MSC BUSINESS ANALYTICS

MSBA Students Journey: From Diverse Disciplines to Data Experts

No matter what industry you’re in, it’s hard to deny the importance of data today. It’s the force that reveals trends and unlocks insights, helping organisations of all kinds to make better decisions.

Despite hailing from completely different disciplines – psychology, accounting, advertising – three budding professionals realised that data was transforming their fields. Here, they share why they became fascinated by the real-world impact of data analytics, and how an MSc in Business Analytics (MSBA) will take their careers in new directions. 

Realising the power of data

As a psychology undergraduate, Mingkai Wang had her first taste of data analysis while researching human behaviour. “I mainly did qualitative research, but I wondered if I could combine advanced analytical techniques with psychological knowledge to analyse patients with mental illness,” she recalled.

When she took on a business analyst internship at a tech enterprise, it opened her eyes to a world of problem-solving possibilities enabled by data. “I realised that analysing market data could uncover insights that drive growth and efficiency,” she said. “Seeing the real-world impact of data analytics made me want to deepen my technical knowledge.”

Like Mingkai, Yin Meiqi’s internship experiences made her realise the importance of data-driven problem-solving in her own field: advertising.

“When I tried to identify business problems, my colleagues often couldn’t provide clear answers,” she shared. “I found that marketing had its limitations in tackling real-world business challenges. I needed to acquire more advanced analytical skills to dig deeper and understand the entire decision-making chain.”

As a budding accountant, Rebecca Wang saw a similar need for analytical skills to set herself apart as more and more accounting processes became automated.

“Whenever I see rankings of jobs most likely to be replaced by AI, accounting is always at the top,” she pointed out. “Automation is inevitable, but strategic thinking and analytical skills will always be in demand. That’s what inspired me to pursue an MSBA.”

Levelling up technical skills with an MSBA

Coming from non-technical backgrounds, Mingkai, Meiqi, and Rebecca were all keen to get hands-on experience with the technical aspects of business analytics. The MSBA programme at Nanyang Business School (NBS) was just the ticket to push them beyond their comfort zones.

“I compared all the MSBA programmes across Singapore, and NBS’s strong technical focus stood out,” Rebecca revealed. “After studying accounting for four years, I wanted a programme that would push me the most to hone my technical skills. NBS was the perfect fit.”

Mingkai, in particular, was eager to gain practical training in advanced AI tools, data visualisation techniques, and Python for business applications. “I liked that the programme focused on real-world projects and industry collaborations, which would give me valuable hands-on exposure,” she shared.

Another key benefit for Meiqi was the flexibility to apply her newfound skills to her career interests, allowing her to develop cross-disciplinary analytics expertise.

“Almost every module includes group projects focusing on specific business lines within an industry,” she explained. “I’ve been able to explore new industry challenges, such as anti-money laundering in Web3 and autonomous driving technology.”

Preparing for the MSBA curriculum

In a fast-paced curriculum like the MSBA, a common concern for many participants is: how can I prepare myself before classes start? Mingkai, Meiqi, and Rebecca shared their strategies and tips.

As a psychology graduate, Mingkai’s main worry was that she had no formal training in programming or advanced statistical modelling. To set herself up for success, she took the initiative to pick up Python and machine learning concepts through YouTube.

“I definitely recommend that incoming MSBA participants learn the basics of Python and AI before starting the programme,” she advised. “But although our lessons are fast-paced, the professors are very patient. Just ask if you don’t understand something in class.”

Rebecca took a different approach. Before her move from Taiwan to Singapore, she set out to understand the local landscape and connect with alumni.

“I watched ChannelNews Asia and read The Straits Times to stay updated on current events in Singapore,” she shared. “I also searched for alumni on LinkedIn and asked them for tips on the MSBA programme.”

For Meiqi, the key was mental preparation. She found that going into class with a few business problems in mind helped to ground herself when absorbing a flood of technical knowledge.

“This way, when you encounter highly technical courses like machine learning and advanced programming, you’ll have a point of reference for your thinking – rather than getting overwhelmed by abstract concepts,” she explained.

Friends who study together, succeed together

Group projects are a staple of the MSBA experience at NBS. For many participants, those long meetings and late nights hustling together have resulted in lifelong friendships.

When Rebecca arrived at NBS, her first group project helped her to feel at home. “Our first project in Programming Essentials was due two weeks after school started, so my groupmates and I spent every day working on it,” she recalled. “Not only did we learn how to code, but we also explored every corner of the campus together.”

The experience turned them into fast friends: “Even now, we still study, job-hunt, and prep for interviews together after class,” Rebecca shared.

That’s why her biggest tip to future participants is to be open to friendships, especially in a multicultural cohort like the MSBA. “Don’t be afraid to make friends from different countries and backgrounds,” she advised. “Having people to go through the grind with makes the journey way more fun.”

Equipped to think critically

Now that our three participants are midway through their MSBA journey, they share that the programme has developed not only their technical skills but also their analytical mindset across disciplines.

“I’ve learnt that data alone is not enough,” Mingkai said. “Understanding how to draw out meaningful insights is also crucial. The MSBA has taught me the importance of combining technical expertise with business acumen to solve real-world problems.”

With these problem-solving skills under her belt, Mingkai has several career aspirations in mind. “I hope to work as a data analyst, business intelligence analyst, or user behaviour analyst,” she shared. “I plan to go into industries like tech and consulting, where data-driven insights are critical in formulating strategies.”

Like Mingkai, Rebecca values the data analytics mindset she developed in the MSBA programme. “I’ve learnt to be sceptical. Just because a dataset or AI model provides an answer doesn’t mean it’s right,” she explained. “Data can be misleading if you don’t question it properly.”

After graduation, Rebecca plans to carve out a cross-disciplinary career path that combines her accounting background with her business analytics skills.

“Right now, I see myself moving towards a finance transformation consultant role,” she revealed. “The MSBA has shown me how much automation, AI, and advanced analytics are reshaping the finance industry. Our Graduate Studies Career Development Office (GSCDO) has also given me opportunities to attend career events for MSc Accountancy participants, which will help me access more accounting-focused roles.”

For Meiqi, a chance encounter on an airplane sparked a new career aspiration for her in the commodities industry.

“On a flight back to Singapore, I met a veteran in the oil industry. Our conversation helped me discover a new direction in energy trading,” she shared. “I believe the analytical skills I’ve cultivated through my MSBA journey are exactly what energy companies need as they undergo digital transformation.”

From diverse disciplines to data experts

There’s no doubt that the industries of tomorrow will be powered by data. As Mingkai, Rebecca, and Meiqi have shown, a strong foundation in business analytics can enrich your career in diverse disciplines – enabling you to solve complex problems, stay relevant with the rise of automation, and grow in new directions.

Find out more about the MSc Business Analytics programme here.

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