Yougheeta Kumari M’26 chose to pursue her Master of Business Analytics to transform data into real-world solutions by utilizing data visualization and dashboards to develop clear strategies that foster organizational growth.
UHart equipped Yougheeta with both the skills and opportunities needed to achieve her professional goals. She secured a role as a data analyst on the Project Team with Upper Albany Main Street, where she worked on practical data projects.
Established in 2000, Upper Albany Main Street (UAMS) is an economic development and community revitalization organization that is now part of the Barney School of Business. Each year, students gain valuable entrepreneurial experience by assisting small businesses through supervised micro business incubator consulting projects.
This experience led to a summer internship as a Development Associate, further expanding Yougheeta’s expertise in community engagement and project management. Currently, she continues in her role as a part-time data analyst for the fall semester, demonstrating how the technical skills, mentorship, and hands-on learning she received at UHart have directly opened doors in her career.
At UAMS, Yougheeta also contributed to community outreach, including participating in conversations to understand local needs. This role allowed her to merge her technical skills with real-world impact, preparing her for her current position as a data analyst with the same organization.
Yougheeta credits resources such as the Allan Center for Career and Professional Development, the Center for Student Success, faculty, staff, and advisors during her time at UHart. She says that Barney School Dean Aarti Ivanic created opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students to work with UAMS, noting that her dedication to improving students’ lives has opened doors for individuals like her.
“My favorite thing about UHart is the opportunity to apply what I learn in meaningful ways,” Yougheeta explains. “A memorable experience was working on my research project for the Goodwin Scholarship, which allowed me to deepen my skills, explore a topic I’m passionate about, and showcase my work to the University community.”
Her advice to incoming students is to seize every opportunity to apply what you learn, whether through internships, research projects, or community engagement. “Build relationships with professors and mentors; their guidance can open doors you never expected.”
After obtaining her degree, Yougheeta plans to lead data analytics projects that convert information into action, using visualization and dashboards to help organizations innovate, grow, and make informed decisions.
Yougheeta Kumari M’26, Business AnalyticsUHart gave me more than just technical skills—it offered real-world projects, mentorship, and teamwork that shaped my professional growth. I gained hands-on experience in data visualization and dashboards, had the chance to work with a project team for Upper Albany Main Street, and participated in a community conversation, applying my learning to create real impact.