About Jad
Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon
Previous University: University of Rhode Island
Undergraduate Degree: Applied Economics
Master's Degree (Previous): Banking, Corporate, Finance, and Securities Law
Q: Why did you decide to get your Master's in Business Analytics?
A: I was introduced to wealth management while working as a financial analyst at Ameriprise after completing my undergraduate program. My role there mainly consisted of managing account records and analyzing financial data. I wanted to build on my technical capabilities to bolster my career, so the next step for me was to get a master's degree. I chose Northeastern's MS in Business Analytics program because of the school's great reputation, diverse student body, and accomplished faculty. I knew this program would be the best in helping me develop my strategic and technical skills.
Q: Why is big data so important in wealth management?
A: Data analytics is becoming one of the most valuable assets in wealth management. Consumer data is growing exponentially every year, and fund managers are required to leverage this data in their decision-making processes. Analytics provides innovative approaches to manage risk by transforming insightful data into personalized financial products for clients. Big data is also useful for monitoring trends in the finance industry, so fund managers can understand what markets to effectively enter and how to generate better leads. I'm fortunate to be learning how to utilize these data tools to provide exceptional service to customers in the finance industry.
Q: How will our MS in Business Analytics program help you excel in data-driven decision making?
A: This program has taught me how to extract meaningful insights from data and turn them into practical business recommendations. For example, in my data mining class, we are working on a project where we monitor how variables related to COVID-19 fluctuate stock and bond prices in the financial market. The results will be used to assist hedge fund managers in undertaking better risk management by anticipating movement in price as a result of COVID-19. Projects like these have improved my knowledge of analytics, and it has enabled me to apply my expertise real time.
Q: What are your professional goals?
A: This summer, I teamed up with a Northeastern PhD student to assist her research efforts. I explored the student's work on Northeastern's Economics department webpage and then connected with her through email. I am now supporting her research by leveraging the machine learning tools I have mastered through this program. Adjacent to a career in data analytics, I am doing research to explore the possibility of a career in academia. This position will further develop my technical abilities and prepare me to utilize the skills I have gained in the program to be successful in my career.