The M.S. in Applied Analytics (APAN) program is expanding its offerings with two recently announced concentrations that will enable students to tailor their studies to the real-world industries and applications that interest them. Students will be able to choose between a concentration in Emerging Technologies and one in Quantitative Management Analytics.
To gain some industry perspective on how these concentrations will benefit students, we sat down with Julie Shi, an alumna of the APAN program who now works as a senior product manager at American Express (AMEX). Shi began her career as a mechanical engineer in the energy industry, where she developed a strong foundation in problem-solving and analytical thinking. As she grew in that role, she began to focus on how data and technology could be used to drive better business decisions and discovered an interest in assessing analytical problems from a holistic point of view. Shi’s decision to pursue a master’s degree at Columbia University emboldened her passion for technical decision-making and real-world impact.
In this Q&A, Shi shares her perspective on her career journey and reflects on how the APAN program’s new Quantitative Management Analytics concentration will prepare students for life after graduation.
How does your degree empower the work you do at AMEX?
I am a senior product manager building internal software tools that serve a wide range of stakeholders. The APAN program equipped me with a solid foundation in data-driven decision-making, stakeholder communication and management, and applied quantitative methods—all of which I use on a daily basis. Whether it’s understanding data insights, defining product features, or optimizing process workflows, the skills I developed through the program help me bridge technical and business perspectives in a meaningful way.
The APAN program recently unveiled a new Quantitative Management Analytics concentration. As a graduate of the program who now works in product management, how do you see this concentration benefiting students?
I think this concentration is a fantastic addition. In product management—especially in data-rich, operationally complex environments like AMEX—there’s a strong demand for professionals who can not only interpret data but also apply quantitative techniques to improve processes, forecast outcomes, and guide decision-making. The new concentration gives students the tools to become that kind of strategic partner. It’s particularly valuable for anyone looking to work at the intersection of analytics, technology, and business operations.
Students in the Quantitative Management Analytics concentration will take courses in algorithmic decision-making, quantitative risk analysis, and optimization modeling. Can you give an example of how the program’s curriculum enhanced skills you now use in your career?
One course that stands out is Research Design, which taught me how to frame business problems analytically and validate solutions with data. That skill is critical in my role because I’m often tasked with evaluating the impact of new features or process changes. For example, I recently led an initiative to optimize internal reporting business logic. Leveraging concepts from Research Design, I was able to develop recommendations by using multiple existing models and help the team reduce reporting delivery time while improving accuracy.
Is there a topic in your field that you think is particularly relevant to the future of the industry? How can current students prepare for it?
One emerging challenge is balancing automation with human-centered design, especially when building internal tools that impact multiple stakeholders. As analytics and AI continue to evolve, there’s a growing need for professionals who can interpret complex models and explain their implications clearly to nontechnical users. My advice to current students is to develop both their technical toolkit and communication skills—being able to translate data insights into business action is a key differentiator.
Do you have any other advice for current or prospective APAN students?
Don’t just focus on the technical side—immerse yourself in the business context of the problems you're solving. Try to connect classroom concepts to real-world use cases, especially those in industries or functions that interest you. Also, build relationships with your classmates and professors. Columbia’s network is one of the program’s biggest strengths. Finally, be intentional about your career goals; the program offers a wide range of opportunities, and knowing what you want to get out of it will help you maximize your experience.
About the Program
Columbia University’s Master of Science in Applied Analytics prepares students with the practical data and leadership skills to succeed. The program combines in-depth knowledge of data analytics with the leadership, management, and communication principles and tactics necessary to impact decision-making across industries and organizational functions.
The fall 2025 application deadline is June 1. Learn more about the program here. The program is available full-time and part-time, online and on campus.
