Anyone applying to any Analytics/Big Data programs?

It's well documented that there's a big data talent gap, but what's being done about it? What's needed is knowledge and experience. On the first front, hundreds of colleges and universities worldwide are gearing up business analytics, machine learning and other programs aimed at analysis of data in a business context.

I'm looking for advice in regards to these programs. There seems to be a lot of ambiguity around what actually qualifies someone as a good fit for a Masters in Data Analytics, and since these programs are so new there really isn't any robust community that is able to answer basic questions without some heavy marketing from the schools themselves (aka - just apply, just do it!$!$!).

From what I've been able to gather, there is obviously a huge difference between pursuing a Masters in a Business School vs. an Engineering School, though the latter is clearly trying to burn the candle at both ends. Several engineering programs I've seen have said that "business" is a suitable undergraduate major, while at the same time allude to "strong IT and Math skills" - is the GMAT enough? If so, are applicants to assume that the GMAT requirements in the engineering school are the same as the business school? (ie. McCormick vs. Kellogg @ Northwestern)

I work within a group at a top 3 consulting firm dedicated to leveraging analytics, but my role is based around prospecting - the experience that I've been able to acquire is mostly sales and marketing related, focusing on lead management and soft skills (demos, sales/cold calls etc). Having said that, I have been exposed to significant data analysis (one of my big internal projects was to design a CRM strategy). Currently, I have 1.5 years worth of experience working at MBB (2 at maltrication, Fall 2014) with 1.2 working for a data storage hardware manufacturer (an additional prospecting role). I am confident that I can write a great story for my application, though the question remains - "what fits?"...

Any help here would be much appreciated, I have identified 5 full time programs that have caught my interest, as well as two online programs. What have you heard about these programs? Any past applicants? Current students?

Northwestern (McCormick, Engineering) https://www.analytics.northwestern.edu/
Texas (McCombs) https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/business-analytics.aspx
Carnegie Melon (Heinz) https://www.heinz.cmu.edu/school-of-info ... index.aspx
NC State (Institute for Advanced Analytics) https://analytics.ncsu.edu/ (Specifically states DO NOT send ANY standardized tests)
Bentley (B-School) https://www.bentley.edu/graduate/degree- ... -analytics

Online Programs
Cal - Berkeley (School of Information) - https://datascience.berkeley.edu/
Northwestern (School of Continuing Studies) - https://scs.northwestern.edu/info/predic ... OgodW30AnQ

Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

**Also, I should point out that NYU-Stern has a policy of only accepting applicants with 5+ years of experience, which I find somewhat... interesting... considering that most of the messaging for comparable programs encourages those who are genuinely interested in learning a new skill to apply, regardless of experience. Again, the ambiguity....

Hi,

To join in MS Analytics programs you can opt for some analytics certificate programs. Recently I came across a site called International School of Engineering (INSOFE) where in their homepage they mentioned that their (INSOFE) student have got admitted to Northwestern University and their (INSOFE) programs content, pedagogy, assessment are certified by LTI of Carnegie Mellon University. Check their site and talk to them to know more details. This might help you.

Programs they offer:

CPEE - Big Data Analytics and Optimization (insofe.edu.in/init/default/cee_program_features)
Engineering Big Data with R and Hadoop Ecosystem (insofe.edu.in/init/default/elearning_engineering_big_data)
Essentials of Applied Predictive Analytics (insofe.edu.in/init/default/elearning_data_scientist)

I am also a business graduate interested in big data programs. But I have noticed that very few big-name universities are offering masters in big data / analytics. From the list by slinefeld, I like the northwestern program. But I have general feel that MISM (even if with BIDA) from Carnegie Mellon is mostly focused on IT Professionals (confirmed from their employment stats). Same seems to be case with other programs.

I am looking for Big Data programs for people like me who have business degrees in undergrad (with some maths off course but not computer science or status majors), any help is much appreciated

Please understand that Data Anlaytics is a very technical field. Intact NYU MS in Data Science says that they prefer undergraduates in Computer Science and Statistics. So my inference is that a Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering is not their ideal candidate. So to sustain long term in this field deep technical knowledge is needed. Many CS department offer specialization in Data Analytics.

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You might want to look up the Masters in Business Analytics and Big Data at IE university.

IMHO, the curriculum seems to have a lot of emphasis on practical application which is useful. They've got tie ups with IBM and BBVA for the program if i'm not mistaken.

I got an admit into IE's program for '14 (set to start about three weeks from now) and NYU Stern's Masters in Business Analytics. I am based out of the Middle East with most of my previous work exp having been in marketing/ sales. I am an engineer by education plus an mba grad and I had about three years of Siebel CRM experience at the start of my career before my MBA, so I guess that helped. Given my background I wasn't counting too much on making it as a Data Scientist as I've moved on from hardcore computing a while ago and it seemed like a long walk back. Not one that I would necessarily mind but with a baby on the way I couldn't reset my career level too much and start all over again. So I had narrowed down on these two programs as they seemed to balance business and computing quite well so I could swing towards an optimal career track.

