"Studying the MSc Business Analytics enables you to deal with business problems by using different tools and methods on raw data, such as data visualisation and machine learning."
Programme: MSc Business Analytics, 2020
Current role and company: EY, Technology Risk Consultant, London
What motivated you to study the MSc Business Analytics?
Before joining the Business School (formerly Cass), I studied economics and literature at the China University of Petroleum. In one of my internships, I found myself increasingly interested in data analytics. I taught myself to use Python to analyse data, which greatly improved my efficiency. However, to gain in-depth knowledge of data analysis, I realised that self-learning wouldn’t be sufficient.
Studying the MSc Business Analytics enables you to deal with business problems by using different tools and methods on raw data, such as data visualisation and machine learning. I needed more academic training and felt the MSc Business Analytics would offer me a better understanding of business data.
How did you find the academic learning? What were your favourite modules?
The MSc Business Analytics is challenging but rewarding. The lecturers were friendly, supportive and always happy to answer my questions.
The induction sessions on Python and R programming are vital in teaching you how to use code to deal with data. My favourite modules were Data Visualisation, Applied Machine Learning and Network Analytics. These modules were practical and interesting. The projects I worked on helped me develop into a data analyst who is able to solve business issues and present my ideas to clients and senior staff.
One of the elements that attracted me to the course was the opportunity to work with a company for my Applied Research Project in the third semester. For this project, I worked with the Bank of England.
What networking opportunities did you encounter at the Business School?
The networking opportunities at the School are impressive.
Joining the Business School was the first time I ever networked. I was quite nervous about job-searching as I was new to London. For example, I was curious about startups but attending a networking event at the School helped me understand the dynamics and structure at play in a startup. As a Global Women’s Leadership Scholar, I also had the opportunity to network within the programme and casually meet an intern at a tech startup.
You were a recipient of the Global Women’s Leadership Programme Scholar and are a Board Member. How did the programme and scholarship impact your studies?
The Global Women’s Leadership programme and scholarship always inspired me to work hard and proactively take the leader role in team activities. Learning from other inspiring women in this programme helped me build the confidence to develop my leadership skills.
Tell us about your current role. What are your responsibilities and how did you secure the role?
London is one of the most important business and financial centres in the world, which means there are so many opportunities to work with multinational companies and to gain excellent client experience. I knew I was interested in pursuing data analysis in the tech world, so I spent time targeting specific tech risk roles and companies in London.
I often went to Careers Team for career advice and help. The coaches were patient and approachable. I received CV guidance, interview guidance there and attended the mock assessment centre training. I also focused a lot on networking. The Business School hosts many virtual events in addition to the annual Master’s Careers Fair and I encourage all students to attend as many as you can.
Thanks to all the support I received, I secured a role as a Technology Risk Consultant at EY. I audit client IT systems, interview clients and review their data in order to analyse their technology risk.
Could you share some final words about your experience at the School?
The programme has many group projects, which taught me how to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds, how to take the lead in a group and how to cooperate with others, all of which are great tools to learn for your career.
What the Business School taught me is more than academic; I learned how to transition from a student to a young professional.
