For Reika Nakatsu, also known as Lingru Wang, a career in the United States wasn’t always an obvious path. Growing up in China, in a working-class family where neither of her parents had the chance to attend high school, she quickly learned the value of hard work and perseverance. Nakatsu moved to Japan in her elementary school years, and while adapting to a new culture and a new language was a challenge, she found joy in exploring something entirely new.
Nakatsu credits that joy—and a comfort with new situations— for empowering her to pursue a master’s degree in Applied Analytics at Columbia after graduating from Rikkyo University in Tokyo. Currently serving as a lead data analyst at Albertsons, one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States, Nakatsu focuses on using data-driven insights to guide business decisions and improve customer experiences.
In a recent chat with SPS, Nakatsu shared her gratitude for a Columbia education, her advice on how to set yourself apart, and her perspective on how new technologies are shaping the industry.
What inspired you to pursue an M.S. in Applied Analytics at Columbia University, and what challenges did you encounter along the way?
Japan taught me structure and discipline, but I was increasingly drawn to the U.S., a place where individuality is encouraged, women’s voices are heard more openly, and innovation in data science is truly leading the world. I became fascinated by how data can improve people’s lives, not just in large-scale systems but in small everyday decisions that make life easier.
During my junior year at Rikkyo University in Tokyo, I made the decision to pursue a master’s degree in the U.S., with a specific focus on data and analytics. It was an unusual path; none of my classmates were considering this route, and most of them opted for more traditional employment in Japan after graduation. At times, it felt like I was navigating everything alone: the application process, the GRE tests, and the uncertainty of stepping into a completely new world. But I believed in the future of data and wanted to be at the forefront of that transformation.
How did the Applied Analytics program at Columbia help shape your career? Are there moments when what you learned truly made a difference?
Columbia’s Applied Analytics program became the bridge between where I started and where I wanted to go. I didn’t come from a STEM background. In fact, I used to struggle with math and statistics. But the program gave me the technical foundation and the confidence I needed to move forward in the field of data.
At Columbia, through hands-on projects and rigorous coursework, I learned how to use data to solve real problems, find meaningful insights, and tell meaningful stories with numbers. A standout moment for me was taking Professor Day Yi’s course on SQL and database management. He not only taught core technical skills that I still rely on in my daily work, but also served as an informal mentor to many of us. I’ll always be grateful for his generosity.
What has been the most fulfilling aspect of your professional journey so far, and what goals or projects are you excited to pursue in the next phase of your career?
Today, I’m a lead data analyst at Albertsons, a U.S. grocery giant, where I’ve spent the past 2.5 years in E-commerce Strategy and Analytics. It’s a role that sits right at the intersection of data and daily life, and that’s what makes it so fulfilling. I get to use data not just to optimize business performance but to better understand how people shop, what they value, and how their experiences can be improved.
Whether I’m identifying friction points in the customer journey or turning complex analyses into clear insights for stakeholders, my goal remains the same: using data to serve people. One example is my work on Net Promoter Score [NPS] analysis. By applying AI techniques to open-text survey responses, I’ve helped uncover deeper insights and understanding of what customers are really saying in their surveys.
In your role as lead analyst in Strategy and Analytics at Albertsons, is there a specific issue or challenge you face that you anticipate being particularly relevant to the future of the industry? How can current students prepare for it?
Working in analytics today takes more than technical skills. AI can write code, but it can’t replace a human’s ability to navigate ambiguity, understand business context, or build trust with stakeholders. As analysts, we’re not just expected to find answers; we’re expected to ask the right questions, translate data into decisions, and connect the dots between numbers and strategy. What truly sets someone apart is the ability to:
- break down complex, often vague problems into clear, actionable steps
- choose the right methodology, not just the most advanced one
- zoom out to understand the bigger business or customer picture
- read between the lines of stakeholder requests and anticipate what’s really needed.
And most importantly, tell a compelling story with data that leads to action. Data only creates impact when it’s understood.
What would you tell anyone reading this who may be feeling uncertain or unqualified to take the leap into a new field, career change, or graduate program?
If you come from a non-STEM background, are switching fields, or feel unqualified, know you’re not alone. I didn’t have a clear path or perfect background either. The road I chose was rare and uncertain, and at first, I felt fear and doubt. The discomfort means you’re growing. Keep going.
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 spring 2026 application deadline for the M.S. in Applied Analytics program is November 1. Learn more about the program here. The program is available full-time and part-time, online and on-campus.
