature focus on the tech economy. It prepares you to respond to today’s business challenges and deliver successful solutions quickly and confidently. In the age of data and technology-driven business, the curriculum topics are extremely relevant.
Required courses include:
You’ll diversify your skillset by choosing three electives from this list: Global Talent Management; Engaging Customers and Markets; Customer-Centric Research Methods for Marketing; Customer Performance Modeling; and Workforce Metrics and Analytics.
By the end of the program, you will gain a strong understanding of data mining, statistical and quantitative analysis, multivariate testing, and predictive modelling. You will also develop a solid foundation in widely used tools that may include Python, R, SPSS, SQL, and Tableau.
“These tools are included in the program in a way that a non-techy person like me can learn and become proficient while more technologically proficient people are expanding their existing skills,” says program alum Claudia Remley, a management consultant and COO of Topaz Educational Services, LLC. “This part of the program has been incredibly valuable, and tools such as Tableau have become an everyday part of my work.”
Experiential learning at its finest
D’Amore-McKim’s experience-powered approach to learning can equip you with skills today’s employers need. As an MS in Business Analytics student, you’ll engage in a capstone project where you’ll collect, visualize, analyze, and manage data from one or several real companies and present your strategic findings to peers, faculty, and industry experts.
Source: Adam Glanzman – Northeastern University
“The final project was very fun and interesting,” enthuses Igbokwe. “My team and I consulted with an engineering company in Boston to develop a forecasting model that uses catastrophe data to predict the impact of the catastrophes on their business. It was interesting, competitive, and a great learning experience. I’m glad I got the opportunity to work on something impactful like this because I was able to apply the knowledge I gained from this program in real-time.”
Career preparation is also woven into the program. Northeastern’s Graduate Career Center advisors have developed a complimentary Career Management class to help you prepare for employment in the U.S. In these sessions, you’ll learn career search strategies, benefit from networking opportunities, refine your interview skills, and gain insights from Northeastern’s employer partners.
“This free class helped guide me through my job search,” says Ventura. “I received interview guidance, participated in mock interviews, and learned how to network in professional spaces. The skills I gained will help me throughout my career.”
If you’re an international student, you’ll be eligible to apply for the STEM Extension to your OPT. This option would allow you to work in the U.S. for up to 36 months after successfully completing your master’s degree. That’s not all.
Once your master’s degree is complete, you may be able to apply your 30 credits toward an eligible MBA program at Northeastern. As an alum, you’ll also become eligible for the Double Husky Scholarship, which reduces your remaining MBA tuition by 25%.
Convinced? To learn the art of helping organizations— big and small— manage short and long-term risk, apply to the D’Amore-McKim MS in Business Analytics today.
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