UBC Sauder MBAN offers an analytics edge in today’s digital-first economy

With in-demand analytics and AI skills, grads can transform their prospects in 12 months 

If you were a hiring manager considering a grad with business training and experience, economic smarts, and qualifications as a spreadsheet connoisseur, you'd probably bump that resume to the top of your list. But what if another candidate had that same background plus the data and statistics skills to recommend which product line your company should move ahead on first? No question—in an age where AI and connectivity are shifting decision-making into higher gear, you'd hire the data analysis expert.

You could be that grad with the edge by investing 12 months to earn a Master of Business Analytics (MBAN) at the UBC Sauder School of Business. 
 

Career pivot achieved through MBAN  

Born and educated in Dubai, Krutika Ramwani (UBC MBAN Class of 2023) was already working in audit analytics but realized she wanted to boost her career even further. After moving to Vancouver and taking the UBC MBAN, today she is manager of AI, Data and Cloud at PwC in Vancouver. “Choosing UBC Sauder was one of the best decisions I’ve made, both for my career and for my personal growth,” she says.
 

Ramwani’s success speaks to the reason that UBC Sauder started the MBAN program in the first place. “At UBC Sauder, we recognize that data is the currency of the future. The UBC Master of Business Analytics (MBAN) program is designed to empower students with the ability to not only analyze complex data but also to translate those insights into impactful business strategies. This program reflects our mission to inspire responsible leadership and drive innovation," says Darren Dahl, Dean, UBC Sauder.

Blending business and analytics, the UBC MBAN prepares grads for success in the high-growth data industry. The curriculum covers the latest in theoretical and applied knowledge, including topics from marketing to operations to data visualization to advanced analytics. Learners benefit from industry-leading faculty, small class sizes and a practical curriculum that focuses on case studies, collaboration with industry partners, and the opportunity to participate in national and global case competitions. Plus, a three-day Hackathon coached by Google engineers offers real-world experiential learning for students.
 

Like all UBC MBAN students, Ramwani embraced the opportunity for experiential learning. For students looking for that edge, working with an industry partner in an analytics-focused role means the difference between saying they’ve studied the skills and used them in an actual workplace. Students gain the opportunity to either consult on an industry project or create their own project aligned with their goals.

Personalized career coaching, networking opportunities, and mock interviews help to polish professionalism. Mentorship and training programs, career development workshops, alumni events, and UBC Sauder’s strong employer network are further benefits to joining a focused program within a powerhouse business school. Within a few months, Ramwani had a full-time offer from Deloitte to work as a senior consultant in their AI & Data team, where she worked for a year before joining PwC.

As she joined these prestigous firms, Ramwani says that the UBC MBAN made her feel like she belonged. “Academically, the MBAN program gave me the technical fluency to speak confidently about AI, data tools, and analytics strategy in client settings. The course work helped bridge the gap between theory and practice,” she says.
 

From financial analyst to AI engineer 

Kook Han (UBC MBAN Class of 2021) dreamed of a similar transition for his career. Working as a financial analyst in South Korea, he wanted to pivot to AI but knew his coding and machine learning skills were limited. “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,” he says. Today, he’s an AI/ML Engineer at PermafrostAI in Vancouver, an IT consulting company specializing in combining artificial intelligence and machine learning with business process innovation.
 

Beyond these two success stories, the UBC MBAN has an impressive employment record more generally. From the 2024 class, 77 percent were employed within three months of graduation, with salaries reaching $104,000.

A wide range of financial aid is available, and international students who are admitted are supported through the study permit application process. International students graduating with their UBC MBAN are eligible for a three-year post-graduation work permit, helping grads to gain valuable Canadian work experience. UBC Sauder also provides personalized support to admitted students who are applying for their study permits, including consultations, timelines and best practices.
 

Build a lasting network 

Grads also enjoy the advantages of life at UBC Sauder, ranked one of the top business schools in Canada. By becoming a UBC Sauder grad, students join a global community of over 52,000 alumni from 100+ countries.

Not only has Ramwani thrived in the transition to her new global city of Vancouver (she’s embraced both kayaking and skiing), but as she’s elevated her career today, she’s developed a network that she will call on for life. Small cohorts mean that UBC MBAN students get to know their classmates and professors. "UBC Sauder gave me more than just a degree. It gave me lifelong friendships, the confidence to lead, and the foundation to build a purpose-driven career in data and AI”, says Ramwani.