For the moment however I am giving IE a pass. Im not an EU national and I don't speak any EU languages other than English and I have been getting sufficient warnings about how tough a career break is for someone not fitting into that two point checklist above, especially in light of the shaky economic scene there.

The NYU program is extremely interesting but very very expensive for non American citizens or permanent residents as we don't have access to financial aid. I am yet to confirm my decision on it but for those of you who gave it a look, you would have noticed that the program (for a course fee of approx. 67500 USD) has only 5 weeks on any of the campuses, the rest of it is all distance learning. While some of you would find this a comfortable format of learning without dropping your job, I do worry that if we are not full time residents in NY, it would be fairly impossible to land any job options there through this program.

Do let me know if you guys have any thoughts.

Hello Guys,

Even I am applying for MS in Data Science, have the same problem as pointed above. But there seems to be no direct ranking or background requirement for the course.

Gre - 318. I have done B.E. in Chemical Engg. Not much exposure to Computer Science or stats.

Hello Guys,

Even I am applying for MS in Data Science, have the same problem as pointed above. But there seems to be no direct ranking or background requirement for the course.

Gre - 318. I have done B.E. in Chemical Engg. Not much exposure to Computer Science or stats.

These just popped onto my radar because of a recommendation by a professor I had in undergrad. My biggest question is, who are these targeted at--are they more for experienced professionals, like an MBA, or recent grads & early-career people? How difficult would it be to apply as someone with just a year of work experience (at time of applying)?

Hey there! Any admits for the Singapore Management University - Master's in Business Analytics Program, starting August 2015?

yeah! well, you will more confirm it.

All You Wanted to Know About the Best MBA programs in Analytics

Almost every MBA program today has a course or two focusing on Big Data and Analytics. However, a few schools lead the pack in terms of offering deeper study, more courses, and even majors in the area of Analytics. Increasingly, more schools are investing in Business Analytics and developing the capability for research and teaching in the area. The Economist mentions that Yale, Wharton, and Kelley have all invested in creating research centers focusing on Big Data, and they are not the only ones. For example, HEC Paris has teamed up with IBM to offer two new courses focusing on Analytics.

Opportunities across sectors
Before Analytics and Big Data became a phenomenon, there was just one sector that attracted professionals from across industries – Consulting. Now, whether you have a background in Finance or in Marketing, HR, or Operations, you can find positions that will value your skills in the broad domain of Analytics.

Analytics is big business – and big business is using Analytics
Large firms across sectors today have Data Analysis / Big Data divisions specifically looking only at the numbers. From large retailers (Target, Tesco, Walmart), to Financial Services firms (all big banks, capital markets firms, insurance firms), Consulting firms (Strategy, Operations, and....READ ALL ABOUT MBA IN ANALYTICS HERE

Every applicant struggles with the dilemma of MiM/ Specialized masters now or MBA later. Ofcourse, when you are investing in an advanced degree, it is very natural (and recommended) to weigh in all the alternatives.
Your profile as such is strong, so in case you are worried that you will not stand a Chance at HEC Paris and Michigan, I am positively say that with a strong applicant you do have a shot.
Said Business School does not have an MiM program, it has a Specialized Masters courses in Finance though.

As far as MBA, MiM are concerned, let me tell you that both MiMand MBA are “worth it” - You cannot go wrong with either degree provided you make a pick after thoroughly analyzing your career goals.
You can say that while an MBA grad views a business problem from a strategic level, a specialized master's person might view it from an operational perspective.

The right degree for you will depend upon 2 factors:

1. Are you willing to wait 3-5 years for an MBA degree?
If you want to enter the job market at an entry/analyst level position within a couple of years of graduation, then MFin is the best fit.
On the other hand, if you are willing to wait 4-5 years to build your work ex, MBA is the way to go.
This is a personal decision that depends upon your long term goals and where you see yourself in the next 5-10 years.


2. How much are you willing to invest for your Masters degree?

MBA, as you must know, is a comparatively costlier degree- The tuition fees can range anywhere between $150,000 to $170,000 (for the 2 year program)depending upon the country and college.
MFin tuition fees typically range between $53,000 to $65,000 and are comparatively shorter in duration ( can be completed in 1 to 1.5 years)

Again a personal decision on how much are you willing to invest and how you plan to finance the degree.

Again, I want to reiterate that you can’t go wrong with either degree if it is in sync with your career goals, so go ahead do some brainstorming

In case you have further questions, feel free to drop me a https://gmatclub.com/chat on +91-8810658356

Yes, there are many candidates who apply for post-graduation in data analytics from ITM University or other top colleges. The course helps to strengthen the resume of candidates. It also helps to open up new avenues in their career. People with these added qualifications are always an asset to the company.