Statement of Interests

Statement of Interest
I am applying for the M.S in Business Analytics hoping to pursue a career in quantitative research in the US or China, or as an equity fund manager in emerging Asian equity trading markets. With this opportunity, I could develop my quantitative trading strategy. I also have a particular interest in how big data affects business’ competitive advantage in increasingly data-centric business models. Currently, I am improving my skills in quantitative portfolio management and risk control technologies.
During my academic career, I have participated in research activities majorly involving financial and market analyses. In the process, I recognized opportunities for improving my skills, and believe that the core courses offered in the master’s program would add value to my bachelor’s degree in International Business Economics. Firstly, Managerial Statistics will instill an understanding of the basic concepts of probability that are invaluable for analyzing business data. While Business Analytics trains digital modeling and structuring of data for executive decision-making, Statistical Computing and Data Visualization will enhance skills in data cleaning, data reshaping and visualization for more professional presentations of business data.
As an analyst interning at Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC), I acquired essential analytical skills while performing data collection and research. I believe they firmly position me to learn more advanced concepts in the master’s program.

Indeed, while pursuing a Bachelor of Science in International Business Economics, I learned programming skills in VBA, STATA statistical language. I applied these skills when processing customers’ loan request at HSBC’s Corporate Banking Department, and during analysis of actual financial projects during the Financial Management Trainee program. These invaluable opportunities ignited my enthusiasm in designing innovative business analytic models.
Analyzing large volumes of data posed significant challenges. For example, industrial analysis and financial statement evaluations at HSBC consumed considerable productive time. For lack of skill in alternative or complementary analysis methods, I resorted to consulting database reports produced by IT staff. The difficulties instilled an appreciation of the complexity of analysis large volumes of data, partly prompting my interest in big data analysis. Recent trends indicate that organizations are increasingly adopting self-service solutions owing to a recognition that business personnel can access and analyze data without outsourcing services from IT database experts. In fact, few business executives are competent in the interrelated fields of management and business analytics, presenting as tremendous job opportunities the in commerce industry.
With the above, I am convinced that the USC – a rising research university – is the best for pursuing an M.S. in Business Analytics. Furthermore, its location in commercial Los Angeles provides a large pool of entrepreneurs such as Professor Saeed Mohasseb of Wise Window Inc. who could mentor me in business analytics. Moreover, the institution provides a number of platforms such internships that would give additional benefits on the field. Your kind consideration would sincerely oblige me.