“Moving from Alabama to New York City was a deliberate leap out of my comfort zone,” says Tre’von Conner, a student in the M.S. in Information & Knowledge Strategy (IKNS) program and a Columbia HBCU Fellow. “I knew that growth happens when you embrace the unfamiliar.”
Conner received his Bachelor of Science in finance from Alabama State University, where he was an HBCU Battle of the Brains champion, a member of the e-board of Collegiate 100, and involved in the student government association. Now at Columbia University School of Professional Studies (SPS) and a government and public services consulting intern at Deloitte, he is helping mission-driven organizations meet their needs by bridging data analysis skills with the contextualization skills and empathy that only humans can provide.
SPS spoke with Conner about his journey to the IKNS program and the Columbia HBCU Fellowship, and how his experience at Columbia has changed his perspective.
Tell us about your background and what led you to pursue the IKNS program at Columbia SPS.
I graduated summa cum laude from Alabama State University in May 2024 with a B.S. in finance. While there, I held internships across both public and private sectors, from city government budget forecasting to private consulting firms. That breadth of experience made me realize that today’s toughest organizational challenges require both rigorous data analysis and deep human insight. The IKNS curriculum at Columbia spoke directly to that intersection, and I’m excited to build solutions that leverage data and talent to drive smarter outcomes.
Which courses or professors have most shaped your journey so far?
Prof. Blake Diosola’s work on data storytelling taught me how to translate complex analyses into clear, actionable insights. And Prof. Sheena Iyengar’s research on decision-making not only reshaped my understanding of choice architecture but also guided my own career decisions, helping me blend quantitative rigor with empathy in every project.
How did IKNS help you land your internship at Deloitte?
IKNS gave me a clear, hypothesis‐driven framework for tackling case interviews, kept me up to date on how organizations deploy AI and new business models, and—thanks to Prof. Christoph Meinrenken’s Business Analytics class—provided hands-on Excel modeling and data-visualization practice. That mix of structured problem-solving, real-world examples, and technical confidence let me walk into Deloitte interviews ready to break down challenges, reference concrete transformations, and build on-the-fly analyses with ease.
What has the SPS HBCU Fellowship meant for you?
The fellowship has connected me with a community of HBCU graduates who are pushing boundaries in their fields, creating a support network that’s both inspiring and empowering.
What has been the most impactful lesson you’ve learned at Columbia so far?
I’ve learned that the greatest breakthroughs often happen when you say yes, whether it’s to a networking event, a research assistantship, or a spontaneous conversation on campus. Stepping beyond familiar circles has led to collaborations and opportunities I never would’ve anticipated.
What advice would you give to someone considering the IKNS program?
Own the program. Every organization—no matter how large—needs people who can frame problems with data, craft persuasive narratives around those insights, and navigate ever-evolving technologies. Come ready to question assumptions, experiment fearlessly, and forge your own path.
What do you love most about studying in New York City?
The sheer energy. There’s always a high-profile conference, a visiting thought leader, or a pop-up tech demo happening somewhere in the five boroughs. Being surrounded by that constant flow of ideas makes every day feel like an opportunity to learn and connect.
What’s next for you after graduation?
I’m seeking a role—whether in impact investing, private equity, or consulting—that lets me combine my finance background with strategic, data-driven problem solving. Ultimately, I want to help mission-driven organizations scale their impact through smarter, more inclusive decision-making.
About Columbia’s IKNS Degree
Columbia University’s M.S. in Information & Knowledge Strategy (IKNS) degree provides students with foundations in information science, organizational psychology, and change management as well as practical skills in project management and executive leadership.
IKNS is available full-time or part-time, online or in-person on Columbia’s landmarked campus right here in New York City. To maximize opportunities for networking and community building, our online students join our New York-based students on Columbia’s campus for three in-person residencies during their studies. The STEM-designated Master of Science degree offers International Students (F-1/J-1 visa) an opportunity for Curricular Practical Training during their studies (CPT) and 3 years of work authorization in the US upon completing their studies (OPT).
Students train under world-class faculty, including former and current executives from Google, IBM, NASA, and Oliver Wyman, and join a powerful global alumni network in coveted positions, including at Alphabet, Goldman Sachs, Nike, Pfizer, and the World Bank.
For more IKNS insights, news, and events, please go to our website, connect with us on LinkedIn, or attend one of our online info sessions. Visit the School of Professional Studies website to learn more about the SPS Student Experience.
