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Are you interested in pursuing a master of science in business analytics, but do you not have any previous analytic experience? A common misconception about the program is that students need to have an analytics background, but this is not true.

Michelle Lemieux, a current student in the  on track to complete her studies in December 2025, shared her story about entering the MSBA program without any analytics experience. She also touched upon how 91��ý���� supported her in developing new skills that helped her achieve success within the program.

Prior Experience and Sparking Interest in Analytics

Michelle’s academic and professional background was originally focused on higher education administration and healthcare coordination. 

She spent several years in administrative and project support roles at 91��ý���� and a local hospital, and gradually became more involved in data-related work. This included organizing and analyzing event and operational data, tracking budgets, optimizing workflows, and supporting system transitions. 

Over the years, she noticed a common thread in her work. Whenever she had the opportunity to work with data, whether it was evaluating event outcomes, improving office workflows, or supporting digital transitions, she felt more engaged and impactful. She realized that data was not just about numbers; it was a tool to drive better decisions and solve real-world problems. 

That realization, combined with a desire to build more advanced technical skills, inspired Michelle to pursue a master of science in business analytics. She wanted to formalize and expand what she had been doing informally for years and transition into a role where data analysis would be at the center of her work.

Overcoming Initial Hesitations and Challenges

Since Michelle did not have an educational background in analytics, she was initially hesitant to pursue the MSBA program. She had a limited math and tech background, so she was concerned she would feel behind in courses compared to her peers. Common analytical terms such as “predictive modeling” and “machine learning” felt intimidating, she said.

She also questioned whether she had the right foundation to succeed in a program that was so data-driven. But after reviewing the curriculum and speaking with others in the program, I realized that a strong interest in problem-solving and a willingness to learn were just as important as prior experience,” Michelle said. “Once I got started, I saw how the program was designed to support students from all kinds of backgrounds, including mine.

When Michelle first began her coursework, she felt that the technical concepts seemed overwhelming, especially when beginning programming or learning new statistical methods. 

“I approached it step by step. I leaned heavily on the course materials, watched lecture recordings more than once when needed, and wasn’t afraid to ask questions,” Michelle explained. “I also found it helpful to connect with classmates, whether through discussion boards or study groups, because we could talk through the material and support each other. Breaking complex topics into smaller, manageable pieces and applying them to real-world scenarios helped build my confidence and made the learning feel more intuitive over time”.

New Skills and Career Opportunities

Once Michelle established a learning process that worked for her, she was able to connect the dots between the data-related tasks she had done in her previous career roles, such as organizing event data and tracking budgets. 

“I’ve gained hands-on experience with tools like R and Power BI, and I’ve learned how to apply statistical methods such as regression and predictive modeling to real-world problems,” she said. “I’ve also built a stronger understanding of data cleaning, trend analysis, and visualization techniques. Beyond the technical side, I’ve grown more confident in approaching problems with a data-driven mindset and communicating insights clearly to different audiences.”

These skills helped Michelle significantly expand her career opportunities. Even though she is currently still in the program, she has taken on more data-focused responsibilities in her current role and has been offered a promotion that reflects both her growing skill set and the value of advanced analytics in the program. 

Her skills have also opened the door to new roles she otherwise would not have been qualified for before, particularly in research, evaluation, and data strategy. The combination of technical training and real-world application has made her a stronger candidate for positions that require both analytical thinking and practical insight.

Once she completes our program, Michelle is interested in roles that blend data analysis with strategic decision-making, such as:

• Data analyst
• Research and evaluation specialist
• Business intelligence analyst

She is especially drawn to positions where she can use data to improve processes, inform policy, or support institutional effectiveness, particularly in higher education or mission-driven organizations. “I want to be in a role where I can turn insights into impact,” Michelle said.

Michelle’s Advice for Those Without an Analytics Background Considering an MSBA

Michelle’s advice to those considering an MSBA, who may be worried about not having an analytics background, is as follows: 

“Do not let the lack of an analytics background hold you back. If you are curious, motivated, and willing to learn, you already have what it takes to succeed. The program is designed to support students from diverse backgrounds, and you will be surprised how quickly things start to click when you engage with the material. Take it one step at a time, use the resources available, and do not be afraid to ask questions. Everyone starts somewhere, and bringing a different perspective to the table can actually be a strength, not a limitation.”

How 91��ý���� Supports Students

Something Michelle appreciated right off the bat was how accessible the MSBA program felt, even without a technical background. She believed the instructors were approachable and explained complex concepts in ways that made sense, often tying them to real-world applications. 

There were also plenty of resources available like tutoring, discussion boards, recorded lectures, and hands-on assignments that allowed her to learn at her own pace. She never felt like she was on her own. The structure of the program and the support systems in place really helped bridge the gap for someone coming in with a non-analyst background.

Begin Your Business Analytics Academic Journey

Whether you have experience in business analytics or not, our MSBA program will support you every step of the way so you can be successful within the program and beyond. 

Feel free to reach out with any questions, or, if you are ready to get started, apply to our program today.