If there is one topic that gets business school graduates’ pulses racing, it is the big data scene.Data is creating countless new career paths and is slowly reshaping the way executives gain insights and develop strategy. It is a much-hyped area that will pique the interest of any aspiring business leader, who will need to use advanced analytics to manage risk, improve controls and, ultimately, enhance operational performance.
“The way big data is changing what’s going on in business is like life scientists having a microscope for the first time,” says Mark Kennedy, associate professor of strategy and director of the KPMG Centre for Business Analytics at Imperial College Business School. Frankly, he says, it is hard to image an industry that isn’t going to be “fundamentally disrupted” by big data.
MBAs are benefitting from the vast numbers of jobs being created as a result of the analytics skills crunch, but also from the ability to incorporate data analysis into seemingly untechnical roles.
The need for business analytics stretches from fresh market leaders like Salesforce or Palantir, to decades old companies such as Goldman Sachs, Dell or PwC.
We’ve spoken to five MBAs who have blazed a trail in big data, from the finance and consultancy industries to the marketing and tech sectors.
Radhika Chadwick
EY
London Business School
Radhika Chadwick believes there is plenty of demand for data and analytics in business. And, as a partner at EY who leads digital and strategy advisory services, she is well placed to know.
Since graduating from the London Business School MBA in 2005, she has worked for Hewlett-Packard, PwC, and as the chief executive of Resonant Strategy, a management consultancy firm.
Radhika, who joined EY last year, says the potential of business data is yet to be fully realized. “The idea of having better management decision making, and having targeted intervention based on data rather than oversight, is starting to make its way [into organizations],” she says.
But this is just a warmup act: “It’s still a nascent industry. There are still huge strides to be taken.”
Artem Andrianov
Cyntegrity
Cass Business School
Artem Andrianov is bringing data analytics to healthcare. The founder and CEO of Cyntegrity, he is offering risk-based monitoring services for clinical trials.
“We see enormous potential in applying risk information and data analytics to clinical research,” he says. “By means of smart data evaluation, pharma companies can reduce patient risk and the cost of clinical monitoring.”
Artem founded Cyntegrity, which is backed by Commerzbank, the same year he graduated from the Cass Business School MBA, in 2013. “The MBA provided me with the necessary tools for planning and launching a technology start-up,” he says.
He says data analytics can make clinical trials safer for patients: “Safety risks are controlled by smart data-engines. It checks sloppiness and misconduct, and can even identify fraudulent behaviour,” he says.
Pradeep Bhat
IBM
MIP Politecnico di Milano
Pradeep Bhat spent his summer as an intern at IBM Business Analytics, the big data wing of the US tech corporation.
“It's exciting for me to be a part of this field and to start from the very beginning of a new era of computing systems,” he says. His role at IBM involved brainstorming possibilities in the field of data analytics to drive sales for IBM’s financial services clients.
“With proper analysis, one can precisely predict events in future, and take evasive action today to survive and grow in the competitive economy,” says Pradeep.
He’s an MBA graduate from Italy’s MIP Politecnico di Milano and says the big data analytics course presented by professor Guido Gerlotti was a “turning point” in his career: “The course played a very important role in my life and helped me to shift my direction towards big data analytics,” he says.
Mujtaba Sevany
Decase Chemicals
UBC Sauder School of Business
Mujtaba Sevany has his sights set on a marketing career. “Decisions need to be made in marketing, and the more data you have, the ‘easier’ the decisions become,” says Mujtaba, who previously worked as a sales and marketing manager for Decase Chemicals, an importer and exporter of chemicals based in Kenya.
An MBA student at Vancouver’s UBC Sauder School of Business, he believes the degree will help him move into a marketing management role, where he can leverage the capabilities of digital and analytics.
“Analytics has made collecting and analyzing data a lot more convenient, whether it be comparing the effectiveness of two different marketing campaigns, or determining what audience to target your messages and campaigns toward,” he says.
Marlon Velloza
Inter-American Development Bank
Lancaster University Management School
Before beginning an MBA in the UK, Marlon Velloza worked as an IT consultant for the Inter-American Development Bank, which support efforts by Latin America and Caribbean countries to reduce poverty.
A computer science graduate who previously studied database management systems in Guyana, South America, he is excited about the impact of technology and analytics on business.
“The most exciting thing about technology in business is the ability for companies to use very powerful tools that can aid in their decision making process and ultimately give them a competitive advantage, such as big data analytics,” says Marlon.
