Author: santiagoleon

#TXMS Student Spotlight: Caleb Deeter, MS Marketing

by santiagoleon
Program:

Master of Science in Finance

Undergraduate University and Major: University of Texas – Sport Management / Business Minor

Graduating Class: Class of 2020

About Caleb: I am excited to be in the MSM program here at McCombs! I love sports and I enjoy playing and watching them. I also have a passion for cooking. One of the things on my bucket list is to sail across all the Great Lakes.

Proudest accomplishment:

My proudest accomplishment is when I transferred into The University of Texas after completing the Coordinated Admission Program (CAP). UT Austin was my dream school and I worked really hard to transfer. It is something that I will cherish forever.

Why did you choose the MSM Program?

I am very passionate about marketing. I wanted to be in a program that taught its students the quantitative and qualitative skills needed to succeed in marketing. The faculty at McCombs had a significant impact on my decision to apply. I wanted an opportunity to learn from the brightest minds in the world, which is one of the main reasons why I applied to the MSM Program at McCombs.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

I am looking forward to working with my cohort and other students in the MSM. I am also excited to learn from some of the best professors in the world and working with the career management team.

#TXMS Student Spotlight: Daniel Martin, MSF Bridge 2021

by santiagoleon
Program:

Master of Science in Finance

Undergraduate University and Major: University of Texas – College of Liberal Arts – Economics

Graduating Class: Class of 2020

About Daniel: I grew up in a Deep East Texas town called Longview, it has about 80,000 people and is about 2.5 hours east of Dallas along I-20. My biggest past times and hobbies are hunting, flying, fishing, competitive shotgun shooting, and camping. This upcoming academic year I will serve as President for The University of Texas shooting team and complete my Undergraduate degree in Economics.

Proudest accomplishment:

My proudest accomplishment to date is probably receiving my pilot’s license. I am now the 4th generation of pilots in my family’s line. I grew up flying with my dad and grandfather and still fly with them to date. I fly an A-36 with my dad and an Ercoupe with my grandfather. This has been a really neat accomplishment that has allowed me to bond with them in a unique way.

Why did you choose the MSF Program?

I enjoyed learning about Economics and how the markets interacted but ever since I was young I had always enjoyed discussing finance with my father. I decided that I wanted to compliment my abstract knowledge of economics with a concrete knowledge in finance in order to be a more versatile candidate for jobs. I am interested in portfolio management and fund analyst roles and think that my 2 degrees would compliment each other well for these roles.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

I am looking forward to the recruitment process to obtain an internship for the coming summer as well as seeing where my friends that are in the traditional route end up and to see how much they learn in the coming year.

#TXMS Student Spotlight: Aadithya Anandaraj, MSBA 2020

by santiagoleon
Program:

Master of Science in Business Analytics

Undergraduate University and Major: College of Engineering, Anna University/Electrical Engineering

Graduating Class: Class of 2020

About Aadithya: I am an ambivert who sometimes defines fun being with friends. At other times it is just the interaction I have with my canvas and colors. I enjoy painting, sketching or any form of art work and I am ever ready to learn new styles. My connection with the brushes has been there for now close to 18 years and always, every single time I paint, there is something about colors that brings me so much peace and happiness. My biggest work has been a solo doodle for 10 hours straight on an office wall.

Proudest accomplishment:

My proudest moment was when I graduated from Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad with a degree in Management studies. This was particularly very close to me for two reasons. One, is the clarity I had behind the efforts to get in there and learn. Second, most importantly, is that it was my father’s dream to study in there and I could see how incredibly proud he was of me on the graduation day. He didn’t have to say, I didn’t have to ask, I could feel it.

Why did you choose the MSBA Program?

I joined the Marketing team of one of the leading telecom firms in India. I was introduced to analytics for the first time when we were working on customer segmentation, product performance, etc. I could clearly see the connection between data analytics and business decisions made. I realized that knowing analytics would give me an edge in the future business world. So, I decided to pursue a master’s in business analytics.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

Most importantly, I am looking forward to build lasting relationships with peers from diverse backgrounds. Secondly, the vast knowledge gain on the subject of analytics along with the industry experience I would get from our capstone project. I have learned a lot in the short time I’ve been here. I am confident that I would be equipped with the tools necessary to tackle industry problems and looking forward to make impactful contribution.

