From Classroom to Quantum Impact: Navigating Data Engineering at McKinsey

Tell us about your path from graduation to your current job.

After completing a Master’s in Information Systems with a focus on courses like AI & Big Data, Digital Transformation and Data Mining, I moved into a data engineering role at McKinsey - QuantumBlack that allowed me to put my academic knowledge into practice. Each position deepened my expertise in handling large data sets, building data pipelines and working with ETL processes, while my coursework provided a solid foundation for understanding data patterns and transforming raw data into valuable insights. During my time at McKinsey, I have been part of multiple projects involving advanced analytics, automation, and data infrastructure improvements, leveraging AI and big data concepts to drive impact. Today, as a Data Engineer, I apply these skills across various industries—including healthcare, retail, energy, and automotive—designing and optimizing ETL pipelines to create reliable, scalable data solutions that enhance organizational decision-making.

Why did you decide to get a business degree and why did you choose the Smith School?

I chose to pursue a Master’s in Information Systems at the Smith School because of its balanced focus on both business and technical skills. Building data engineering pipelines and transforming unstructured data require not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of business context. The Smith School’s program was a perfect fit—it seamlessly integrated business use cases with advanced technical coursework. This combination allowed me to learn how to design data-driven solutions that align with real-world business needs, enhancing my ability to bridge the gap between technical execution and strategic objectives.

How has your Smith education helped you with your professional career? Were there specific classes, experiential projects, team projects, or internships that have been especially helpful to you?

My experience at the Smith School was instrumental in shaping my professional skills, especially in collaboration and communication. The projects during my master’s required extensive teamwork, pushing me to work closely with peers from diverse backgrounds and hone my ability to communicate complex ideas clearly. This emphasis on collaboration has been invaluable in my career, where effective daily communication is essential for efficiency and success. The experience of tackling projects as a team, over and over, taught me how to navigate group dynamics and drive productive discussions—skills that continue to be crucial in my professional life.

What about your personal journey has led to your success?

As a fellow introvert, I initially struggled to find my voice in a crowded room, and the Smith School’s classrooms felt daunting at first. But as I progressed through the program and worked closely with my peers, I was consistently encouraged to step out of my comfort zone. Collaborating on challenging projects taught me the value of sharing my perspectives to achieve the best outcomes, and I began to see how speaking up could drive real impact. Once I experienced the positive results of contributing openly, I never looked back.

Is there something about your professional journey that people would find surprising?

My first day at the firm and everyone was talking about their personality types for introduction and my personality type as an introvert is to not talk about it out loud. Suddenly, I was in a world where everyone thought out loud, brainstormed on whiteboards, and dove headfirst into group discussions. Adjusting to this environment was a challenge—it felt like a goose chase trying to find my balance between collaboration and quiet problem-solving. But over time, I carved out my space, blending thoughtful listening with strategic input, and discovered that my quieter approach could make a big impact in the right moments.

What advice would you give to current students?

My advice to current students is to recognize that every seemingly trivial detail can lead to something much bigger down the line. You might think that using a specific algorithm in your group project isn’t a big deal, but a couple of years later, you may find it’s exactly the solution to a problem your team has been grappling with. Embrace every learning opportunity, no matter how small, and stay curious!