From Samsung to Bloomberg: The Power of an MSBA Degree

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Life often takes unexpected turns, guided by the significant choices we make. My decision to join the UC Davis Master of Science in Business Analytics program was one such turning point. This choice, made just three years ago, dramatically altered the path of my life.

Studying data analytics in the U.S. was far from my vision. Before joining the MSBA program, I was a data analyst at Samsung's Big Data team since 2017.

My background was far from typical for a data analyst. I received a degree in Scandinavian languages and experience in sales internships. Yet my passion for data analysis was evident, and this enthusiasm, coupled with a willingness to learn and grow, led to my position at Samsung, where I spent six fulfilling years.

At Samsung, I was thrilled to be able to work in a field I was passionate about, even without a formal data background, and I gained valuable experience during my time there.

MSBA Slice of Life Video

However, I eventually felt confined by the repetitive tasks and the lack of new learning opportunities. I yearned for a deeper academic understanding of data analytics. Then, while working from home during the pandemic, I came across a YouTube video about the MSBA program that changed my life.

After a year of applications, I was accepted into several business analytics programs nationwide. After weighing my options, I decided to go with UC Davis. The location near San Francisco was a huge draw, opening tons of opportunities in the tech sector. The program itself also stood out because of its strong, hands-on STEM-designated curriculum that would provide a solid foundation.

With my existing data analytics experience, I sought a program that would build upon my skills, not replicate them. Additionally, the UC Davis MSBA’s longer practicum project compared to other programs was a big selling point—it meant more time working on real-world problems and gaining solid practical experience.

The MSBA Experience Inside and Out

The program has really helped shape my professional goals and personal growth. The curriculum is well-structured, covering everything from the basics of statistics to more advanced topics like machine learning, deep learning and time series.

The faculty are amazing—they’re always available to answer questions and genuinely care about our success. They also actively seek feedback from students, which helps make sure the coursework really meets our needs.

Notably, the program equipped me to confidently answer technical questions during job interviews! On top of all that, I’ve made lifelong friends through the program. As you get older, it gets harder to meet new people and even harder to make them friends, but this program made that possible.

As an international student who had never been to the U.S. before, the career development services team was supportive and gave me a real sense of what job hunting in the U.S. is like as an international student.

One example is the help I received with crafting a one-page resume—something that was completely new to me. Overall, the program has equipped me with the tools I need to succeed and the confidence to take the next steps in my career.

How I Use My MSBA at Bloomberg

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In my role at Bloomberg, I handle everything related to internal clients’ reporting, mostly for the product teams. Sometimes, I develop interactive dashboards to help them manage their performance metrics, while other times, I pull usage data for Bloomberg Terminal or API products to include in reports.

If the data a team needs isn’t readily available, I collaborate with engineers to find solutions.

What I’ve learned from the UC Davis MSBA program has been very helpful in my day-to-day work, particularly in achieving the crucial balance between technical proficiency and effective communication.

To excel in this role, I must have strong technical skills and also present findings clearly to non-technical audiences. When speaking with engineers, it’s crucial to have a solid technical understanding so I can have meaningful conversations. The MSBA program emphasizes this balance from the outset, cultivating both technical and communication skills.

Looking back, my UC Davis MSBA experience was more than a boost to my technical skills—it fundamentally changed my career and life. Yes, the one-year program was incredibly demanding, perhaps the most intense period of my life.

That said, the rewards were immeasurable.

 If you're contemplating this path, know that the UC Davis MSBA program helps equip you with everything needed to succeed in today's data-centric landscape.