Yue Dai
Name: Yue Dai
Age: 34
Major: Master’s in Business Analytics
Class: Graduate
College: Robert C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship
Hometown: Jingshan, Hubei, China
High School: Jingshan No. 5 Senior High School
Why UTRGV?
I chose to attend UTRGV because it offers high-quality education. The university's commitment to providing top-tier learning opportunities, coupled with a supportive and responsible faculty, made it an easy decision for me.
What made you decide on your current major?
I chose my current major because of a volunteer experience that sparked my interest in data management and analytics. During my time volunteering, I worked closely with data collection and organization, which opened my eyes to the power and importance of data in making informed decisions.
What do you hope to achieve beyond completion of your major?
I hope to leverage the skills and knowledge I’ve gained in this program to help companies and organizations solve complex problems, optimize decision-making processes, and help them become more data-driven as a data professional.
What do you like most about UTRGV?
UTRGV’s commitment to providing high-quality education, combined with its diverse and inclusive environment—where the professors are deeply invested in student success and always approachable—has made my experience here truly fulfilling. It’s a place where I feel empowered to reach my full potential.
What does being a Vaquero mean to you?
Being a Vaquero means embracing people from different backgrounds and perspectives, focusing on giving back to the Rio Grande Valley community, and trying to make progress and a difference every day!
What opportunities has UTRGV helped you find throughout your community?
UTRGV has offered a variety of channels to help students find internships and jobs with various organizations, which I find incredibly valuable and supportive. Additionally, the university has introduced me to collaborative competitions and projects with both peers and faculty, further enhancing my problem-solving and communication skills.
What advice do you have for fellow students pursuing their degrees?
My first piece of advice is to become familiar with at least one programming language, particularly R or Python, as coding skills will significantly benefit you in business analytics! My second piece of advice is, even if you are completely new to coding and business analytics, stay curious and embrace every learning opportunity that comes your way. Build strong relationships with your professors and peers, as they can offer valuable guidance and support. Most importantly, remember that persistence and resilience are key; challenges are inevitable but also opportunities for growth. Stay focused on your goals but enjoy the journey as well!