Ethan Li

After having several internships within the financial industry, Ethan Li saw a need to improve his analytical skillset. “During those internships, I saw a deep need for analytical skills, and many of the higher ups had fluency in many languages and different software that I wanted to pursue and master,” Ethan says. “I wanted to supplement my skills in finance with those analytical skills.” 

After studying finance and information systems while earning his Bachelor of Business Administration from Goizueta, his next step was clear in applying to the school’s MS in Business Analytics program. The New York-native wanted to stay close to the east coast near family but still seek a new experience. 

Some of his experience in the program included leadership opportunities, including being named the project manager of his capstone project. In his role, Ethan has been able to facilitate and create deadlines for his group based on the business problem presented, as well as work directly with faculty and staff to keep everything aligned and on track. 

The MSBA program offers hands-on experiential learning for all students, allowing them to work directly with companies facing real problems. “As for real-world clients, there are many opportunities for students within the program to work with those with industries like supply chain, FinTech and finance,” Ethan says. These immersive experiences have enabled Ethan to improve his hard skills, as well as his soft skills. 

“I think the biggest improvement that I've seen within myself within the program is in terms of technological fluency,” he says. “Being able to converse in the language of code with stakeholders on the business side, and joining that with the analytical side, I feel like I have the confidence and the ability to speak with individuals about whatever is included in that space.” Many of the projects in the MSBA program are team-based, and because of the diversity within the cohort, Ethan has been able to improve how he communicates, helping him prepare to join the data team at Invesco in Atlanta post-graduation. 

“Many times, there were inconsistencies with views, and I think being able to be part of that and helping individuals, including myself, navigate those boundaries and those difficulties really helped me improve as a person,” Ethan says. “Overall, I think it'll really transition to the workforce where there are those cultural boundaries and those different sets of work ideals.”