Divine Nkurunziza

Divine Nkurunziza knows how to talk tech. After completing her undergraduate degree in Ghana, she received her master’s degree in information technology at Carnegie Mellon University, focusing on cybersecurity. But while working on several projects during her master’s program, she realized she was missing a key piece of the puzzle.

“What I realized during those two projects is that it’s true that technical skills are important given that they are technical projects, but the most challenging part for me was how to communicate with the leadership team,” she says. “It was okay if we were talking to the IT team, but when it came to talking to the leadership team, it's like we were speaking two languages.”

Divine quickly realized she needed to speak both the technical and the business languages to eventually move into the consulting world. Her path led her directly to the MS in Business Analytics program, which she says was a perfect match. “I looked at different schools and different programs, and I came across the Master's of Science in Business Analytics, and that's the one that caught my attention, because it's what I was looking for in growing this communication skill in the business world and being able to make data-driven decisions.”

At Goizueta, Divine has strengthened those skills both inside and outside the classroom. Her diverse cohort has broadened her perspective, while her professors have challenged her to think differently and approach problems from new angles. Just as important, she says, has been the support she has received along the way.

“My experience with the faculty is that they are very approachable and supportive,” she says. “They are always willing to share and give you time for discussion. I don't see them doing it as their job – it's their passion. You can see that you are with faculty who care about you and who are happy to see you succeeding.”