Bridging data and strategy: How UBC Sauder’s MBAN empowers students to transform data into actionable business impact 

The Master of Business Analytics (MBAN) program at UBC Sauder is designed to merge the technical rigour of data with the strategic thinking of business. With a faculty comprised of diverse, research-driven professors, students are immersed in a curriculum that’s as innovative as it is practical. The program equips students with skills to navigate real-world challenges, preparing them to become leaders at the intersection of data and business. 

Learning from diverse students and faculty 

Immersed in a vibrant community of folks from diverse industries like finance, supply chain management, marketing and computer science, Linlin Li gained invaluable perspectives on data-driven business applications. 

The MBAN program offered a holistic perspective that broadened her understanding of analytics and its role in different parts of a business. 

"The professors dove deep into their research areas, but what stood out was how they connected data with business strategy,” says Li. “For instance, in my marketing class, it wasn’t just about marketing analytics—it was about bridging customers with the entire business ecosystem.” 

Building confidence through hands-on learning

For Ruochen Shen, the MBAN offered numerous opportunities to apply her technical skills in real-world settings. During her internship at Fastloop, she delved into dashboard development and data modeling—projects that tested and expanded her abilities.  

“I worked on data ingestion processes and dashboards, and when I wanted to explore more advanced technical tasks, my supervisor encouraged me to take ownership,” she says.  

Shen credits UBC Sauder’s Business Career Center for providing personalized career support. 

“The BCC’s Career Strategists helped refine my resume and guided me through a targeted job search, which made all the difference in landing an impactful internship.” she adds. “Now, as a full-time Business Analyst at Fastloop full-time, I’m incredibly grateful that my internship was such a perfect match for my skills and career goals.” 

The UBC MBAN Hackathon, in partnership with Google Cloud, further shaped her experience as she competed alongside classmates and tackled real-world business problems by combining technical expertise and teamwork with strategic thinking. The team’s ability to integrate technical insights with business solutions earned them a second-place finish. 

“We learned to collaborate effectively, drawing on each other’s strengths,” she recalls. 

Applying skills from the classroom to the workforce 

Li and Shen both received full-time offers following their internships. In fact, 51% of UBC Sauder’s MBAN Class of 2023 students converted their internships into full-time positions.  

Li, who continued working at AlgaeCal following her internship, credits the program with equipping her to view data from a holistic business perspective, helping her make strategic decisions informed by analytics. 

“The MBAN taught me to stay calm, tackle new challenges, and ask questions when needed,” she says, noting that this adaptability has been crucial in her role. 

Shen, now a full-time employee at Fastloop, emphasized how the MBAN program prepared her to work as the only intern in her fast-paced, technical role. 

“The MBAN classroom trained us to be comfortable with being uncomfortable,” she says. “That mindset is so transferable to the working world—learning new tools, asking questions, and pushing through imposter syndrome.” 

Nicole H., Shen’s Manager and a UBC Sauder alumna, has also seen the problem-solving mindset and tenacity that Shen brings in her day-to-day work.  

“From Day 1, Shen shows strong ability to apply her Data and Analytics knowledge to client projects here at Fastloop. Her aptitude for learning, proactivity and strong work ethic positions her to immediately add value irrespective of the types of projects or industries,” says Nicole H., Business Strategy & Outcomes Lead at Fastloop. “We are impressed by her continuous growth both with her analytical skills and business acumen as she consistently seeks out opportunities to learn and collaborate with others.” 

Advice for students interested in analytics 

Li encourages applicants who are curious about the program to showcase their full range of qualities during the application process and to be open to making new connections. 

“Highlight every part of yourself—leadership skills, teamwork experiences, curiosity. Even without a technical background, the program will help you develop in both business and data,” she says. “Have an open mind and embrace new opportunities to meet people. I’ve learned so much from my classmates’ and faculty’s diverse perspectives. It really helped open my eyes to new ways of thinking and I feel lucky to have been a part of such a supportive community.” 

Li and Shen’s journeys through the UBC Sauder MBAN program are testaments to how curiosity and a passion for data and problem-solving can drive success.  

“The MBAN program didn’t just teach us how to work with data—it taught us how to think differently, ask the right questions, create real solutions and build a lasting network of friends along the way,” Shen reflects. “That’s something I’ll carry forward wherever my career takes me.”