Praveen Gounder

While working as a senior data analyst at Accenture, Praveen Gounder’s primary focus was data visualization. However, while he enjoyed his role, Praveen was looking for more. “I wanted to explore other aspects of data science, including data engineering, machine learning, modeling and AI,” Praveen says. “I was looking for a program that would cover all these aspects in depth. That is where Emory's MS in Business Analytics program stood out for me.”

Praveen wanted to jump back into the job market as soon as possible, so the 10-month program seemed like the perfect opportunity to gain the necessary skills to make that happen. “When I was looking for a master's program, I was looking for something that was quick and intense,” he says.

Additionally, Praveen also appreciated that each course is specifically designed for the program. The core courses through the fall semester helped him establish a solid foundation to be better prepared for selecting his electives in the spring. 

“One of the great things about Emory is the strong connections it has in the Atlanta area, which allows the program to bring in the big names from various industries, including retail, finance, and manufacturing,” Praveen says. “For my practicum, our team is working with a leading retail chain in the United States…so the practicum project is really the highlight of the program because you get to apply all the concepts that you learned in class to real-world business problems.”

Because the program is designed to help students get back to the job market quickly, it can be a bit demanding. 

“One thing that really surprised me about myself while I was doing this program is how much energy I have,” he says. “Looking back, I feel that I've accomplished more in the last six months than I did in the two years before that. Balancing coursework, assignments, and the practicum, while still finding time for yourself, has forced me to develop time management strategies that I know will stay with me long after the program ends.”