Student Spotlight: Meet Sonali Pandit 24MSBA
In this series of student spotlights, we’re excited to highlight students from various programs to delve into their unique journeys and future plans. Join us in discovering more about Sonali Pandit through this insightful Q&A
Name: Sonali Pandit
Program: MS in Business Analytics (MSBA), Class of 2024
Hometown: Bangalore, India
Career aspiration: Data Scientist
What inspired you to transition from your role as a decision scientist at Mu Sigma to pursuing advanced analytics at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School?
After graduating, I worked as a decision scientist at a decision sciences firm called Mu Sigma. I discovered that solving business problems using data-driven decision making was fascinating and I wanted to learn more in-depth about it. That’s what made me decide to pursue an MS in Business Analytics (MSBA).
Could you share some insights into your experience working as a data science analyst at Koch Business Solutions?
What I knew about data science came from the work I had done. I wanted to learn why I am doing what I am doing and wanted to explore that further.
How has your passion for analytics evolved over time, and what motivated you to pursue a career in this field?
By using analytics and discovering simple patterns in data, a company can save millions of dollars! This fact in itself is as good a reason as any.
As a part-time student supervisor at the library and a member of Emory Savera, an Indian classical dance fusion group, how do you balance your academic and extracurricular commitments?
By making sure I plan my week well in advance. Using alarms and calendar reminders to make sure I remembered all my commitments. And while I was working on something, I would try my best to stay in the moment and focus.
What is your favorite memory from your time at Goizueta Business School, and why does it stand out to you?
The MSBA course is a slightly tech-heavy degree compressed into 10 months. It is very strenuous and you’re always busy. It taught me that I am now equipped to solve any problem that is put in front of me. It may not be the best solution, but it would definitely be one that solves the problem.
Can you tell us about your favorite class or course at Goizueta, and what made it memorable or impactful for you?
My favorite class is “Business Statistics.” It was part of the summer bootcamp and was taught for just three weeks. But no other course has taught me core concepts the way it had. Every alternate class had a quiz and although they were really hard to crack, I’m sure everyone ended up learning something.
Interested in exploring MS in Business Analytics opportunities? Learn more about Goizueta’s MS in Business Analytics program.
