Ready, Set, Switch: MSBA Speed-Networking Goes Virtual

The MS in Business Analytics (MSBA) first speed-networking event was a great idea. Students were excited to meet face-to-face with representatives from leading companies in the Boston area and make important career connections in business analytics. Just like speed-dating, hiring managers and students were prepared to use fifteen minutes of face time to get to know each other a bit, hoping that it might lead to a good match. Ashley Mahanama, the MSBA’s Industry Relations Manager, sent the email to students announcing the event on April 1. And then, the University shut down.

“We mostly felt panicked for our students,” recalls Ashley, who had only been on the job since January 1. Since they were graduating in May, they were in full job-hunting mode. “There was never a question of not doing something,” she says. “It was how do we get our students what they need?”

In a matter of days, Ashley and Francois Charvet, MSBA’s Executive Director, reimagined the event and decided to hold it on Zoom. Every company already signed up, including many BU and Questrom alumni representatives, agreed to take part—and then some. The event took place without a hitch.

Silver Linings

As it turned out, the virtual platform made it easier for companies to engage. Local people didn’t have to deal with rush-hour traffic in Boston, and companies from out of state could get involved. Representatives from Amazon in Seattle and Equinox and Pepsi in New York were able to participate. “We discovered that the virtual setting is more convenient and effective,” says Ashley. “It allowed us to open up the event to new companies.”

Sherry Zuo (MSBA’20) received a job offer from a connection made at the MSBA Virtual Networking Event.

Shangkun (Sherry) Zuo (MSBA’20), was one of those students looking forward to making career connections at the in-person event. When it switched to virtual, she wasn’t disappointed. In fact, her Zoom meeting actually led to a job offer.

“I only had fifteen minutes and two other people in my session, so I tried to connect and impress,” says Sherry of her virtual meeting with Assette CEO, Thusith Mahanama (Questrom’96). “I tried to seize the opportunity.”

Sherry followed up the networking session with thank you note on LinkedIn. After several times chatting on the platform, she was offered an interview. Today, she’s Assette’s newest data/AI engineer.

What’s Next?

Questrom’s MSBA program is only two years old, but already it’s equipping students with essential skills in all areas of business analytics, ranging from data mining and experimental methods to privacy and ethics. Since the virtual event, Ashley and Francois have expanded their thinking about the future of career connections.

“Networking is not going away. Hiring is still happening. People will still be looking for ways to connect,” says Ashley. “You can’t replace face-to-face, but we can still provide good contacts with high-level hiring managers from excellent companies.”

So, don’t be surprised to see the next MSBA networking event hosted in the virtual world—whether it’s safe to gather in person or not. “I think it’s been a huge silver lining for us,” Ashley says. “I think it’s something that will continue post-COVID.”

MSBA Virtual Networking Companies

Aetna
Amazon
Assette
Boston Public Schools Office of Finance
dataxu (a Roku company)
Digitas
Drizly
Equinox
KPMG
Microsoft
PepsiCo
Staples
United Health

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