Charting a career in AI with the UBC Sauder MBAN
For Kook Han, the leap from financial analysis to artificial intelligence was driven by a passion for continuous learning and a desire to embrace emerging technologies. After four years as a Financial Analyst in South Korea, Han decided to reshape his career by pursuing a UBC Master of Business Analytics (MBAN) at the Robert H. Lee Graduate School, UBC Sauder School of Business. Today, as an AI/ML Engineer at PermafrostAI, he’s leveraging data science and machine learning to deliver impactful solutions.
Where are you from, and where are you currently based?
I’m originally from South Korea, and I’ve been based in Vancouver, Canada, for the last few years.
What are you passionate about—personally or professionally?
I’m motivated by continuous learning, particularly in emerging technologies that create efficiency, innovation, and value within teams and organizations.
Can you walk us through your career journey?
After graduating with my UBC MBAN in 2022, I started as a Data Science Intern at Canada Drives, where I was fortunate to collaborate with Professor Harish Krishnan on pricing and inventory optimization projects.
In 2023, I started as a Junior Data Scientist at Licker Geospatial Consulting, which gave me hands-on experience in the field. From there, I moved on to Rogers as a Data Scientist, where I had the chance to work on exciting machine learning (ML) projects and play a key role in helping the company adopt large language models (LLMs) and AI technologies.
In April 2025, I joined PermafrostAI, a Vancouver-based strategic advisory and technical services firm that helps clients achieve business outcomes by applying artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). As an AI/ML Engineer, I get to work on implementing solutions with cloud tools and developing RAG- and agent-based systems, which have been both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
What is one highlight of your career that you’re especially proud of?
One of my proudest accomplishments is successfully shifting from a finance background to a career in data science. Before coming to Canada, I worked for four years as a Financial Analyst at Samsung and General Electric in Seoul, Korea, with limited exposure to coding and machine learning.
To make this career change, I pursued the UBC MBAN, which gave me a strong foundation in analytics and data science. The program’s excellent faculty and strong career support exceeded my expectations, and completing it gave me the skills and confidence to really thrive and make meaningful contributions in my data science and AI roles.
How did your experience at UBC Sauder shape your career path or contribute to your growth?
I chose the UBC MBAN because it strikes a strong balance between technical training and real-world business applications. The program’s focus on discussions, presentations, and case studies prepared me to think critically about how data and analytics can drive decision-making and innovation. These skills have been essential in every role I’ve taken on since graduation. As someone who has always been interested in leveraging technology to solve business problems, the UBC MBAN was the perfect fit for me.
Is there a standout memory or moment from your time at UBC Sauder that you often reflect on?
In the early days of the program, I struggled with confidence due to my limited proficiency in English. However, the support and encouragement from my classmates made a lasting impression. I especially remember the Google-MBAN Hackathon. I was nervous about presenting in English, but my team cheered me on and helped me through it. UBC also offered valuable resources, such as the free Learning Exchange Program, which helped me improve my communication skills and build confidence.
What advice would you give to someone considering a business education at UBC Sauder?
UBC Sauder isn’t just about building a strong academic foundation; it’s also a place where you can connect with incredible peers, supportive faculty, and industry professionals. My advice is to make the most of every networking opportunity. The diverse connections you build here can truly enrich your learning experience, open doors you didn’t expect, and give you a whole new perspective on your career and goals.