Finding my path in business analytics: A journey from Excel to insights
Coming from a business background, I always enjoyed solving problems that blend strategy with numbers. I always used to do all the number games in MS Excel with many advanced formulas, be it a small calculation or building dashboards with metrics or calculating incentives and promotional campaign performances involving data in millions of cells. At a time, I realized Excel is a strong tool without any doubt but there are other stronger tools in the market that are able to do big calculations and build dashboards in a more structured, organized and vast way.
Then I thought of seeking admission into a master’s program that would provide the opportunity to learn and gain experience working with these tools, which would add value to my learning bucket and blend with my long analytical experience. I decided to choose the MSBA (Master’s in Business Analytics) program, and it was my childhood desire to gain a master’s from a U.S. university.
Business analytics is not just about crunching numbers; it’s about interpreting them to make smart decisions. The more I explored the field, the more I realized it was not just a career move – it was a mindset shift.
Choosing the right program
When searching for business analytics programs in the U.S., I focused on STEM designated options to maximize work eligibility after graduation. I compared curriculum depth, practical exposure, internship pipelines and, of course, cost and location. One year programs appealed to me for their intensity and quick return on investment.
Temple University’s Master’s in Business Analytics checked many of my boxes. The curriculum offered a strong foundation in technical tools while staying attached to real-world business applications. Also, Temple offered knowledgeable faculty, industry engagement and location preference (close to NY). I felt confident I had found my fit, though I applied to two more universities and received offer letters from those as well.
From classes to real-world confidence
The coursework was a mix of business strategy, predictive analytics, data visualization and technical tools like SQL, Tableau, Excel and Python along with emphasis in statistical models. What stood out was the balance; we were not just coding, we were using those skills to drive business value.
One standout project involved building a real-time dashboard for sales performance, which I liked most as I came from a similar background. It brought together everything I was learning and showed me how analytics can directly influence decision-making. Coming from a business background, the technical content felt steep at times, but with support and hands-on practice, I started seeing connections everywhere.
Looking ahead: Careers after graduation
Business analytics grads go into roles like data analyst, business intelligence analyst, product analyst, sales analyst and more. The STEM designation was a game-changer, it gave me up to three years of work eligibility in the U.S. under optional practical training (OPT), opening doors for longer-term career planning.
Navigating internships and job searches taught me a lot. Networking was key – reaching out to alumni, attending meetups and connecting with recruiters. Tailoring resumes, refining different methods of interview answers and staying proactive made all the difference. It is not just about skills; it is about showing how you can apply them.
Advice for future B.A. students
If I could go back, I would tell myself not to underestimate communication and storytelling. Technical skills get you noticed but being able to translate data into insights gets you hired.
Balance is everything – do not neglect the business side. Connect with peers, join LinkedIn groups and stay curious. Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Kaggle are great resources to sharpen your edge. And do not be shy about asking questions, the community is surprisingly welcoming.
Closing thoughts and a little help
My business analytics journey shaped not just my career but how I think, solve problems and build confidence in unfamiliar spaces. If you are considering this path and feeling unsure, know that it is okay to start with questions. You do not need to have it all figured out; you just need to start.
As an international student, adjusting to a new culture can feel overwhelming. Embrace it, ask, learn, connect. South Asian students, especially, may find comfort in shared communities and mentorship opportunities. You are not alone in this journey.
If you are exploring business analytics in the U.S. and looking for funding support, MPOWER Financing was a big part of my journey. It is one step that could make a big difference.
