SEBA Alumna Tackles Data Analytics Learning Curve to Land Gig at Apple

"I am here at Apple working with the HR team on talent mobility directly because of the MS in Business Analytics program," said Jamison. “The people I work with are smart and kind, the leadership is awesome, they hire the best of the best at Apple.”

Originally from Bangalore, India, Prathipa Jamison was well-traveled and already had her BS in Computer Science, having worked for companies including GE, Motorola, Cisco and SAP in India before moving to Bahrain in 2010, where she met her husband, stationed there at the time. They both moved to the United States in 2013.

Throughout her career, she worked in the field of global mobility in HR. "Since data is leading the world, and my domain expertise, I decided to switch to business analytics," said Jamison, "With my new skills I hope to help the leaders in my line of business make strategic data-driven decisions."

After they moved to Bahrain, Jamison and her husband both had an interest in the MS in Business Analytics Program. Her husband is currently working on finishing his MS in Business Analytics degree at the College. "We found that the culture, teaching methodology, curriculum of the program, and professors meet all of our expectations," said Jamison.

With her background in programming Jamison only had basic statistics knowledge when she embarked on her career change. She admits that there was a deep learning curve to landing her role and completing the program. She credits her professors and cohort at the College for her current success. "The professors are highly experienced and always available for the students like me. They keep us motivated all of the time. Cohort 2, the cohort I was in, is a diverse group and very supportive. I have to give special thanks to my professors,” said Jamison.

She first heard of the job opening through a recruiting company who reached out to her on LinkedIn. "My domain knowledge combined with my new skills from the program made me a perfect fit for the job opening." She had four rounds of interviews before she was hired. First, she had a telephone interview with peers, then a telephone interview with the hiring manager. After that, it was a face to face with an interview panel, followed by a telephone interview with the head of talent analytics.

"The MS in Business Analytics program gave me strong foundations in analytics such as tools, techniques, and programming languages to step into my career field," said Jamison, who has been at Apple since May. A day in her life includes complex tasks including developing reports using data visualization software and analytical tools, working with SQL, managing data integration and distribution as well as overseeing quality control throughout the life cycle.

“I wear my Saint Mary’s T-shirt to work at least two times a month,” said Jamison. “If it was not for my program I would be in a different place. Everything added value. What my professors taught in their classes I have been able to apply in the real world—from the interview process to what I do on a daily basis.”