Second Annual Business Analytics Summer Summit Builds Student Skills, Networks, and Industry Connections

From May 14–21, the Tepper School of Business hosted its second annual Business Analytics Summer Summit (BASS), offering an immersive preview into the MS in Business Analytics program. Supported by the BNY Foundation of Southwestern PA, the weeklong experience was designed for college juniors and seniors and blended rigorous academic sessions with career exploration through corporate site visits and industry panels.

Beyond the classroom, participants connected with peers, faculty, and staff, forming a lasting network within the Tepper School community and getting a firsthand look at the collaborative, data-driven culture that defines the program.

“BASS offers students an insightful glimpse into the Tepper School experience and the diverse career opportunities in business analytics,” said Dr. Kathleen Conway, Executive Director of the MSM and MSBA programs at the Tepper School. “This program teaches students about leadership, collaboration, and discovering how graduate business education can support their goals.”

The program featured interactive sessions with the Tepper School faculty and staff, as well as a presentation from Dean Isabelle Bajeux, who highlighted the school’s dedication to developing the next generation of leaders in business analytics. An engaging alumni panel offered valuable insights into diverse career paths available to graduates, and a campus-wide scavenger hunt encouraged participants to explore Carnegie Mellon, fostering camaraderie and connection among peers.

“At BASS, I met phenomenal and intellectually stimulating individuals and friends, and had the opportunity to put my skill set to use and hone my communication, presentation, and professional acumen,” said Mario Maravilla, a BASS participant and student from the University of Southern California. “The opportunity to attend BASS was life changing and gave me a new perspective.”

Throughout the week, students collaborated in teams on a real-world project sponsored by BNY, using analytical thinking to tackle complex business challenges. They also heard from top companies such as Duolingo, Toyz Electronics, American Eagle, and BNY, where they engaged with industry professionals and gained firsthand insight into how data and analytics drive decision-making across diverse sectors.

Participants came from a variety of universities, representing a wide range of areas of study including Computer Science, Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Data Science, Management Information Systems, Business Analytics, and related interdisciplinary fields.

“This program made me more interested in developing data visualization skills and seeing how I can incorporate analytics into my coursework,” said Ivana Hughes, a BASS participant from Baruch College. “I learned the importance of data analytics for jobs, and how AI has played a role in its development.”

BASS serves as a bridge between academic exploration and professional development, giving students first hand exposure to graduate business analytics programs and a week in the life of a Tepper School MSBA student. It connects participants with insights, tools, and networks that extend well beyond the classroom.