In the rapidly evolving global economy, the decision to pursue a master’s degree is rarely just about adding another line to a resume. It is a calculated investment in one’s future, a strategic pivot aimed at unlocking higher earning potential and securing a seat at the table of industry leadership. For many, the Graduate School of Management at Lewis University has emerged as a focal point for this transformation. Offering specialized programs like the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and the MS in Business Analytics, the institution focuses on delivering a high Return on Investment (ROI) through industry-aligned curricula and practical, hands-on experience.

But how do we define ROI in the context of higher education? It isn’t merely the salary increase following graduation, though that is a significant component. True ROI encompasses the acquisition of niche technical skills, the expansion of a professional network, and the personal growth that comes from navigating a rigorous academic environment. Through the stories of Maxwell Mo and Avla Clarisse Tani, we gain a clearer picture of how Lewis University facilitates this journey, bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world corporate success.

The Strategic Advantage of STEM-Designated Degrees

One of the most compelling aspects of the MS in Business Analytics at Lewis University is its STEM designation. In a job market increasingly dominated by data-driven decision-making, having a degree that bridges the gap between traditional business management and advanced technical analysis is invaluable. Maxwell Mo, a Class of 2025 graduate, illustrates the power of this educational path. Currently serving as a Business Data and Strategy Analyst at a Fortune 500 company, Maxwell’s trajectory highlights how specialized education can accelerate career growth.

For international students, the STEM designation carries an even greater weight. It allows for the 24-month extension of Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), providing graduates with a total of three years to work in the United States. This extra time is crucial for gaining deep industry experience and proving one’s value to an employer, often leading to long-term sponsorship and career stability. Maxwell noted that this designation was a primary factor in his decision, as it made him a more competitive candidate while providing a longer runway to develop his professional footprint.

Furthermore, the skills learned in Data Analytics & Data Science are no longer relegated to the IT department. Today, they are foundational to strategy and operations across every sector. Maxwell’s role involves building enterprise-level data curations, ensuring that the raw data flowing through his organization is transformed into actionable insights that stakeholders can use to make high-stakes decisions.

Bridging Business Operations and Technical Expertise

One recurring theme in successful graduate stories is the ability to speak two languages: the language of business and the language of data. Maxwell’s undergraduate background in International Business provided him with a foundational understanding of sales and supply chain operations. When he transitioned into his master’s program, he didn’t abandon these roots; instead, he layered technical analytical skills on top of them.

This duality is what makes a professional truly versatile. By understanding the business context behind the numbers, analysts can validate their results more quickly and offer solutions that are grounded in operational reality. For example, knowing why a supply chain delay occurs allows an analyst to build better predictive models rather than just reporting a dip in numbers. This integration is a core pillar of the Lewis University experience, where students are encouraged to apply their technical findings to real-world business problems.

The Practical Path: Internships and Career Continuity

Lewis University emphasizes the importance of practical exposure, often facilitating transitions from full-time internships to permanent roles. Maxwell’s journey is a textbook example of this pipeline. He secured an internship with a Fortune 500 company during his undergraduate years, which was later extended into a return offer while he pursued his master’s degree. This continuity allowed him to maintain his momentum, applying what he learned in his graduate courses directly to his professional projects in real-time.

His responsibilities evolved from basic exposure to complex data curation. This gradual increase in complexity mirrors the academic progression of the MS in Business Analytics, ensuring that by the time a student graduates, they are not just entry-level employees, but seasoned professionals ready to handle enterprise-level challenges. This is a significant factor in the high ROI of the program; students aren’t just looking for jobs after graduation—they are often already established in their careers.

The MBA Perspective: Finance and Strategic Decision-Making

While the MS in Business Analytics focuses on the technical side of data, the MBA program at Lewis University, particularly with a specialization in Finance, addresses how that data informs the financial health and strategic direction of an organization. Avla Clarisse Tani, a current MBA student, shares a different but equally compelling perspective on the value of a Lewis University degree.

