Latika Kakwani started her career as a software tester after completing her undergraduate studies in computer science. A few years later, she knew she wanted to take her career in a new direction, drawn as she was to the emerging field of data analytics. She soon made the leap, a decision that led her to the Master in Business Analytics & Data Science* at IE School of Science & Technology.
Today, she’s the data analytics manager at NatWest Group in London, helping stakeholders solve complex business challenges through a data-led approach.
Why choose the Master in Business Analytics & Data Science?
When Latika chose to pivot from software testing, she knew she wanted to move into a more future-forward industry that would build on her expertise. With her background in computer science and experience with SQL, plus the know-how she’d already gained in testing, data analytics became a natural next step.
But finding a master’s program that offered the mix of technical knowledge and practical application she was looking for proved challenging, as options were limited in her home country, India.
So Latika expanded her search, and she discovered the Master in Business Analytics & Data Science at IE University. The program had all the elements she needed to launch a new career in data analytics: “It had exactly what I wanted,” she says. Her husband was also considering a job change at the time, and they made the joint decision to move to Madrid.
The program that changed her career trajectory
Beyond a strong foundation in theory, the program provided Latika with essential hands-on practice with the latest tools and skills used in the data industry. From Python, R and SQL to data visualization and machine learning, she developed a broad technical skill set that she now leverages in her role. “Right now, I’m using every single concept that I learned,” she admits.
She also benefited from a diverse cohort of professionals, each bringing different perspectives and levels of experience.
“Of around 40 students in the class, there were very few from the same country or culture. It was the first time in my life that I had such a global, diversified experience.”
Working collaboratively with international classmates and interacting with world-class professors provided additional inspiration and confidence as she progressed through the program.
Outside the classroom, Latika made the most of other opportunities to gain practical exposure and expand her network. She joined the IE Big Data & AI Club and helped organize different events and projects, including a hackathon that invited judges from leading organizations such as Bank of America. She also took advantage of talent summits, career fairs and company events to build connections with leaders in the field.
Bridging the gap between technical skill and business impact
Right after graduation, Latika returned to India to take on her first data role as a senior data analyst for NatWest Group. Since then, she’s worked her way up to more senior positions and was even offered a chance to relocate to London. “They really liked my work and trusted me, and they wanted me to grow in my career.” Now, as a data analytics manager, she manages a team working with more than 50 stakeholders to deliver data-driven solutions across the audit function.
“It has always been about technical caliber or the kind of good work a person is doing.”
In her role, Latika harnesses her technical expertise to solve real business challenges. Her team supports internal audits by analyzing large datasets with tools such as Python and AI to drive insights, identify anomalies and recognize patterns.
Besides that, she’s also responsible for prioritizing projects based on business impact. As data and AI become more embedded in audit processes, Latika has seen a shift from retrospective auditing to real-time continuous monitoring, enabling her and her team to work more efficiently. Her work is a clear example of the growing importance of professionals’ ability to combine technical skill with an understanding of business needs.
For women considering a data career
When Latika decided to pursue data analytics, she knew she would be entering a male-dominated industry. While that’s still the case, she explains that her career progression has been based on performance and merit, rather than gender. “It’s always been about technical caliber or the good work a person is doing,” she notes.
In fact, that’s been her experience throughout her journey. Looking back on her time at IE University, she remembers some female peers in the Master in Business Analytics & Data Science who made an impact on her. “Some of them were quite inspirational for me,” states Latika. “They had more experience than I did in the industry, so it was quite interesting to learn how they were leading as managers.”
“The Master in Business Analytics & Data Science had exactly what I wanted.”
She also remembers being “very impressed” by the female professors in the program. For women considering entering the world of data analytics, this alum offers nothing but encouragement, emphasizing that in her experience, success often comes down to skill. She advises anyone hoping to pursue this path to master the fundamentals, network relentlessly and get involved in extracurricular activities like clubs and industry events.
Continuing to grow in the evolving world of data analytics
As Latika continues to grow in her career, she’s focused on advancing to a director-level role and, in the long term, leading a data analytics function. Her journey from software testing to data analytics management at a global financial institution reflects the growing opportunities in this dynamic field, as well as the value of building both a technical and practical foundation.
For now, she’s enjoying the challenges and growth that come with her current role, while relishing the experience of living in London, both on a personal and a professional level. If you’re considering a similar path, Latika’s story shows how the right mindset and skills can open the door to a long-term career in data analytics.
*During Latika’s studies, the program was called Master in Business Analytics & Big Data.
