Statement of Purpose - Onwuka Victor Dike

Masters in Data Analysis – East Tennessee State University

As recent advancements in machine learning and big data technologies continue to direct the
evolution of the business environment, knowledge about Data Analysis has become a requirement for
the current and future generations. The exponential growth of technology has radically revolutionized
the strategies of marketing, making the painstaking exploration of datasets an essential skill. For
organizations to remain competitive, managers will have to apply analytical skills to acquire, process,
and make informed data-driven decisions on nearly every strategic issue. In fact, I predict that in the
next decade, it would be required for even the most specialized aspects of business operations. As such,
my immediate goal is to acquire the requisite knowledge and skills for the new business environment by
acquiring a Master’s in Data Analysis from Rowan University. I am confident that this course will help to
refine and strengthen my prowess in offering valuable business insights.

My undergraduate degree in Urban and Regional Planning taught me the basic knowledge of
planning, designing and forecasting future problems as well as providing solution for them. I took
courses in principles of planning, introduction to urban and regional planning, landscape theories,
principles of housing, principles of transportation, Application to computer, Entrepreneurship
development, Principles of management, Introduction to land use Act, rural development, information
technology. Ever since my graduation, I have been working in Energy analysis and energy loss analysis
roles where I have been able to proffer solutions to businesses on strategy and technology. While
working for Ikeja Electricity PLC, I have seen - first-hand – how analytics aids businesses to reach their
goals. The experience I have acquired so far has aroused my interest in analytics and the need to
improve my knowledge of analytics through a post graduate degree was borne. I have been proactive in
extracurricular activities as well. I am a regular volunteer for the Give Back Team (GBT), a community of
staff within Ikeja Electric that renders community service within our immediate communities. I have also
been a frequent participant in the company’s football tournaments. Partaking in the planning of such
events has nourished my leadership and communication skills significantly.

In the short run, my goal is to enter into Green Energy consulting with a focus on Data Analytics.
To achieve this, I expect to join one of the bigger management consulting firms after my graduation.
Because of the new global push for reduced carbon emissions and the resultant demand for green
energy policies at all levels, most management consulting companies have begun expanding their
energy consulting departments to include associates with interests in green energy. For example,
Accenture, KPMG, and EY branches in Nigeria now have dedicated green energy departments.
Moreover, these companies have always understood the relevance of analytics in their business
operations, and from my interactions with industry experts, their demand for analytics consultants
continues to exceed the supply. In the long run, it is my desire to create analytics consulting firm in
Africa that will help businesses adapt and run green energy technology effectively. I also desire to train
staffers of companies to equip them with up-to-date knowledge of analytics in order to keep them
abreast of trends in the green energy industry. The analytics industry in Africa is young, but with huge
potential.

Master’s in Data Analysis at East Tennessee State University is a great opportunity to

build my knowledge, skills and experience of data analytics for a successful business career in
roles requiring data driven decision making and analytical acumen. The degree provides me with
a deep understanding of the industrial and scientific relevance of advanced analytics and their
application in strategic and operational decision-making while addressing the acknowledged
shortage of business leaders and managers with a detailed working knowledge of data analytics.
As a graduate I will have a highly sought-after blend of data analytics, business acumen and
advanced management skills. I strongly believe that the program structure and curriculum, class
size, robust faculty and conducive learning environment makes this program a good fit for my
career aspiration, coupled with my background knowledge of analytics, work experience in
management consulting, background and extracurricular experience relevant for diversity, and
my penchant for working with teams for internal and external school events. My desire to
improve my knowledge of analytics led me in taking courses in R, Python, and SQL which I
practice daily in my work activities. Also, my experience in consulting and my desire to continue
in the field spurs me to acquire knowledge from various experiences. I also possess local
extracurricular volunteer experience, and my experiences with different cultures will help in the
diversity efforts of the university. I look forward to learning from the faculty and contributing
my quota to the university community.