Latika Kakwani is now a Data Analytics Manager at NatWest Group in London. After several years working in software testing, she made a deliberate career shift into data analytics, looking for a path that felt more technically challenging and offered stronger long-term growth. She joined our Master in Business Analytics & Data Science* to build the skills, confidence, and international exposure needed to make that transition.
From software testing to analytics leadership
Latika began her career after completing a degree in computer engineering in her hometown in India. She then worked in software testing for around five to six years, largely in the telecom sector. Over time, she realized she wanted work that felt more intellectually stimulating and gave her more room to apply both logic and creativity.
“I had a background in coding and I was interested in finding a job where I could use more of an analytical and creative mindset,” she said.
After completing the master’s, Latika continued building her career in analytics and later progressed into management. “Since then, I’ve been working in NatWest group as a data analytics manager,” she explained. The role also supported her international move. “This role has brought me a lot of opportunities and growth, including the chance to relocate from India to London.”
Why Latika chose the Master in Business Analytics and Data Science
Latika said her decision came from a mix of professional ambition and personal timing. She wanted a career that would stretch her technical skills while also pushing her into more creative problem-solving. At the time, data analytics was still emerging as a study area, and she found there were limited options available.
“My decision was based on a blend of professional and personal aspirations,” she said. “Professionally, I was looking for a career that would challenge my technical abilities and foster creative problem-solving. At that time, data analytics was quite new, and there weren’t many universities offering degrees in this area.”
For Latika, IE University offered exactly what she wanted. “IE University’s Master in Business Analytics and Data Science had exactly what I wanted.”
She also shared that the experience had an extra personal dimension. Her husband was ready to continue studying too, and they completed their degrees at the same time. “It was fun going back to student life together after being married and working,” she said.
What Latika took from the program
One of Latika’s strongest memories of the master’s was the international environment. She described the cohort as truly global, with very few people sharing the same background.
“One of the most important takeaways from my experience at IE University was the opportunity to work with such a diverse group of students,” she said.
“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.”
That diversity translated into practical skills she continued using. “The program’s emphasis on teamwork and collaboration gave me skills that I use today in my career,” she said. She also explained how the experience strengthened her ability to work across cultures and perspectives. “Working alongside classmates from different backgrounds broadened my perspectives and helped me adapt to diverse working environments.”
For Latika, those communication skills stayed relevant well beyond graduation. “The cross-cultural communication skills I gained have been invaluable in my current role in London,” she said.
Latika’s advice to future students
Latika’s first recommendation was to treat career development as something you start immediately, not something you leave to the end of the program.
“My first piece of advice is definitely to prioritize networking and career events from the beginning,” she said. “Building your professional network and actively looking for opportunities is important for your career prospects after graduation.”
She highlighted the role of IE Talent & Careers and encouraged students to use the resources fully.
“IE Talent & Careers provides so many resources, career events and talent summits, which you should take advantage of,” she said. She also pointed out how proactive follow-up made a difference. “It’s important to make connections with people on LinkedIn and follow up with recruiters after meeting them.”
Her second piece of advice was about preparation, especially for students without a technical background. “My second piece of advice is to take some basic programming courses if you don’t have a technical background,” she said. “That will help you start the classes with a solid foundation so you don’t struggle with the initial learning curve of the program.”
A career shift built on momentum
Latika’s path shows what’s possible when you treat a master’s as a turning point, not a pause. She entered the program with professional experience, a technical foundation, and a clear goal: move into analytics work that challenged her and opened new doors. After graduating, she built momentum in data roles and grew into a management position at NatWest Group, applying both technical and collaborative skills in an international environment.
*During Latika’s studies, the program was called Master in Business Analytics & Big Data.
