Masters in Data & Analytics

So I will be applying to a Masters Program that is paid for by my employer. However, the program is in Data & Analytics at either Villanova or Ohio State. I'm unsure of the careers that can be followed with a Masters in D&A and was hoping someone could chime in. The company will require a few years of work after the program. Also, the FT position would be in Audit with a quicker promotion path. I would really appreciate anyone's input on this topic. Thanks!

 

What is the name of the program at Ohio State? They don't have a Data & Analytics master to my knowledge. And the program at Nova is online fyi

 
Best Response

Villanova is second tier MFIN, but its a strong second tier with WUSTL and Vanderbilt. Although it isn't Mfin, im sure there is some intertwining with professors but I could be mistaken, you should check.

I did some due diligence and here are the classes offered by Villanova: Introduction to Business Analytics
Data Models and Structured Analysis Multivariate Data Analysis
Enterprise Data Management
Business Intelligence
Analytical Methods for Data Mining
Analytical Methods for Text and Web Mining
Analytical Methods for Optimization and Simulation I
Analytical Methods for Optimization and Simulation II Advanced Business Applications
Analytics Practicum

none them seem to be focused to IBD if that is your focus. Seems more like Operations. BUT if you are returning to your job and continuing with a boost in career trajectory and you plan on staying there anyway, why not?

If you don't plan on staying at that job, than you need to figure out what you want your future to look like, because although a free masters is tempting, giving up years of your life to a company or industry is worth any amount of money. Time is far more precious than money, a lot of people tend to forget that.

My Recommendation: Go on linkedin and see what their alumni has accomplished and where they usually place in. Also helps to contact the alumni who are in positions you would like to be in someday. Hope it helped in anyway.

 

Definitely does help. Also, it's Big 4 Accounting firm that offers the program, and you must be pursuing a career in Audit. It seems like auditors have a lot of options granted if they don't get pigeonholed by staying too long. My UG school is a no name to a majority, so I feel have Nova on my resume with a Masters would give me a boost. Thanks for your detailed input!

 

No problem, I am sure there are others who can offer more suggestions for you to explore your options.

The Nova name does increase your profile slightly but it really just boils down to if you want to spend the mandatory years after back at the big 4, if yes then you should take it, if not then think about why not and where you want to be. goodluck

 

it sounds like you're about to be in a lock-up agreement, Usually, unless they fire/release you voluntarily, you owe them tuition and have no salary negotiation power. Impacts for both tuition/value is likely going to be minimal, so would you lock yourself up for a master's that you can get any day?

 

I wouldn't owe them tuition and salary isn't really negotiable at Big Four accounting firms. If it does lock me up, I believe it would only be for 4 or 5 years, but if I was not intending on getting the masters, then I would be leaving after 4 or 5 years regardless. Also, Villanova is a much better name than the school I attend now, so that will help my brand. This is why I think it's worth the few months of schooling. Plus the company pays for everything - housing, books, etc.

 

PM me and maybe I could offer some more help.

Your description of South is vague----MS Analytics ranges from LSU Baton Rouge to UTAustin McCombs (this?) I'm sure plenty of people are admitted to that program and no need ot be so secretive.

You said you have top UG school--lets assume HYPS or equivalent. You will have a much better alumni network, resume drops, you probably won't find a better deal than your current UG school.

or you can try a Master in Management and see how it works

 

The MIT degree is very good, therefore difficult to get into.

The NYU business analytics course is definitely a lot less technincal therefore less useful; Nyu's Msc data science is a better program, with a decent prior background required in quant subjects- this is what you need as a minimum, because you would be competing against stAt/physics/math PhDs.

USC has a decent course too, but again to be equipped with the skills that you want, the mit course or the Nyu data science course - not the business analytics one, are the ones that you want, or ideally a Phd.

Btw, you need to be a gun programmer, so perhaps these courses don't cut it either.

 

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