Leveraging AI to solve complex problems

Q: Tell us about your background.  

A: My path into business analytics began at a turning point early in my career that gave me the opportunity to reflect on what I enjoyed most about my work. As a data analyst, I found myself most engaged when I was building reports, analyzing data, and working with others to turn insights into decisions. 

That experience made me realize I didn't want to stay in a purely technical role. I was drawn to work that combined analytics with real business impact. Business analytics felt like the right intersection, bringing together my technical background with an interest in understanding and influencing outcomes. That clarity is what ultimately led me to pursue this path. 

Q: Why did you choose D'Amore-McKim? 

A: I chose the MS in Business Analytics program at D'Amore-McKim because of its strong focus on career development and post-graduation opportunities. The experiential opportunities immediately caught my attention, along with how closely the school is connected to employers and the job market. 

My main goal was to secure a strong role after graduation, and compared to other programs I considered, D'Amore-McKim felt much more intentional about helping students build experience and launch their careers. The combination of hands-on opportunities, like the Community Impact Initiative, support from the Graduate Career Center, and access to a strong alumni and employer network made it feel like the right fit for me.

Describe your experience with the Community Impact Initiative. 

A: I'm currently working as a product manager with Zero-to-1 through the Community Impact Initiative on a product called Lighthouse, which brings together CRM, email, Slack, and calendar tools into a single dashboard for sales reps. 

The experience has been especially valuable because it has shown me how analytics can drive real product decisions. As a product manager, I translate user feedback and research into decisions on what to improve next, which closely mirrors how analytics is used in business. 

I've also collaborated with engineering and marketing teams, gaining deeper exposure to the business and strategic sides of product development.

Q: Can you share a project you worked on during the program?

A: One of the most defining aspects of my MS in Business Analytics experience has been the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects while using technology and resources that many professionals do not have access to. 

Through the AI Strategic Hub, I developed a Bitcoin trading model for Vero Ventures that autonomously executes trades, allowing me to apply advanced analytics in a real-world setting. A major part of what made this experience unique was access to Northeastern's high-powered GPU cluster, one of the most advanced systems available to students. It allowed me to train the model in just six to twelve hours, compared to the weeks it would typically take on a standard machine. 

Overall, the experience strengthened my ability to apply advanced analytics in practice and reinforced my interest in more quantitative, research-driven work after graduation.

Q: How has the Graduate Career Center supported you?

 A: The Graduate Career Center has been invaluable throughout my experience. My advisor supported me throughout the Community Impact Initiative application process, providing personalized feedback on my resumé and interview preparation. That guidance was especially helpful not just in preparing my application, but also in thinking through which opportunities aligned best with my skills and longer-term direction. 

That support played a key role in helping me secure my position, and it has continued as I apply for a graduate co-op and plan for opportunities after graduation.

Q: What advice would you give to future students considering this program?

A: Be proactive from day one. Go to every class, get to know your professors, and take advantage of the resources you're given, especially your advisors and the Graduate Career Center. 

There are a lot of opportunities built into the program, but you really get the most out of it when you stay engaged and take initiative outside the classroom, too. If you do that, it becomes a really rewarding experience with a lot of chances to learn, try new things, and build momentum toward your career.