Hackathon to hiring manager: How UBC Sauder’s Master in Business Analytics program builds future leaders
When Stacy Lu entered the UBC Sauder Master of Business Analytics (UBC MBAN) program, she was eager to sharpen her data skills and gain a competitive edge. What she didn’t expect was how the program would propel her from participating in a hackathon to becoming a hiring manager—shaping her into a leader in the field of business analytics.
“I wanted to develop a stronger foundation in data analytics, coding, and problem-solving to complement my marketing background,” Stacy shares. “UBC Sauder offered not just a strong curriculum but also a network of intelligent and supportive professors and peers. The decision to join the UBC MBAN program was an easy one.”
One of the most transformative experiences during their time at UBC Sauder was the MBAN Hackathon—a fast-paced, high-stakes competition where students work in teams to tackle real-world business challenges.
From hackathon to hired
“The hackathon was my first-ever experience participating in something like that,” Stacy recalls. “It was intense but incredibly fun. The energy in the room was electric—everyone was so motivated, and we really had to lean on each other’s strengths to succeed.”
Through this experience, she honed essential leadership and problem-solving skills.
“Delegating tasks, breaking down complex problems into manageable pieces, and maximizing team strengths—these were all critical skills I took away,” she explains. “It also helped me realize the importance of working in cross-functional teams, where everyone brings a different perspective to the table.”
That hands-on experience proved to be a game-changer when it came time to apply for internships. “During my PHSA interview, they asked me specifically about the MBAN Hackathon. It was clear they valued that kind of real-world problem-solving experience.”
With the help of UBC Sauder’s Business Career Center, Stacy landed an internship as a Business Analyst at PHSA (Provincial Health Services Authority). “At first, I was nervous because many of my peers had already secured internships. But through a UBC MBAN networking event, I connected with my future employer.”
Growing within the company
The internship at PHSA laid the foundation for a successful career trajectory. After starting as a Business Analyst, Stacy quickly proved her ability to handle complex projects and optimize team operations.
“I started by solving individual tickets and tackling problems at a granular level,” she says. “Over time, I began to take a broader perspective—how can we improve overall processes? How can we maximize team productivity?”
That mindset led to a transition into a Team Lead role, where she now oversees a team, manages workflows and contributes to strategic decision-making.
“As a leader, my focus has shifted from problem-solving on a small scale to guiding the team, ensuring they are supported, and fostering a productive work environment.”
The long-term benefits of hiring a UBC MBAN graduate
Now in a hiring position, Stacy actively seeks out UBC Sauder graduates when looking to expand their team. “If there are multiple candidates, a UBC MBAN grad is always at the top of my list to consider,” she says. “Having gone through the program myself, I’m confident that they would have the right exposure to a mix of technical skills and real-world experience.”
Stacy emphasizes that while technical skills—like coding and data visualization—are important, it’s the soft skills that make UBC MBAN graduates truly stand out.
“When we hired Stacy as a Business Analyst, we were looking for someone who could not only work through complex problems, but also bring a thoughtful, team-focused approach—and she’s done exactly that,” says William Bone, Director, Provincial Health Systems, Provincial Digital Health and Information Services.
“It was clear early on that her background from UBC Sauder had prepared her well for the role. Since then, she’s grown into a leadership position and continues to add value across our team. Her growth has been great to watch, and it speaks to the calibre of talent we’ve seen from UBC Sauder grads.”
“Hard skills can be trained. What’s harder to find are professionals who are critical thinkers, proactive problem-solvers, and adaptable in high-pressure situations,” says Stacy. “UBC MBAN students have already demonstrated these qualities through intense coursework, teamwork and experiences like the MBAN hackathon.”
Stacy has already referred and recommended multiple UBC Sauder MBAN grads to their company. “I know firsthand that they are well-prepared for fast-paced environments and bring a unique perspective to the workplace.”
Advice to future UBC MBAN students
For students currently in the UBC MBAN program or considering applying, Stacy has some key advice:
- Focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses.
“Don’t compare your shortcomings to someone else’s strengths. Every student brings unique valuable skills to the table, and the right employer will recognize that. - Fit matters.
“In interviews, we’re not just looking for skills—we’re looking for team fit. Can you work independently? Can you problem-solve without needing step-by-step guidance? Those qualities make a difference.” - Say yes to new experiences.
“Don’t hesitate—give it a shot! The UBC MBAN program offers way more than just technical training. You’ll gain leadership experience, cross-functional teamwork skills, and a strong professional network.”
“It was a life-changing experience. The friendships, the learning and the opportunities—it’s all invaluable.”
As she continues to grow in her career, she remains committed to paying it forward. Because hiring from UBC Sauder isn’t just about filling positions—it’s about building future leaders.