#TXMS Student Spotlight: Kelly (Tianyi) Zhang, MSITM 2020

by santiagoleon
Program:

Master of Science in Information Technology & Management

Undergraduate University and Major: University of California, Irvine – Informatics & Statistics

Graduating Class: Class of 2020

About Kelly: I was born in China. Eating is one of the most important things in my life. I love to try different kinds of food, and I really love to cook. Spending time in my kitchen is a way for me to deal with stress. I’m a coffee addict and a design enthusiast.

Proudest accomplishment:

I’ve written over 60 IT/Data blogs in Chinese and had the highest PViews (reached to 16,857). I started writing blogs at the time of the United Airlines overbooking scandal in 2017. I couldn’t understand why they would overbook flights. I spent time looking into the data analytics of it all and realized that airline companies are most likely to earn more money if they do so. It’s not rocket science to understand why they do this, but I also thought it would be helpful to illustrate my findings by telling people about it in the most understandable and entertaining way; as a real storyteller. I really enjoyed hearing from my readers that they actually understand some tricky concepts easily when they read my blogs. I had the opportunity to learn about topics in different areas, and gain in-depth technical knowledge, while also enjoying the marketing and social media aspect of blogging. Ultimately writing blogs and learning about new and interesting things gave me an interesting soul.

Why did you choose the MSITM Program?

Texas is the destination of my undergrad graduation trip. I really love it here. UT is the only school I applied to outside Southern California. The MSITM program fit in my expectation of a master’s program, especially when it came to the curriculum. I also love the school culture here and the city of Austin.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

Learn new things, meet new friends, start a career, and dig deeper into the information technology world.

#TXMS Student Spotlight: Emet Lieberman, MSM 2020

by santiagoleon
Program:

Master of Science in Marketing

 

Undergraduate University and Major:

University of Texas at Austin, International Relations and Global Studies

 

Graduating Class:

Class of 2020

 

 

About Emet:

I was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I am the oldest of three boys. I love trying new food and traveling. In my free time I like to read, play chess, watch basketball or football, and play old video games on my PlayStation 2.

 

Proudest accomplishment:

This year I won a free throw shooting competition at halftime during the UT-Kansas Men’s basketball game. My prize was only a $10 Schlotzky’s gift card, but the memory (and video recording) lasts forever (the sandwich was also quite good).

 

Why did you choose the MSM Program?

I love to think abstractly and creatively but am also drawn to data. The marketing program offered a mix of courses which would satisfy both these desires. The courses also allow me to develop important hard skills that my Liberal Arts education did not offer me.

 

What are you most looking forward to this year ?

Football season, Big 12 Champs incoming! From an academic perspective I’m most looking forward to learning analytical tools that I can bring to the workforce and be a difference-maker. For the program I’m excited to build camaraderie with my cohort. Getting to really know the people in my classes is something I missed as an undergrad– having the same people in every class makes it a little like high school again (minus the drama and hormones). The thesis project also seems really cool!

#TXMS Student Spotlight: Namita Ramesh, MSBA 2020

by santiagoleon
Program:

Master of Science in Business Analytics

 

Undergraduate University and Major:

SRM University, India – Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering

 

Graduating Class

Class of 2020

 

 

About Namita:

I moved to Austin just before the program began and the first few weeks were such an amazing experience. This is the first time I have moved away from home and it happened to be all the way across the world!

I am also a food blogger and love to cook. I am a huge nature person and am currently ticking treks, trails, lakes and parks off my Austin to-see list!

 

Proudest accomplishment:

My biggest achievement is probably learning to communicate well with people. Over the last few years, I have been conscious of how and what I say when I speak to others. This has made a huge difference not just to how people perceive me, but has also helped me understand my way of speaking much better. Being a Toastmaster definitely weighed in on this process.

 

Why did you choose the MSBA Program?

“What begins here, changes the world.” And that’s exactly what I am here to do!

We live in a world where data is indispensable, now more than ever. Everyone produces data, but not everyone benefits from it. Working as a Data Engineer at Fidelity Investments opened my eyes to the extent of impact data can have on business. I realized early on in my career, that weaving stories from data to enable significant decision making is what I aspire to do in the long run. Choosing to pursue my Masters in Business Analytics was thus, a natural next step for me as I wanted to steer my career in a direction where data science drives change. I was drawn to the industry relevant course structure and accelerated nature of the MSBA program here at McCombs School of Business.

