Wael Mohammed

Hometown

Eden Prairie, MN

Current city

Eden Prairie, MN

What is your current job?

Executive Vice President of Strategy at Field Nation

What were you doing before you started the master’s program?

Executive Vice President of Strategy at Field Nation

What were the top factors that went into your decision to choose the MS in Applied Data Science Program at UChicago?

Develop significantly sharper, stronger, and broader set of data and analytical skills that drive more success in my role as a strategy executive; Obtain training in advanced machine learning and AI technologies that can help me become a thought leader in my organization and help me spearhead innovation for new breakthrough market products and solutions for my employer company.

What were your favorite aspects of being a student at UChicago?

Networking with and learning from an amazing group of professors and students; the culture of openness for big questions; the urge to always connect learnings with applications, especially at work. I did my graduation project on my company data and it drove a lot of positive change.

In your view, how has the MS in Applied Data Science degree advanced your career so far?

It helped me become significantly more analytical in the way I solve problems and equipped me with all the tools I need to leverage any data of any format to solve the problem. Which is a key component of my career as a strategy leader.

What was one of your favorite classes you took at UChicago and why?

Data Science for Consulting with Greg Green, PhD. For me as a Strategy leader, this was where data met with Strategy, This was where the analytics married with the so what. The class was focused on not only telling stories with data and findings but also on the business value of the problem getting solved and on presenting the business case with data in an elegant way. It was a great class for my type of work.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Spending time with family.

What excites you right now about the field of data science?

I am very excited about the potential for generative AI, especially in the area of Field Services, where my current focus is.

What advice would you give to prospective students who are seeking a master’s degree in data science?

Polish up on key fundamental skills that will make your experience more smooth and will prepare you to learn and absorb more. These fundamentals are: Statistics, Linear Algebra, Python, SQL, and Data base design. Master the foundations well. Just because you will learn Data Science and AI does not mean you be shallow at Statistics. A graduate of UChicago must be very solid at Stats as it’s always the foundation. Master the art of story telling with data. Become so solid at connecting your analysis with the business case and the value of the problem you are solving.