Theresa Mak

Though it may be small steps for now, Theresa Mak already feels the positive impact of Ivey Business School’s Master of Management: Analytics program (MM-A) on her career. And the future promises a significant transformation for the principal online category manager and CrossFit enthusiast.

Mak manages ecommerce for the Canadian outdoor products category of Decathlon, a one-stop global sporting goods retailer founded in France and rapidly expanding into North America.

With a business degree from the University of Science and Technology in Hong Kong, where she majored in marketing and operations, Mak has the business skills necessary to succeed in global sports market.

"I have a strong grasp of how business operates, thanks to my experience in retail, where customer feedback is immediate," said Mak. “I recognized that to advance in my career, I needed to expand my technical capabilities. This would allow me to develop more effective and sustainable solutions that drive business success. We make decisions based on the insights that data provides, so we need to be agile and stay ahead of the trends.”

Mak turned to online courses but found them lacking in relevance and practical application. She realized a formal program would provide the skills needed to mine data for actionable insights.

After researching Canadian business schools, she chose Ivey’s Master of Management: Analytics program (MM-A).

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.

For Mak, it was an opportunity to “connect like-minded young professional and share experiences. “I very curious about how to work smartly and gain the confidence from learning cutting-edge skills.”

While the fresh perspectives of professors and the exchange of ideas with classmates were key, the case-study method was the program’s biggest differentiator. “I like the case study method because we learn concepts by discussing them in class and applying them to real-life scenarios.”

But it was Mak’s commitment to class participation that is paying off early.

“I seldom raised my hand during my undergrad degree,” she admitted. “I’m not that person anymore. I told myself I needed to contribute at least once in every class, and I did.”

The difference has been remarkable.

“Now, I feel more comfortable speaking up. It’s also given me the confidence to be more active at work and share my feedback more openly.”

Learning new things

A self-proclaimed planner who “hates to do last-minute work,” Mak emphasized the importance of staying organized to succeed in the program. Residence weeks at the start of each semester set expectations and helped her form key connections with classmates and professors.

“It’s a human touch that keeps me grounded,” said Mak, who ensures she leaves time for CrossFit and a regular run. “I feel like I’m not sacrificing my personal life.”

That same approach helps her stay prepared for key moments in her career. One course – called Visualization – has been especially impactful, blending management skills with data analysis to communicate insights effectively through storytelling.

“I’ve applied what I’ve learned immediately at work,” Mak said. “The course combines both the technical and business sides of my role, helping me stay updated on the latest technology, analytics tools and trends. This has enabled me to unlock new opportunities and make a meaningful impact in my profession.”