 

What are you most looking forward to this year?

Three months into the program, I have never hustled harder. Every course we’ve done here so far is a perfect blend of programming skills backed with quantitative intuition, with an overarching focus on business knowledge. I am excited to see what the future holds for me post this program. After all, good things happen to those who hustle.

#TXMS Student Spotlight: Eleni Michaelides, MSM 2020

by santiagoleon
Program

Master of Science in Marketing

 

Undergraduate University and Major:

 

Texas Christian University – Marketing

 

Graduating Class:

Class of 2020

 

About Eleni:

I’m from Fort Worth, Texas but my family is originally from Greece (on my dad’s side) and Mexico (on my mom’s side)! While at TCU I was very involved and active in the community, including in the honors business program, Gamma Phi Beta sorority, the American Marketing Association, the TCU Honors College, and various leadership organizations. In addition I’ve worked 5 internships since I started my education, ranging from a local popsicle company to Berkshire Hathaway’s largest subsidiary, BNSF Railway. My passions in life include musical theater, dogs, and Thai food!

 

Proudest accomplishment:

My proudest accomplishment was being chosen as one of four student leaders for the international Frog Camp (an extended orientation program for incoming TCU freshmen) in Buenos Aires, Argentina before my senior year.

 

Why did you choose the MSM Program?

I decided to pursue my masters at UT because I wanted to develop a stronger quantitative marketing background. Marketers nowadays, no matter the industry, need to be able to work with and interpret large amounts of data into meaningful recommendations. Knowing how to use analytical tools correctly, and having experience doing it, is so important no matter what kind of work I’ll be doing in the future.

 

What are you most looking forward to this year ?

I’m looking forward to being taught by some of the best professors at UT, getting to know my cohort better, and experiencing all that Austin has to offer!

#TXMS Student Spotlight: Rutwick Bhawsar, MSITM 2020

by santiagoleon

Program:

Master of Science in Information Technology and Management

Undergraduate University and Major:

Maharashtra Institute of Technology, Pune – Information Technology

 

Graduating Class:

Class of 2020

 

About Rutwick:

My laptop is my bread and butter. I am deeply interested in all forms of data and the absolutely, indubitable power which lies within. I love all things tech. I am a staunch supporter of the Dallas Cowboys and FC Bayern Munich. I have a fervor for cars, my current favorite being the Koenigsegg Jesko. Drinking juice straight out of the carton and eating a disproportionate amount of sour candies are my guilty pleasures. Simply trying an activity isn’t enough. I have an innate desire to achieve a little more. In the hydrospheric realm, I currently am an Advanced Open Water Diver certified by PADI. In the lithospheric realm, I have completed an Off-Roading/Rally Driving course certified by Mahindra and Trapeze course at the Trapeze School New York (TSNY), Los Angeles. And finally, in the atmospheric realm, I am working towards my USPA skydiving A license, gliding and flying certifications.

Proudest accomplishment:

Academically I would have to say my Patent, published in the Indian Patent Journal in 2017. Sports wise I want to say my SCUBA diving certifications.

Why did you choose the MSITM Program?

I took a Business Intelligence and Data Mining course at the Marshall School of Business at USC. I loved everything about it. The class environment, the method of teaching, the ethos of the class. I truly wanted to get a better understanding of the business world but at the same time not stray too far from the Tech world. The MSITM program seemed like a perfect fit!

What are you most looking forward to this year?

Since the program started, I’ve been lucky to get to know about fifty percent of my classmates really well. I would love to get to know all of them. Everybody seems exceptional and unique. As the program continues, I plan to go out of my way to ensure I pick teammates and project partners with whom I’ve never worked before.

When it comes to the curriculum, I can’t wait for the Capstone project. Coming here directly after my Bachelor’s and Master’s, I would love to take my first step into the corporate world. Also, I truly look forward to the Cognitive Computing course. I’ve always been interested in this topic and I have heard nothing but good things about this course.

On a lighter note, I do look forward to long weekends and holidays. But with that being said, when those days do arrive, I feel as though something is missing and start wishing for class again.

