Quick info

• MMA Class of 2021
• Previous education: Bachelor of Applied Science – Major in Engineering Physics (Computing Specialization) from Queen’s University

Why did you decide to study the MMA program?

As I started the final year of my engineering degree, I was uncertain as to what I wanted to do after my undergrad. There were so many different industries and jobs that I was interested in, I had no idea what I actually wanted to be doing after I graduated. There were, however, a few things that I was sure about: I loved solving puzzles, I loved coding, working with numbers, and I loved working with people. When I heard about the Master of Management Analytics program at a career fair, I was immediately enticed.

"Not only does the MMA program equip you with the technical and analytical skills that are so desired right now, but it also teaches you how to apply your knowledge in a business context."

You are taught how to take messy, real-world problems, and come out in the end with digestible and insightful solutions. This aligned so perfectly with my passions for team-based problem solving and working with computers and numbers, I knew I had to join the MMA program!

What was your main reason for choosing Rotman?

The intensive curriculum that is both theoretical and practical, the professional development opportunities, and the clear passion for the program exhibited by Rotman faculty and staff drove me to choose Rotman. 

What was the highlight of the Rotman experience?

The practicum project has been the main highlight so far. Being able to take the theory we learned in the tools term and apply it to a real-world problem has been a great experience. I am so grateful to be able to work on my first real data science problem in a relatively low-stakes environment with plenty of guidance and support from the academic team and from my practicum host. I believe this will allow me to be confident in my capabilities as I start my career.

Did Rotman and the MMA program meet your expectations? 

The program has exceeded all my expectations! The professors and program support team are incredible, and it is clear how passionate they are about the MMA program. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and they have done an amazing job curating the perfect blend of theoretical and practical analytics. 

How was your experience with the Rotman community?

It has been a great experience being a part of the Rotman community. Whenever I reach out to a Rotman grad on LinkedIn, they are always eager to take time and have a (virtual) coffee chat with me. It has also been great getting to know my classmates and having the chance to work and learn with people from such diverse backgrounds.

You received a Vector Institute Scholarship in AI. How did it feel to be awarded the scholarship, and what ways have you interacted with the Vector Institute during the program?

The Vector Institute is an incredible organization and being named a Vector Scholar upon admission to the MMA program was truly an honor. The work being done at Vector is crucial to the commercialization and integration of AI across Canada, and I look forward to being a part of the process by applying my AI-related skills gained from the MMA program.

In addition, there are so many fantastic talks held by the Vector Institute every week and I try to attend as many as I can. I have particularly enjoyed the workshops that are geared towards graduate students looking for jobs in the AI and analytics space. 

What would you say to someone considering choosing the MMA?

"For anyone interested in the MMA program, I would ask them: Why analytics?"

The program is incredibly intensive, and I have spent many long nights finishing up assignments. When you enjoy what you are doing, however, it hardly feels like work at all. I believe that if you are truly interested in analytics and its business applications, you will thrive in Rotman’sManagement Analytics program. Because I am passionate about analytics, I have enjoyed every moment of the hard work, and I look forward to starting my career in the analytics space knowing that the MMA program has fully prepared me for what is in store.

The Master of Management Analytics is designed to give students the advanced data management, analytics, and communication skills needed to become an analytics professional.