Harsh Janakkumar Shah - MSc Business Analytics 2023
Harsh Janakkumar Shah was running his real estate startup when he decided to pursue an MSc in Business Analytics at Nottingham University Business School. Through his entrepreneurial experience, he came to appreciate how crucial data is in driving business decisions and delivering quality service. Harsh became increasingly interested the power of data analytics to create impact across industries.
Harsh was drawn to the University of Nottingham for several reasons, including its academic reputation and global recognition. He said:
“I chose the University of Nottingham for its strong academic reputation as a member of the prestigious Russell Group and its consistent recognition by employers around the world. The MSc Business Analytics course particularly stood out to me due to its practical, industry-relevant curriculum and solid global ranking. It gave me the confidence that I would be gaining the skills and knowledge needed to meet the demands of a competitive job market.”
The course appealed to Harsh for its combination of technical learning and real-world application. Working with real datasets to solve practical business challenges enabled him to apply new concepts in context and build the confidence to navigate a wide range of business scenarios.
Harsh was keen to secure a role in analytics after graduating. He recognised that gaining relevant UK work experience would be essential to enhancing his employability. The university’s Postgraduate Placement scheme played a key role in helping him address this challenge. It provided Harsh with the opportunity to work on a real business project with a UK-based company while studying, allowing him to apply his academic knowledge in a professional setting. He said: “This experience added significant value to my profile and gave me the local work exposure that many employers look for.”
In addition to the placement, Harsh benefitted from support from the university’s Careers and Employability team. Services such as CV reviews and mock interviews helped him refine his approach and build confidence. This combination of practical experience and career guidance led to early success. He added: “Ultimately, I was able to secure two job offers for roles I had been aspiring to well before completing the course.”
Harsh currently works as an Information Analyst at Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, one of the largest providers of mental health and community healthcare services in the East Midlands. The Trust provides a comprehensive range of services, including mental health, intellectual disability, community health, and forensic and offender healthcare, across the region.
In his role, Harsh is responsible for developing data-driven reports to support the monitoring of key performance indicators and inform decision-making at both operational and strategic levels. He manages the preparation and submission of statutory data returns, ensuring compliance with national reporting standards. A significant part of his work involves automating repetitive data tasks to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and turnaround time. He also regularly collaborates with various clinical and non-clinical stakeholders to understand their data requirements and deliver tailored solutions that contribute to improved service delivery and patient outcomes.
Reflecting on his journey, Harsh shared:
The degree not only equipped me with technical skills but also taught me how to approach data with the right perspective, understanding data quality, identifying insights, and solving real problems. These skills have enabled me to deliver impactful solutions in my organisation, earning appreciation for my contributions.”
To find out more about studying for an MSc at Nottingham University Business School, please visit our Master's webpage.
