First MSBA Graduate Applies Classroom Lessons to Career
ALBANY, N.Y. (Sept. 24, 2024) — This past May, UAlbany student Reilly Coleman became the first student to graduate from the Massry School of Business with a Master's Degree in Business Analytics (MSBA).
The new program provides students with the skillset to harness large datasets in order to efficiently design effective business policies. Students learn techniques derived from various fields, including business, economics, statistics and computer science.
For Coleman, a Niskayuna native, the path to her MSBA was as unexpected as it was successful. She had started her undergraduate studies at St. John’s University in Queens, before deciding after one semester to transfer closer to home.
“As much as I wanted to try something new, it wasn't the right timing for me yet,” said Coleman. “My parents (Rachel Coleman, '89, Anthropology and Eric Coleman, '94, Psychology) were more than supportive because, funny enough, they both attended UAlbany and are proud alumni. My dad was on the football team when he attended, so growing up my family had season tickets to several sports. UAlbany is a great school, close to home, and I was excited to be a legacy student.”
Still, as an undergraduate at UAlbany during the height of COVID-19, Coleman’s first two semesters in 2020 were relatively quiet. An event planner at heart, Coleman and her roommate vowed not to let the pandemic disrupt their college experiences as they mapped out the clubs and activities that they would take part in once restrictions eased.
“Starting in high school, one thing I always wanted to do was to become an event planner. I also had extreme interest in public relations,” said Coleman, who received her bachelor’s degree from UAlbany in 2023. “When I came to UAlbany, I decided my best option was to be a Communication major.”
Coleman enjoyed her classes and the small circle of students within her major. A dancer since her childhood, Coleman also joined three dance clubs: UAlbany Dance Council, Bloodline and The Ronin. It was through her dance connections that she also joined Fuerza Latina, an all-inclusive, Latino-based group founded in 1972 that is dedicated to exploring all aspects of Latino culture.
“One of my closest friends was in Fuerza Latina and an e-board position opened up and he encouraged me to apply,” said Coleman. “Even though I am not Latina — I am half-Black and half-Irish — they were more than welcoming and it allowed me to feel a part of a community.”
Becoming a Graduate Business Student
As much as she was enjoying the full experience of student life at UAlbany, it was during a class to complete her minor in Business Administration within the Massry School of Business that she was introduced to the world of business analytics.
“Professor Eliot Rich attended and spoke on the Business Analytics certificate for undergraduate students. I instantly wanted to do the certificate and I asked to sign up for the following class, even though I wasn’t a business major,” said Coleman. “I had an amazing advisor, Joseph Murphy, who helped me plan a schedule around trying to achieve the certificate while getting my bachelor’s degree in Communication.”
In the last few months of Coleman’s senior year, the MSBA program was introduced and Coleman instantly knew she wanted to remain stay an extra year at UAlbany and earn a second degree.
During the program, Coleman acquired the necessary skills to succeed in business analyst positions within fields such as finance, marketing, accounting, retail, supply chain, healthcare management, human resources or many other industries.
Starting a Career as a Business Analyst
Now, Coleman is UAlbany’s first graduate of the MSBA program, which has led to her starting professional career as an allocations coordinator/business analyst for Empire Merchants North. She points to the data programs she learned while studying for her MSBA as highly valuable.
“During the coursework for the MSBA, we learned Excel, Python, SQL, Tableau, R and so many more. My current career uses similar applications, so it was an easy shift into using them,” said Coleman.
Additionally, many of the projects she worked on were reflective of real-life situations that could be seen in the workplace.
“In my current position, I have already been noticed for my initiative and drive in trying to maximize data, and I wouldn’t have been able to perform this way without the MSBA program,” said Coleman. “I was prepared in getting a career not only with knowledge but confidence and excitement.”
Coleman’s responsibilities at work include organizing data to ensure the business stays within parameters and to work closely with customers.
“I enjoy my job and have gained new knowledge and met great people. I’m excited to be in the industry and continue to learn more perspectives of business analytics,” said Coleman.
The MSBA program is a full-time one-year, or part-time two-year 30-credit program for students interested in learning the latest techniques for analyzing large data sets to gain business insights. It includes 27 credits of coursework over the fall and spring semester and a field research or consulting project worth 3 credits It’s suitable for recent undergraduate students, individuals changing careers and for those looking to upgrade their skill set to include the theory and practice of business analytics.