Thinking of studying a business analytics degree? Read on to see how Andrea enjoyed her time with us.

3 min read

Andrea Palomino Vargas has just arrived in Madrid for the start of the new semester. Originally from Lima, Peru, she graduated with a Bachelor in Data Science in her home country before deciding to pursue a Master in Business Analytics & Data Science. Her journey to Madrid serves to learn more about data and ensure career success. After only six weeks in Madrid, Andrea is already enjoying IE School of Science & Technology‘s teaching method: the hands-on approach.

Applying real-world knowledge from the start

After very little time in Spain, Andrea is already seeing the benefits of studying the program take effect. Focusing on the development of skills in data science, business transformation and big data, the Master in Business Analytics & Data Science features a hands-on approach to teaching and learning. Students don’t need experience in technology and data. The program will empower them to learn more and offer them directly applicable knowledge for their business ambitions.

Because of this approach, Andrea was excited about starting the new semester. She chose to study this program because she wanted a strategic approach to data science and data analysis. Andrea lauds the professors because, as she says, “they actually work on data projects and know the real world, and how they can apply their technical knowledge in companies.”

This is key to the practical, entrepreneurial focus of the business analytics degree programs at IE School of Science & Technology.

Business analytics degree at IE School of Science & Technology

Andrea has loved the pleasant autumnal weather and the late sunsets. They’ve given her more time to enjoy and explore the city. And she’s confident that by the time her business analytics degree ends, she’ll see a clear difference. “I think that this program will give me more insights into how I can manage different kinds of projects, and also give me more confidence in myself about the things I already know.”

Encouraging diversity in the tech industry

Andrea’s experience came from the banking sector. However, she knows technology is taking over in all aspects of life. Andrea believes it’s important for large banks to update their operations to compete with fintech and digital banks. As for the technology industry, data has been described as “the new oil,” with businesses moving toward hiring more data scientists. This opens opportunities for experts in the field like Andrea. “Nowadays,” she tells us, “Any industry needs data science. There’s so much data out there, but few people know how to use it, and how to convert it into knowledge.”

Another aspect of the program that caught her attention straight away is the diversity of the cohort. The tech industry is traditionally male-dominated, and Andrea admits that in Peru, it’s still that way. But as soon as she came to IE University, she saw the difference. Almost half of her program are women, in stark contrast to her undergraduate experience. With diversity one of IE University’s core values, Andrea has been impressed by the program and institution.

Investing in a top business analytics degree

She encourages prospective students to enroll in the Master in Business Analytics and Data Science, knowing that by the end they will understand the whole concept of big data, and have a firm grasp of leadership and innovation. She even stressed that they don’t need to be “the perfect person who can code or who knows about technology. I think that if you have the motivation to be in this program and you genuinely enjoy it, you’ll do great.”

This business analytics degree is all about opportunity in the digital business age. People like Andrea, who are motivated and passionate about artificial intelligence and big data, will graduate as tech leaders ready to apply what their knowledge. Interested? Begin your application and imagine a new future.