Embracing the Data Revolution to Shape the Future: Reflections of a BBS Alumnus

1 July 2024

It’s not immediate, it’s not obvious, and it’s not even simple to fully grasp. But when you get it, the allure of data captivates and opens up new worlds. This is what happened to Marco Mancuso Morini, an alumnus of the Professional Master in Data Science and Business Analytics at Bologna Business School. In this interview, he shares what led him from an economics background to his current role as an Artificial Intelligence Specialist at Iconsulting.

What aspects of the Master in Data Science and Business Analytics at BBS sparked your interest and motivated you to pursue this course of study?

When I was researching master’s programs, I was deeply fascinated by the central role that data plays in business decision-making. Today, data and artificial intelligence create an ideal synergy for developing tools that support decision-making processes. Understanding how to manage and analyze data is a key competence to stand out in the job market. I chose this master’s program because from the outset, I saw that its core was understanding and managing data, not only from a technical perspective but also from a business standpoint.

 

Given the rapid evolution of the sector, how do you think the Master has prepared you to tackle future challenges in the job market, and which skills do you consider most valuable?

Coming from an economics background, my goal was to absorb as much technical knowledge as possible. The Master provided me with solid foundations in machine learning, deep learning, and text mining, which I use daily in my role at Iconsulting. Often, I find myself referring back to the materials provided during the courses as a reference point when analyzing data and creating models.

 

Considering your journey during the Master’s program, which practical experiences, such as collaborations with companies or group projects, had the most significant impact on your learning and development of analytical and problem-solving skills?

I believe both collaborations with companies and project work are crucial for skill development. Group projects, in particular, impressed me because the Master encourages each student to develop soft skills (such as listening, public speaking, and problem-solving) alongside technical knowledge. Collaborations with companies, on the other hand, offer an excellent immersion into the real world, allowing us to experience the complexities of real-world challenges.

 

How did the experience of writing the Student Report for the prestigious EFMD international accreditation, which the Master in Data Science and Business Analytics at BBS eventually obtained, influence your professional and personal perspective?

Participating in the preparation of a report for the EFMD international accreditation made me aware of the significant efforts the school is making to improve and become a globally influential institution. It was an enlightening experience that highlighted the importance of continuous improvement and international standards.

 

Marco Mancuso Morini’s journey exemplifies how the Professional Master in Data Science and Business Analytics at Bologna Business School equips professionals ready to discover data and make it a tool for growth in an ever-evolving sector. His strengths? Those of all BBS programs, which always put people and their individual educational needs at the center: practical learning, a tailored approach, and a variety of options and tools ideal for building a unique toolkit to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.