Himaja Suryadevara received her undergraduate degree in computer science engineering before moving on to pursue an MBA at one of the most reputable colleges in India before joining the Master of Science in Business Analytics program at the Donald G. Costello College of Business at George Mason University in order to deepen her analytical skills.
Suryadevara, now a Student Ambassador for the MS in Business Analytics (MSBA) program, represents Costello College of Business graduate programs to the external and internal communities, embodying excellence and sharing her own student experiences to prospective students. Originally from Hyderabad, India, Suryadevara is expected to graduate in 2024. Recently, we had the opportunity to chat with her to learn more about her journey, and why she chose Mason’s MS in Business Analytics program.
Why did you choose to pursue Mason’s Master of Science in Business Analytics?
I am not one of those lucky few who know what to do with their careers and have a strong passion towards a field. I have always been a person who chooses what best boosts my career from my current role to better positions. I did my bachelor’s degree in computer science engineering and worked as a consultant at Deloitte in risk advisory vertical. I later did my MBA at the Xavier School of Management (XLRI), one of the most reputed colleges in India. I worked for Paytm, a pay through mobile application widely used in India, as a growth manager. My experience at Deloitte and Paytm provided me a strong foundation in business management. However, to make more informed and data-driven decisions, I realized that it is crucial to deepen your analytical skills. The MS in Business Analytics program at Mason is designed to provide us with the advanced analytical tools and techniques necessary to extract valuable insights from data, which can be applied to various aspects of business. Also, in today's business landscape, analytics plays a pivotal role in shaping strategies and driving growth. Businesses are increasingly relying on data to gain a competitive edge and optimize operations. It is important for a person to understand how we can use the data in order to take critical leadership calls. I wanted to be well equipped to harness the power of data for strategic decision-making. The combination of a technical foundation, business acumen, and advanced analytics skills acquired through an MS Business Analytics program positions me for advanced and attractive career opportunities.
Why did you choose Mason?
- Access to Industry: Located in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, Mason offers access to a wide range of industries, including government agencies, technology companies, and more. This geographic advantage can lead to opportunities for internships, networking, and potential job placements in diverse sectors where analytics is in high demand.
- Experienced Faculty: Mason’s faculty members often have extensive experience in both academia and the business world. They bring a wealth of knowledge and practical insights into the classroom, which can greatly benefit your learning experience.
- Curriculum and Specializations: Mason’s MS in Business Analytics program offers a comprehensive and up-to-date curriculum that covers the latest trends and techniques in the field of business analytics. We can choose specializations or electives that align with our career goals.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
I travelled in Nepal for couple of months and it was the best time I ever had. I got to meet people from various backgrounds and countries, explore varied landscapes from the highest mountains and national parks with rhinos, to quiet peaceful villages. It is an experience that I hold close to my heart. I am more than happy to listen to and share such experiences with people.
What has been your most memorable experience in the MS in Business Analytics program?
Before course orientation day, I was worried about standing out and not fitting in because of my background, age etc. During orientation I realized how diverse the mix of students is. There are students with no experience to students who have 20+ years of experience. There are passionate students from across the world and across age groups. You can find students with different occupation backgrounds such as artists, army veterans, engineers, etc. This made me feel confident. This diversity really helps in classroom setup because we get to listen to ideas and solutions from very different perspectives. This in turn broadens the way we think and helps us consider different angles to a problem we are trying to fix. This knowledge is very useful and cannot be learned in any other setup other than the one we have here in the MS business analytics program.
Also, I have the privilege of attending Professor Pallab Sanyal’s class in data mining. Professor Sanyal's teaching style and expertise have made this course an exceptional learning journey. His deep knowledge of data mining, combined with his passion for the subject, has not only made complex concepts understandable but also ignited my own enthusiasm for the field. His approach to the subject matter is not just theoretical; he encourages practical application and critical thinking, which has been invaluable. The class has provided me with a strong foundation in data mining techniques, equipping me with the skills necessary to extract valuable insights from complex datasets. Professor Sanyal's dedication to his students, his ability to make the subject come alive, and his commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment have all contributed to making this course a transformative experience in my academic journey. This is a testament to the power of exceptional educators and the impact they can have on their students.
Finally, the academic director, program managers, admissions teams, and student ambassadors—everyone here at Mason listens to you, considers your input if it adds any value, and tries to solve your concern as soon as possible.
What goals do you have for the future?
My primary goal for my future is to attain a high-level position in the field of product management, where I can effectively utilize analytics to shape and influence the strategic decisions that drive product development. I aspire to be a data-driven product leader who leverages analytics to gain deep insights into customer behavior, market trends, and the performance of our products. As I progress in my career, my vision is to foster a culture of data-driven decision-making within the product management team, ensuring that every aspect of product development is optimized through quantitative analysis. Furthermore, I intend to continuously expand my knowledge of emerging technologies and market trends, enabling me to stay at the forefront of the industry. Ultimately, my overarching goal is to be a visionary product manager who contributes to the development of groundbreaking products and plays a pivotal role in the success and growth of the companies I work for.
Do you have any advice for aspiring candidates in your program?
Start by thoroughly researching Mason’s MS in Business Analytics program. Understand the curriculum, faculty, specializations, and any unique features it offers. This knowledge will help you tailor your application and demonstrate why Mason is the right fit for you. Ensure that you meet all the admission requirements, including academic prerequisites and standardized tests (if required). In your application, emphasize your relevant work experience, internships, or coursework related to business analytics. Discuss how this experience has prepared you for the program. Please do not worry if you do not have much or any relevant work experience. The program admits people from diverse backgrounds. Choose recommenders who can speak to your potential for success in the MS in Business Analytics program. Provide them with information about your goals and achievements to help them write strong letters. If possible, connect with current Mason MS in Business Analytics students, and student ambassadors or alumni to gain insights into the program and to build relationships that may help with your application. Be sure to submit your application materials well in advance to meet these deadlines. Be curious and do not worry. Please reach out to the program ambassador or admissions team for any questions.
Mason's Master of Science in Business Analytics program prepares you to become an in-demand, data-savvy professional with strong decision-making and analytical skills.
If you’re interested in learning more about Mason’s Master’s in Business Analytics program, register for an upcoming info session or request more information about the program here.