 What was your background prior to applying for the ISM program? Before applying to the ISM program, my career mostly revolved in finance, so I completed my bachelor's in finance at Armenia State University of Economics. Later on, I had some experience in taxation and finance, and upon my start at AUA, I was working as finance specialist at Cambridge International School of Armenia. How was the shift to data analytics? The transition from finance to the data analysis field was quite exciting yet very challenging. I had to learn a lot of new skills such as statistical analysis, new programming languages such as SQL, Python, R, etc. However, with the guidance of the faculty members and the immense support from my coursemates, the transition was completed successfully and already after my first year at AUA, I shifted my job to database systems manager at my workplace and currently I work as product data analyst at Ameriabank. What are the most engaging aspects of your job as a data analyst? The most engaging aspects of my job involved analysing the marketplace to make more impactful decisions, to help the cross-functioning teams to make better data driving strategies. Overall, the dynamic nature of the industry and the opportunity to use data analysis to make more impactful outcomes make my job both fulfilling and rewarding. Give advice to those interested in embarking on studies in the ASM program. Based on my own experience, I would suggest all the aspiring students not to worry about their technical background. The program is designed so that it can accommodate students from various academic backgrounds. What truly matters is your willingness to study and your motivation to succeed. So the other support you are going to get along the way.