Changes lay ahead for Dorothy He, MM-A ’25, Market Research Manager at HarrisX – a global market research and strategy consulting firm supporting mid-sized to Fortune 100 companies across 40 countries.

Her first major challenge came halfway through Ivey Business School’s Master of Management: Analytics program (MM-A) when Dorothy’s manager left the company, placing her in the lead role on many projects. The program – a combination of data management and leadership skills – gave Dorothy the confidence to navigate the shift from analyst to research manager.

“The data and coding courses were particularly important because, although I had some exposure, I didn’t excel in those areas coming from a business background,” said Dorothy, who explained her Bachelor of Commerce program had left a few gaps in her “tool kit.”

Her interest in analytics began with a curiosity about what happens behind the scenes in data science. Although her role involves scoping analytical needs and translating insights, she had never been fully involved in the technical process. After several certificate courses, she realized she needed deeper, hands-on training. The MM-A program filled that gap and now directly informs her day-to-day work.

After talking to some friends who had transitioned from commerce into data analytics, she quickly learned about Ivey’s excellent reputation as a leading business school and the practical nature of the program.

“It’s the perfect combination of data and real business because it’s a case-based program,” she said. “It strengthened both my technical capabilities and strategic thinking. Through real industry cases, I learned how analytics informs decisions and how to communicate insights effectively to senior stakeholders.”

The presentation skills were particularly valuable because, as a manager, she now presents frequently to clients and executives.

“The program prepared me exceptionally well,” she said. “Presenting at Ivey demanded clarity, structure, and confidence. When I delivered my first client presentation, it felt familiar. The classroom had already prepared me for executive-level conversations.”

The diversity of cases and classmates broadened her perspective and now shapes how she manages complex client projects. “It helps me think holistically when managing projects,” she said.

The MM-A experience has reshaped her trajectory.

“It significantly broadened my perspective,” she said. “Learning alongside professionals from so many industries helped me see new pathways in data and analytics and clarified the kind of long-term impact I want to make.”

Having moved to Canada from China during high school, Dorothy found common ground with the international classmates in the program.

“Managing work, a career transition, and the demands of the program was not easy,” she said. “But the cohort, the professors, and the hands-on projects made it energizing. I could see the impact of what I learned at work almost immediately, which kept me motivated.”

Now, many of those classmates are close friends—people she turns to at the end of demanding days. They are part of the changes she has embraced, and the ones that continue to shape what lies ahead.