#TXMS Student Spotlight: Sijo Valayakkad Manikandan, MSBA 2020

by santiagoleon

Program:

Master of Science in Business Analytics

Student Name:

Sijo Valayakkad Manikandan

Graduating Class:

Class of 2020

Undergraduate University and Major:

Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, India – Mechanical Engineering

 

About Sijo:

Before joining the program, I worked as an Analytics Consultant for Capgemini for almost 3 years improving products and business processes using advanced analytics and programming. I am a tennis player who has represented state and university teams at several national level competitions. I am also passionate about providing aid to underprivileged communities.

Proudest accomplishment:

I have always tried to go beyond expectations to assist my clients. In one of the client engagements, I was tasked to provide a solution to the reoccurring product delays that led to multiple contractual penalties for my client. Analyzing data from multiple sources and consulting subject matter experts, I built an interactive dashboard with actionable KPIs that helped the client avoid such scenarios. Recognizing the benefit of such an industry-agnostic solution, the client decided to implement it in all of their future projects. I am proud that I was able to not only solve the problems but also exceeded the expectations of my client.

Why did you choose the MSBA Program?

My time with Capgemini has helped me realize that many organizations are trying to gain insights from the huge amount of data they capture and that the field of analytics is growing at a quicker pace than ever before. Having worked on a variety of assignments in different domains of analytics – including automation, data analysis, visualization, and engineering – I felt that a graduate degree in analytics would help me widen my array of skill sets, to add more value to the organizations I work for. I was looking for an intense short term program that focuses equally on all three aspects of analytics: programming, statistics, and business. The highly application-oriented MSBA program at the prestigious McCombs School of Business was a perfect match for my aspirations and I am glad that I made the right choice.

What have you enjoyed so far this year and look forward to for the future?

The program pushes me, not only to learn, but also to apply what I have learned in the class. I am anxiously waiting for the industry events in the fall and spring semesters that would help me familiarize with the work and culture of several organizations, helping me prepare for the industry. I also look forward to the business capstone in the spring semester that would help me work with industry professionals to apply the skills learned in the program to a real-world problem.

#TXMS Student Spotlight: Tat Whitley MSM 2020

by santiagoleon

<strong>Program: </strong>Master of Science in Marketing Student Name

Program:

Master of Science in Marketing

Student Name:

Tat Whitley

Graduating Class:

Class of 2020

Undergraduate Alma Mater:

University of Colorado at Boulder & Rhodes College in Memphis, TN; History major, Anthropology/Sociology minor

 

About Tat:

I’m an identical twin, adopted from Russia at nineteen months. Growing up in Austin, I’ve seen it change for good and worse. I firmly believe Hyde Park is the heart and soul of what Austin used to be, and it brings back memories of what I love about Austin from the 1990s and early 2000s. I love this city, but I also love escaping it to go hunting in the hill country, exploring BBQ staples in small towns, and state parks around Central Texas. I’m an avid UT football fan and am a former high school football coach. I renewed my season tickets back in the Spring.

Proudest accomplishment:

I am incredibly proud and humbled of getting my first full-time, teaching position. I set out a goal to teach at a specific high school in Austin, TX after my first semester of college, and did activities and coursework that would help me reach, engage, and fulfill my future students. Although I was helped a lot along the way through networking, family support, and other socioeconomic resources, I am proud of myself when reflecting on the four years it took to reach that goal because of my persistence and devotion to something that I thought I would love, but turns out wasn’t the right career for me.

Why did you choose the MSM Program?

I think Jade DeKinder is an incredible program director. Her forthright conversation with me on the value and allocation of resources for the program played a significant role in why I chose McCombs over other programs, such as Denver University, Vanderbilt, University of Southern California, SMU, and Wake Forest. Furthermore, Career Services at MS McCombs showed differentiated benefit compared to other universities, and the curriculum design fit my zeal for analytics and social sciences. Lastly, I’ve always wanted to be a Longhorn, and I had already declined to be one once. Life is finite – become a Longhorn.

What have you enjoyed so far this year and look forward to for the future?

I’m looking forward to working with the great professors who opted to teach this program. Professor DeKinder wasn’t kidding when she said we get some of the best. As a former teacher, I think their pedagogy is astounding! I’m also excited to work closely with a diverse student-body. It’s something I was gifted when I studied abroad in South Africa, and I’m fortunate to be part of such a wonderful cohort.