Nidhi Patel

While microscopes, test tubes and lab coats may be in her past, Nidhi Patel is building on her data skills to turn data into decisions — and advance her career.

As a Senior Analyst at Mylan Pharmaceuticals o/a Viatris in Toronto, specializing in pricing strategies and government relations, Patel saw an opportunity to enhance her expertise through Ivey Business School’s one-year Master of Management: Analytics (MM-A) program.

Designed for professionals, the 12-month program blends online and in-class experiences in downtown Toronto, incorporating Ivey’s renowned Case-Method Learning to develop both technical and leadership skills essential in today’s data-driven world. Patel is embracing this opportunity wholeheartedly.

“I was introduced to data collection in undergrad through cell biology and chemistry, two disciplines that make use of different types of data,” said Patel, who brought her skills to Viatris after working in the corporate office of Shoppers Drug Mart, where her love for data began. “It’s a different type of data but I was still collecting it and presenting it. That’s where science and data merged for me.”

At Viatris, a pharmaceutical manufacturer and supplier to hospitals and government facilities, she recognized the potential of using big data to drive strategy. The MM-A program provided the skills to bridge the gap between raw data and actionable insights.

“I wanted to use my degree in the work that I was doing and build on the skills I already had,” said Patel.

A formal program

“I had very basic skills when it came to data processing,” said Patel. “But I was interested in using program languages to convert data into actionable insights. Through the program, I’ve already been introduced to new programming languages such as Python and SQL and I’m using them in my day-to-day work right now.”

The impact has been immediate. Patel can now analyze large data sets and present insights to her manager, helping streamline processes and improve decision-making.

Looking over the landscape of business schools, Patel chose Ivey’s program for its excellent reputation, flexible format and global alumni network, a network that is already evident in the MM-A program.

“It’s great to be building those relationships and have friendships beyond the program.”

Coming from a science background, Patel had never encountered case-based learning before, which initially made her nervous. But the diverse perspectives in her MM-A class — from finance and health care to supply chain — broadened her approach to problem-solving.

With a rich diversity of backgrounds among her classmates and “amazing professors,” Patel loves the ability to work through the cases and hear the opinions of her colleagues.

“It’s really helped me learn how to approach problems from different angles.”

A big step

“I won’t lie. The first semester was challenging because I hadn’t been in school for nearly four years.”

While challenging, the structured schedule and strong friendships within the program kept her on track. “Having colleagues to brainstorm with was super important during the tough times.”

Despite the challenges, the rewards are already evident to Patel. With new programming languages in her belt right now, she is attracted to the technical side of the pharmaceutical industry – even perhaps moving into research and development.

Her advice to prospective students?

“Balancing school, work and your personal life can be a lot,” she said. “My advice would be to learn everything you possibly can and just enjoy the journey.”