John Min-Hong Pai, MSBA '23
“The Stern MSBA program has been instrumental in providing me with a strong foundation in this dynamic and evolving field.”
“My personality is deeply rooted in learning and growth, which naturally drives me towards challenging and demanding programs. I thrive in environments that challenge me, where every obstacle is an opportunity to grow and every demand is a steppingstone towards excellence,” says John Min-Hong Pai, Senior Product Manager at Asset Watch and Stern MSBA 2023 graduate.
This growth mindset and dedication to continued learning is what led John to seek his MSBA from Stern. Specifically, he was driven by a desire to advance his career, strengthen his expertise in ML/AI, and build a strong professional network. He sought a program that could deliver on those goals and offer a rich international experience and offer an environment that blended fun and rigor.
The decision to enroll was a “pivotal” decision in his career, John says, and from the end of the first module, the immediate impact on his work was undeniable. “I felt an immediate improvement in my understanding of how my data science team operates. This newfound knowledge allowed me to engage in deeper conversations, breaking down complex concepts with clarity and precision,” he says. “Before the program, the data science aspect often felt like a black box—mysterious and somewhat elusive. Despite my efforts to grasp it on my own, I never quite delved deep enough to truly comprehend the ‘why’ and ‘what’ behind it all.” The Stern MSBA program transformed this dynamic, John says: “The coursework demystified the intricacies of data science, providing me with a robust understanding of the principles and methodologies driving our projects.”
John’s experience gave him a significant competitive edge within the field, he says, and he emphasizes that Stern’s curriculum delivers a skillset that far supersedes basic foundational knowledge. For example, John sites the curriculum’s in-depth focus on causal inference as a unique value add. “While many competing programs cover descriptive, prescriptive, and predictive analysis, they often do not delve deeply into causal inference. At Stern, we went beyond these foundational aspects to master causal inference, a crucial skill that sets us apart in the field of analytics,” he says. “Our capstone project, a cornerstone of the program, was heavily weighted and judged based on our ability to determine causal inference. This rigorous focus on causal inference provided us with a profound understanding of how to identify, analyze, and leverage causal relationships in data, which is a critical capability in making informed, impactful decisions. This skill is invaluable in the real world, where influencing and guiding decisions based on solid, evidence-backed insights can make all the difference.”
In addition to classroom learning, John says that he benefited greatly from members of his cohort, who offered diverse perspectives on real-world topics. “The diversity of the cohort was a tremendous resource that significantly enriched my education. Some cohort members were just starting their careers, while others were seasoned leaders, board members, and even retirees. Interacting with such a diverse group allowed me to gain insights far beyond what textbooks or online resources could provide,” he says. “We weren’t just learning from the curriculum; we were learning from each other. The different approaches and viewpoints of my classmates challenged me to think in new ways and broadened my understanding of complex topics.”
He notes with pleasure that his cohort became a closely knit group, and since graduation, they have traveled together, attended weddings together, and supported each other personally and professionally. “These relationships, built on shared experiences and mutual respect, are one of the most cherished outcomes of the program. They represent a network of trust and collaboration that I will continue to nurture and rely on throughout my career,” he says.
John currently mentors fellow Stern students and plans to stay connected to fellow alumni and leverage the vast and dedicated alumni network, which he describes as “a powerful tool for continuous learning and growth and a dynamic and supportive community.”
Looking to the future, John sees the field of analytics and data evolving rapidly, becoming even more integral to all facets of business and technology. “AI and machine learning are at the forefront of this revolution, transforming how we process information, predict outcomes, and make strategic decisions. The demand for expertise in these areas is growing, making it one of the most sought-after skills in product management today,” he says.
Reflecting back to the growth mindset that brought him to Stern, John is excited to see where his new skillset and knowledge base will take him. “There is always more to learn, more to discover, and more ways to leverage data to enhance decision-making and drive success. This continuous learning journey is both thrilling and fulfilling, as it pushes me to evolve and excel in my leadership role,” he says. “The Stern MSBA program has been instrumental in providing me with a strong foundation in this dynamic and evolving field. The program’s comprehensive curriculum, focused on the latest advancements in analytics, AI, and machine learning, has equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel. By diving deep into these subjects, the program has prepared me to navigate and thrive in the ever-changing landscape of data and analytics.”