In my work in digital marketing, data plays a big role in optimizing campaigns, identifying new opportunities, and driving growth for the business. I wanted to deepen my technical skills while keeping a strong focus on business management, and the MSQM: Business Analytics degree at Fuqua felt like the perfect program for gaining a competitive advantage that aligned with my career goals.

Beyond academics, I wanted a program where I could actively engage with the material and connect meaningfully with instructors and peers, rather than just going through the motions. The program’s cohort model offered an interactive and supportive environment that I was looking for in an online program. Below, I share more about my Fuqua experience, from what’s surprised me most to how it’s changed the way I work.

What has been the most surprising thing, or the thing you least expected, about the MSQM: Business Analytics program?

The most surprising thing about the MSQM: Business Analytics program is how much it emphasizes a hands-on and collaborative approach from the very start. Kicking things off with an in-person orientation, where you get to meet your classmates and build connections, really sets the tone.

Once online classes started in Term 1, we immediately dove into data-driven topics in R and Python, and core quantitative concepts, allowing us to apply what we learned right away. We also began working on team assignments from the start, creating connections and opportunities to refine our teamwork skills. It’s refreshing to feel the support from your team, and how willing they are to provide support when you need it or just take the time to walk through concepts if someone has questions.

What did you learn from your peer team experience?

It’s important to lean into each person’s individual strengths to achieve positive outcomes. We all come from different industries, backgrounds, time zones, and experiences, which means we bring unique perspectives to the table. Some of us live in the Eastern time zone, while others are on Central and Pacific time in the U.S. and China, so being flexible and considerate of everyone’s schedules is essential. Our fields range from marketing and project management to data science and finance, so we each have different strengths when working on team projects. It’s great to see how those come together to get things done. That’s what makes the team aspect of the program so valuable — it challenges you to step outside of your comfort zone and to be exposed to new ideas.

What is your best piece of advice for prospective students?

My best piece of advice for prospective students is to embrace stepping out of your comfort zone and soak up all the resources provided in the program, along with the knowledge from your amazing peers and professors.

Balancing work, live classes, assignments, team projects, and everything in between can be challenging. That’s why strong time management and planning ahead are crucial. There are weeks where personal obligations and multiple assignments due line up, and you have to adjust or make sacrifices while staying in communication with your team so you don’t fall behind.

There’s plenty of support available, so don’t hesitate to reach out to faculty and your peers. The connections you build along the way will make the journey even more rewarding.

In the first term, in Managerial Economics, there were a few concepts that just weren’t sticking, so I reached out to the professor. He scheduled time with me right away and walked me through, step by step, what I was missing. In the past, I would have been hesitant to reach out, but one of the first things the MSQM program staff went over in Orientation was to reach out for help when you need it because they want you to succeed.

How has the way you work changed since starting your degree?

I have definitely become more comfortable with complex data and using analytical tools to extract helpful insights. Learning how to better visualize and interpret data has been incredibly helpful in making more informed decisions. Additionally, learning more about regression models has allowed me to identify additional areas worth exploring to uncover deeper insights. I’ve also gained a deeper understanding of core business management principles, which has helped me better understand how different aspects of businesses impact marketing and, in turn, how this influences planning and performance.

This was one of my main goals coming into the program: to gain hands-on technical experience in data analysis and build a stronger understanding of business fundamentals. I wanted to be a more well-rounded marketer and the go-to expert in digital marketing, someone who can confidently bridge the gap between analytics and strategy. I saw a real opportunity there, because while data analysts and media specialists often approach problems from different angles, I knew that combining those perspectives could lead to better outcomes.

Now, I’m able to have more meaningful conversations when collaborating with other teams, and I’m excited to keep finding new ways to bring what we’re learning into my day-to-day work.