When Candace Chan, MM-A ’25, began exploring data management, she quickly realized two things stood between her and a stronger career: deeper technical skills and a solid grounding in business.

“I fell into the role, honestly,” she said. “I developed an interest in data at a previous job and taught myself everything I could. But with so many resources online, it can get overwhelming. I wanted structured learning—a foundation that would help me understand AI and machine learning, and how they connect to real business problems.”

That search led her to Ivey Business School’s Master of Management in Analytics (MM-A) program. Soon after beginning the program, Chan started working full-time at GreenShield Insurance as an Advanced Analytics Business Partner, developing dashboards and data insights for teams across the company. Most programs required her to study full-time, which wasn’t an option. Ivey’s blended model—combining online learning with in-person sessions—was the perfect fit.

“What really won me over was the case study method,” she said. “I liked that I wouldn’t just sit through lectures or read articles but engage in discussions and apply what I learned to real business situations.”

Returning to the classroom after a decade away came with challenges, but the support of her managers and teammates greatly helped her adjust to balancing work and study. “Balancing a full-time job and school was tough at first,” she said. “But the program’s format helped. Once I found my rhythm, it became manageable.”

The monthly in-person sessions became highlights for her. “Meeting classmates and learning from their experiences was incredibly valuable,” she said. “You realize everyone comes from different industries, but we’re all tackling similar challenges with data.”

One course that stood out was Professor Glenn Rowe’s strategy class. “It helped me see how my work fits into the company’s bigger picture. When executives talk about where we’re headed, I understand the factors influencing those decisions.”

The program also sharpened her understanding of AI. “In class, we talked a lot about both the potential and the limitations of AI,” she said. “Now, when those conversations happen at work, I can engage meaningfully.”

Since joining GreenShield in September—the same month she began the MM-A—Chan’s growth has been constant. She now approaches data not just as numbers, but as a story tied to strategy and impact.

“I didn’t expect what I learned to apply so quickly,” she said. “The business foundation Ivey gave me helps me connect data solutions to real organizational needs.”

As GreenShield advances with the rise of AI, Chan feels ready to contribute. “There’s still so much to learn, but Ivey gave me the confidence and the framework to keep growing,” she said.

“It’s definitely helping me figure out what comes next.”