Monica Castano MSBA 27

A woman with long dark hair wearing a patterned blouse stands in front of a window with a cityscape in the background.

 I chose UC Davis because I wanted to bridge the gap between my experience in operations and project management and the technical skills needed to make data-driven business decisions.

What attracted me most was the practicum. I believe the best way to learn is by doing, and the opportunity to apply what I learn in the classroom to a real business problem was valuable. It goes beyond applying concepts or running analysis; you learn to adapt when data, business needs or priorities change and turn what you learn into something useful for an organization.

Student Leadership and Experience

  • Student Council Member, High School

Previous Education

  • International Relations, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada

Previous Work Experience

  • Consular Affairs Analyst, Consulate General of Colombia in San Francisco

Fun Facts

  • I have lived in three countries and 10 cities.
  • I love to travel and have been to 12 countries.
  • I enjoy baking and sightseeing.

Editor’s note: This profile was created when the UC Davis Master of Science in Business Analytics program was located in San Francisco. Beginning with the incoming 2027 cohort, the program will move to our main campus in Davis. Learn more about the UC Davis MSBA.