Matias Rojas, MSBA '22
The Stern network has been an invaluable resource for professional growth, offering unparalleled opportunities to connect with innovative leaders at the forefront of analytics and artificial intelligence.
When Matias Rojas joined Stern’s MSBA program, he was hoping to enrich his skill set with advanced technical knowledge and applied business analytics skills. What he didn’t anticipate was how the program would boost his network and transform the Stern community into a cornerstone of his professional development.
As Chief Information Officer at CCU, a leading beverage company in Latin America, Matias leverages his Stern MSBA degree to seamlessly integrate technical expertise with strategic leadership. By harnessing the power of data, he drives business transformation and innovation within his organization.
Recently, Matias shared his thoughts on why he chose to invest in himself through Stern’s MSBA program, how it has shaped his contributions to the dynamic field of analytics and AI, and the surprising impact it has had on his networking capabilities.
Where were you in your career when you decided to pursue this MSBA program? Why did you choose Stern over other avenues?
At the time, I was serving as the Chief Data and Analytics Officer, a role that immersed me in the practical application of analytics. Despite my experience, I sought a broader perspective on analytics across industries and disciplines. Stern stood out for its unique balance between Machine Learning and Econometrics, offering both cutting-edge technical skills and practical business applications. The program’s emphasis on bridging academic rigor with real-world challenges made it the perfect fit for my career goals.
Why was now the moment to make a big investment in yourself?
The rapid evolution of analytics and artificial intelligence called for a deeper understanding of advanced techniques to remain competitive. This was the ideal moment to invest in myself, not just to refine my technical skills but also to apply them across diverse contexts. Stern’s focus on cutting-edge topics aligned perfectly with the tools and knowledge I needed to excel in this dynamic field.
What excites you about the field of analytics and artificial intelligence at the moment, and how do you see yourself contributing to the field? How will your experience at Stern help you make that contribution?
The transformative potential of artificial intelligence in solving real-world problems is what excites me the most. AI and analytics are revolutionizing areas like supply chain optimization and personalized customer experiences, tackling challenges that were once considered insurmountable. The focus on causality in analytics adds depth, moving beyond predictions to understanding the "why" behind outcomes, unlocking opportunities to design impactful strategies.
Stern equipped me with a robust framework for data-driven decision-making that balances advanced analytics with human creativity and judgment.
What has the immediate value-add of the program been on your career / what do you anticipate the immediate value-add will be?
The program’s immediate value was in its ability to refine my technical and applied analytical skills while broadening my industry perspective. Moreover, the Stern network has been an invaluable resource for professional growth, offering opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals who are leading innovation in analytics and artificial intelligence. These benefits have already enhanced my ability to drive transformation in my organization and will continue to do so as I tackle new challenges.
What are some specific skills you gained in the program?
The MSBA program honed my expertise in AI, Machine Learning, Optimization, and Econometrics, equipping me to solve more complex business challenges with a data-driven approach. Additionally, I developed the ability to communicate technical insights effectively to non-technical stakeholders, fostering better collaboration and alignment. The networking opportunities were another significant advantage, exposing me to diverse industries and innovative applications of analytics.
What three words would you use to describe your experience in the program?
Applied, holistic, transformative.