He enrolled in the MBA at Lancaster University Management School last year and hopes the program will eventually land him a C-suite IT job at a global company.
But “such a role would require more than just technical skills”, he says.
Student Reviews
Best Journalism school in Europe
When I first stepped onto the campus of City, University of London, I knew I was in for a ride - and not just on the Tube! With its vibrant energy and an impressive repertoire of programs, City U became my home away from home.
The Journalism program was kind of a big deal. Rumour was that we were the best in Europe!
The lecturers were not just experts in their field; they’re practically journalistic royalty. They were invested, passionate, and had a knack for turning the most flat press release into a riveting news story. With their guidance, I’ve learned to navigate the chaotic world of media like a pro.
The campus was a melting pot of every culture, being that we had such a diverse international crowd.
Being in the heart of London, I had the world at my fingertips - there was always a new corner to explore, a hidden gem of a cafe to discover, or a street performer!
City, University of London wasn't just a university; it was a chapter in my life story that I’ll never forget.
Learning environment
The teacher-learner ration is manageable, giving each learner a chance to gain personal attention. It is also easier following up on the progress of a student, as the numbers per class is not large. the conducive environment for learning includes clean classes, standard desks, world class instructional facilities and the opportunity to engage lecturers even after their sessions. The team spirit at City is above board, with learners getting chance to learn both from instructors and colleagues. This is the university of choice; the place to be.
Classes
I liked that each class had a manageable number of learners, making the professor-learner ratio favor knowledge acquisition. I also liked that study schedules were manageable, and not overwhelming. The focus on talents and gifts even within the learning environment makes it possible for learners to achieve the best of their potential, and this has worked to the advantage of those that have schooled at City, University of London
Classes
The diversity at City University facilitates interactions and is a direction toward the unity of the world. The classes are well built to match the number and needs of all students regardless of the elements of diversity that set people apart. The use of technology in delivery makes learning even more interesting and achievable. At City University there is no distinction pegged on the issues that make people unique.
professors
The team of lecturers at the Uiversity are well experienced. Their level of insight and the methodologies of delivery works for the interes of the leaeners. My learning experience was largely boosted by the level of knowledge of the professors at the institution, and their passion to transfer the same to learners. I appreciate every class I attended because of the level of insight I was able to gather
The best university I’ve been to
The campus and the people I've met have made it a wonderful experience. I was reared in a small town with a graduating class of only 88 individuals, so moving to City University was a huge adjustment for me. My dorm has more residents than my whole high school combined! I enjoy the atmosphere here, and everyone is so friendly. Outstanding academic options and a stunning campus. Really great from beginning to end. The educators genuinely love what they do, and the students are ready to learn. On or around college, there is always something to do with friends, and the social scene is particularly warm.
Bayes Business School
As a student at City university attending Bayes Business School I would totally recommend choosing this university as the experience is exceptional with great social networking opportunities . Professors are significantly helpful, delivering with excellence and professionalism. Everyone is happy to help and make you feel welcomed in such an esteem university as City, offering exceptional development and guidance through out the course.
Economics and Politics
Incredibly amazing university, the way they polish students and help them boost their morale and think intellectually is worthwhile. Many universities have international partnerships to allow exchanges between their students. The most obvious subjects for these opportunities would be those that involve languages, and the study of people and places.
Clinical biology
I really like it it’s perfect for me with not too many people and not too few either. All the modules are amazing. I love the toy bar. I love all the societies that I’ma part of. Especially the colour Bollywood society
Unlocking My Potential at City University London
My time at City University London was truly transformative. The university's vibrant community and diverse extracurricular activities allowed me to forge lifelong friendships and professional connections that extend beyond the classroom. I was impressed by the university's commitment to academic rigor, character development, and personal growth, which created an ideal environment for me to reach my full potential. The research-driven and industry-relevant curriculum provided me with a solid foundation in international business, while the dedicated faculty and staff offered invaluable guidance and support. I feel grateful for the well-rounded education and holistic experience that City University London offered, preparing me for success in my career and beyond.
Rather interesting
The academics are tough, but in a good way. The professors are experts in their fields, so you know you’re learning from the best. They push you to think for yourself and really dive deep into the subjects. But it’s not all about hitting the books; London itself is like an extension of the campus. You’ve got museums, galleries, and just the general buzz of the city to keep you inspired.
Urban campus life
At the University of London, I have experienced dynamic and diverse academic environment where I was challenged by rigorous coursework. You will have the flexibility to choose from the wide range of courses, participate in numerous extra-curricular activities and take advantage of the many opportunities
