Alissa Garcia
“I have definitely become more comfortable with complex data and using analytical tools to extract helpful insights. I've also gained a deeper understanding of core business management principles, which has helped me better understand how different aspects of businesses impact marketing and, in turn, how this influences planning and performance.”
MSQM: Business Analytics
Industry:
Prior Education:
Rutgers University
Journalism / Media Studies
Reflections
I pursued the MSQM: Business Analytics degree at Fuqua because it aligned perfectly with my career goals and offered the ideal blend of data analytics and business management. As analytics becomes increasingly important to digital marketing, I wanted more technical experience to bridge the gap between the two. In my role, data analysis is crucial for optimizing campaigns, identifying new opportunities, and driving business growth. The curriculum offers hands-on experience in data science, quantitative analysis, and business applications, equipping me with the skills necessary to gain a competitive advantage.
I also wanted a program where I could actively engage with the material and connect meaningfully with instructors and peers. The program's cohort model offered an interactive and supportive environment that I wanted in an online program. Having the chance to join students from diverse backgrounds and skill sets was something I knew I wanted to be a part of. Combined with the opportunity to learn from Fuqua’s world-class faculty, it made choosing this program an easy decision.
Before Fuqua
As a Senior Growth Marketing Analyst, I lead the day-to-day operations across various paid digital channels. Some of my responsibilities include campaign and budget management, driving performance optimizations through ongoing testing of creative, targeting, and identifying new digital opportunities or placements. Reporting and analysis are key pillars of the role, with ownership of dashboards, performance deep dives, and a centralized testing approach. Assisting with creative strategy is another key aspect of the role, which includes creating briefs for new concepts and conducting competitive research, while partnering with our Creative team to bring those concepts to market. It's a mix of analytical insights and strategy to help reach our growth marketing goals.
After Fuqua
After Fuqua, I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned and continue growing in my current role, becoming more well-rounded by leveraging data-driven strategies and elevating campaigns. As digital marketing evolves, this program will strengthen my skills in data analysis, data visualization, predictive modeling, and business management, helping me stay ahead and make an even greater impact.
Advice for Prospective Students
My best advice for prospective students is to embrace stepping out of your comfort zone and soak up all the resources in the program, along with the knowledge from your amazing peers and professors. Balancing work, live classes, assignments, team projects, and everything in between can be challenging—that’s why strong time management and planning ahead are crucial. There’s plenty of support available, so don’t hesitate to reach out to faculty and your peers. The connections you build along the way will make the journey even more rewarding.
MSQM:HA students "meet" in Durham without leaving home
Global Executive MBA
Top Areas of Career Focus
Financial Services (20%)
Consulting (5%)
Sales/Business Development (5%)
Energy/Chemical/Gas (9%)
Marketing/PR/Advertising (6%)
Consumer Goods (3%)
Average Age
Average Work Experience
Countries Represented
Non-US Citizenship
Women
Master of Management Studies: Duke Kunshan University
Undergraduate Majors
Business/Accounting (51%)
Economics (22%)
Liberal Arts (14%)
Engineering/Natural Sciences (10%)
Other (4%)
Average Age
Average Work Experience
Countries Represented
Non-US Citizenship
Women
Master of Management Studies: Foundations of Business
Undergraduate Majors
Liberal Arts (33%)
Business/Accounting (24%)
Engineering/Natural Sciences (18%)
Economics (17%)
Other (8%)
Average Age
Average Work Experience
Countries Represented
Non-US Citizenship
Women
Weekend Executive MBA
Top Areas of Career Focus
IT (16%)
Financial Services (14%)
Health Care/Health Services (10%)
Manufacturing/Operations (9%)
Sales/Business Development (8%)
Consulting (8%)