With a background in science and a passion for analytics, Masters of Science in Business Analytics alumna, Elizabeth Deneff, embodies the interdisciplinary spirit of the program and we are thrilled to highlight her story and accomplishments postgrad.
Major Impact
Growing up in Barrington, a suburb of Chicago, Elizabeth stayed true to her Midwest roots by completing her Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology and certificates in Global Health and Education/Educational Services at UW-Madison before joining the MSBA program. Following her graduation from MSBA in 2023, Elizabeth returned to the Chicago area and now resides in Lincoln Park where she blends her educational background as a consultant for Impact Advisors, a healthcare management consulting firm. In her role, Elizabeth oversees a range of responsibilities, from managing projects and creating deliverables for both client and internal initiatives, to conducting research, supporting operations and recruiting efforts, and coordinating events.
New Avenues
Prior to the MSBA program, Elizabeth had little opportunity to explore data analysis in depth. Aside from lab-based assignments requiring basic analysis of results, her undergraduate degree offered limited exposure to the field. “I took a statistics course my senior year of undergrad that was all R Studio based. It was one of the reasons I got interested in the MSBA program,” she shares. Building on that newly discovered passion for analytics, Elizabeth found that the program quickly strengthened her ability to uncover insights and craft compelling stories from data. “Learning coding languages like Python, SQL, and R Studio allowed me to broaden my career search, opening me up to opportunities I wouldn’t have been qualified for prior to completing the program,” shares Elizabeth. Beyond technical skills, coding and learning to decipher bugs and workarounds strengthened Elizabeth’s problem-solving mindset that applies to all contexts. “It taught me how to take a step back, look at things differently, and try avenues I typically wouldn’t think to look at.”
Elizabeth credits the program with expanding not only her skillset, but her personal and professional network. “Some of my closest friends are from this program and I will always cherish those friendships.”
Develop a Clear Vision
To current and future students, she also stresses the importance of taking a thoughtful approach to the recruiting process. Using her interests and goals to develop a clear vision of her desired career path proved to be an effective guide for Elizabeth when applying for roles post-grad. “Recruiters can tell when you’re passionate and actually interested in the position you’re applying for!” she emphasizes. For Elizabeth, every course in the program was a chance to explore new possibilities and she encourages students to do the same as they discover where their passions lie.
We can’t wait to see where the rest of your journey takes you Elizabeth and are very appreciative of how you continue to give back to the program!
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