Applied Analytics News & Impact Stories

Staying Ahead of the Curve: How Applied Analytics Prepared an Alum for the AI Era

An M.S. in Applied Analytics alum reflects on building a career across data, product management, and AI, and the skills data professionals need to navigate a rapidly changing field.

Critical Thinking Is Your Compass on the Jagged Frontier of AI

Applied Analytics professor Robert L. Simione II highlights recent research on the blind spots of generative AI and notes where human judgment can provide clearer vision.

Helping Shape What Comes Next in AI: Applied Analytics at Ai4 2026

Columbia’s M.S. in Applied Analytics community came together at Ai4, one of the largest AI conferences in North America to present to and learn from the best in the field.

Aaman Basra on Learning to Code, Landing an AI Job, and Preparing for What’s Next

The recent graduate of Columbia’s Applied Analytics program discusses breaking into analytics without a coding background, the growing role of AI in business, and the importance of building connections both inside and outside the classroom.

The Inevitability of Data: Columbia's M.S. in Applied Analytics Opens Doors Across Industries

Yuemeng Nicole Chen (’24SPS) explains how Columbia's Applied Analytics program gave her the skills and flexibility to pursue a data science career across industries—from an art investment startup to CVS Health.

The Analytics of Persistence: Using Data and Grit to Navigate a Challenging Job Search

After many job applications and lost job offers, Margareth Felicia Gono (’26SPS, Applied Analytics) turned her job search into an analytics problem—using data, persistence, lessons learned, and support from Columbia to land a role at DoorDash.

As The Job Market Changes, How Professional Education Must Adapt

As AI and industry transform work, Columbia SPS faculty discuss the future of professional education.

Finding Opportunity in the Data: Pilar Bifaretti on Innovation and Problem-Solving

The M.S. in Applied Analytics alum reflects on how Columbia SPS helped her bridge strategy and analytics and why the most valuable insights are the ones that drive action.

Applied Analytics Alum Zaigham Khan Discusses Leadership, AI, and the Future of Data Science

Now an associate director of data science at Merck, Khan reflects on his experience in Columbia’s Applied Analytics program and shares advice for students entering the field.

What I Wish I Knew: Anushka Bhagadia from Applied Analytics

Watch: Anushka Bhagadia, Applied Analytics graduate encourages new students to fully embrace the Columbia experience, from academics and networking to friendships and exploring New York City. (YouTube)

What I Wish I Knew: Masahiro Takino from Applied Analytics

Watch: Masahiro Takino, recent Applied Analytics graduate gives incoming students advice on sharing your perspective with new friends. (YouTube)

Beyond the Spreadsheet: Applied Analytics Alum Nora Yang on Data and AI-Driven Strategy

In this Q&A, Yang discusses the role of communication in analytics, lessons from working across industries, and the growing influence of AI on business decision-making.