Avla’s interest lies in the intersection of financial knowledge and data-driven insights. In the modern financial world, being good with numbers is no longer enough. Professionals must be proficient in tools like RStudio and Radiant to perform sophisticated data analysis. These tools allow finance experts to move beyond traditional spreadsheets and into the realm of predictive financial modeling and complex risk assessment. This technological fluency is a hallmark of the AI & Machine Learning trends that are reshaping the financial services industry.

Navigating the Financials of Graduate School

A major concern for any prospective graduate student is affordability. Lewis University addresses this through various financial aid options, including scholarships and the highly sought-after Graduate Assistantship (GA) program. Avla’s experience highlights the transformative power of these opportunities. As a Graduate Assistant in International Enrollment, she receives a 75% tuition waiver, which significantly eases the financial burden of pursuing an education abroad.

Graduate Assistantships offer more than just financial relief; they provide a platform for professional development within the university ecosystem. Avla’s role allows her to hone her communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills—all of which are highly transferable to her future career in finance. For many international students, these roles are the first step in building a US-based professional network and understanding the American workplace culture.

Is a Master’s Degree Worth It?

When asked if going back to school is worth the investment, both Maxwell and Avla offer a resounding yes. For Maxwell, it was the bridge to a senior-level analyst role at a top-tier company. For Avla, it was an opportunity to step outside her comfort zone, gain independence, and build a broader range of skills before taking the next step in her career. The consensus is that the value of the degree goes far beyond the diploma; it is found in the specialized skills, the professional confidence, and the enhanced marketability that graduates carry into the job market.

Addressing the Experience Myth

A common misconception among prospective MBA students is that they need several years of professional experience before applying. Avla’s journey debunks this myth. She entered the program after completing her bachelor’s degree and one year of internship experience. This allowed her to maintain her academic momentum while still having enough practical context to make her graduate studies meaningful.

The key, as Avla suggests, is to focus on the quality of experience rather than the quantity. Internships, academic achievements, and specific skill sets can be just as impactful as years of traditional work. For students considering an MBA, the advice is clear: look at the specific requirements of the program and highlight your unique strengths, rather than waiting for an arbitrary number of years to pass.

The Future of Data, AI, and IT Infrastructure

As organizations continue to integrate Artificial Intelligence into their operations, the demand for professionals who understand the underlying data infrastructure is skyrocketing. Maxwell points out that the biggest challenge facing AI today is the quality of data. “No matter how advanced an AI solution is, its output is only as good as the data behind it,” he notes. This insight underscores the future value of degrees in business analytics and IT infrastructure.

Organizations are increasingly looking for experts who can ensure that data is clean, trustworthy, and properly curated. This shifts the focus from simply “using” AI to “enabling” AI through robust data governance and technical excellence. Graduates who can navigate this landscape will be the ones leading the next wave of technological innovation.

Life as a Graduate Student Abroad

For international students, the experience of studying for an MBA or MS in the US is as much about personal growth as it is about academics. Avla describes a life defined by discipline and time management. A typical day might involve working as a Graduate Assistant in the morning, attending classes in the afternoon, and collaborating on group projects in the evening. This rigorous schedule prepares students for the fast-paced demands of the corporate world.

The cultural immersion that comes with studying abroad—meeting people from diverse backgrounds and adapting to a different academic environment—fosters a global perspective that is highly valued by multinational corporations. It builds a level of resilience and adaptability that cannot be taught in a textbook but is essential for any modern leader.

Investing in a master’s degree from Lewis University is a multi-faceted decision that pays dividends across various stages of a career. Whether it is through the technical mastery of business analytics or the strategic depth of an MBA, students are equipped with the tools necessary to thrive in an increasingly complex and data-driven world. By combining financial planning with a commitment to hands-on learning, the path to a high ROI becomes not just a possibility, but a tangible reality for those ready to take the next step in their professional evolution.

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