The hands-on approach to revolutionizing tech learning

After only six weeks in Madrid, Andrea is already enjoying the benefits of the IE University way of teaching and learning: the hands-on approach.

Applying real-world knowledge from the start

After very little time in Spain, Andrea is already seeing the benefits of studying the program take effect. Focusing on the development of skills in data science, business transformation and big data, the Master in Business Analytics & Big Data features a hands-on approach to teaching and learning. Students don’t have to have experience, or even a background in technology and data, for the program to empower them to learn more and offer them directly applicable knowledge for their business ambitions.

Because of this approach, Andrea was excited about starting the new semester. She chose to study this program because she wanted a strategic approach to data science and data analysis. She lauds the professors because, as she says, “they actually work on data projects and know the real world, and how they can apply their technical knowledge in companies.” This is key to the practical, entrepreneurial focus of the programs at IE University.

Andrea has loved the pleasant autumnal weather and the late sunsets because she has more time to enjoy and explore the city. And she’s already confident that by the time the program ends, she will be able to see a clear difference from when she first started the program. She said, “I think that this program will give me more insights into how I can manage different kinds of projects, and also give me more confidence in myself about the things I already know.”

Encouraging diversity in the tech industry

Andrea’s experience is in the banking sector, but she knows that technology is taking over in all aspects of life. She believes it’s important for large banks to update their operations to compete with fintech and digital banks. As for the technology industry, data has been described as “the new oil,” with businesses moving toward hiring more data scientists, opening opportunities for experts in the field like Andrea. “Nowadays,” she tells us, “any industry needs data science. There’s so much data out there, but few people know how to use it, and how to convert it into knowledge.”

Another aspect of the program that caught her attention straight away is the diversity of the cohort. The tech industry is traditionally male-dominated, and Andrea admits that in Peru, it’s still that way. But as soon as she came to IE University, she saw the difference. Almost half of her program are women, in stark contrast to her undergraduate experience. With diversity one of IE University’s core values, Andrea only has good things to say about the program and the institution.

She encourages prospective students to enroll in the Master in Business Analytics and Big Data, knowing that by the end they will understand the whole concept of big data, and have a firm grasp of leadership and innovation. She even stressed that they don’t need to be “the perfect person who can code or who knows about technology. I think that if you have the motivation to be in this program and you genuinely enjoy it, you’ll do great.”

The Master in Business Analytics is all about opportunity in the digital business age. People like Andrea, who are motivated and passionate about artificial intelligence and big data, will graduate as tech leaders ready to apply what they’ve learned in a successful tech career.