Fostering Connections and Community with the Master of Science in Business Analytics Social Committee
The MSBA Social Committee creates a welcoming community for students in Seattle
Written by: Julia Potapoff, contributing writer, Foster School of Business
Let’s paint the picture: you pack up your raincoat collection, hop on a plane, and land at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Excitedly awaiting you is your new apartment near the U-District and all the welcome week festivities on the University of Washington (UW) campus. You’ve crossed off every task needed to get here, but one daunting thought pops into your head: how will I find my community once I’m there? You’re not alone — both literally and figuratively.
Building Community for Master of Science in Business Analytics Students
This very train of thought prompted the creation of the Social Committee, a recently formed network of current Foster School of Business Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) students looking to connect with classmates in fun ways at the University of Washington in Seattle. Stemming from students’ desire for both the space and opportunity to interact outside the classroom, the University quickly launched the Social Committee in Fall 2023. Created to support the Foster School’s mission of placing “community at the heart of who we are,” the committee has firmly cemented its role within the program with two new co-chairs and a lot of great activities ahead.
The new Master of Science in Business Analytics Social Committee Co-Chairs, Mina Haines and Pranav Sriram, are focused on creating opportunities for students to connect as people.
“To me, the Social Committee is a collection of students who are seeking to teach others and share experiences that are away from the academic world,” said Mina. “Some events are networking-based, but overall, the social aspect is about getting together, getting to know each other, connecting on a cultural level, and exploring life in Seattle together.”
Culture and Connection
Speaking of exploring together, the committee recently kicked off the fall quarter with a campus-wide scavenger hunt, complete with clues, maps, and UW-themed prizes. “These events are good mixers to meet new people and network, as we’ll be incorporating more professional activities in the future,” said Pranav.
“You get a break from statistics, numbers, and coding to have a good time — all the while building professional development and relationships,” added Mina. Talk about combining development and delight!
As Mina hinted, there is also a cultural exchange benefit to participating in the Social Committee events. These casual gatherings are the perfect opportunity for the program’s Seattle-ites and Washingtonians to help ease the transition of students coming from abroad. Think of it as a friendly environment to compare cultural quirks, better understand the national holidays (what’s Groundhog Day?), taste-test seasonal delicacies (pumpkin spice season!), and find answers to any burning questions you have about Seattle (why is there a Gum Wall?).
Leadership Development
When asked about the leadership development associated with becoming co-chairs, Mina and Pranav had a lot to share. “This is a great opportunity to gain leadership experience,” Mina declared. “Especially if you’re not comfortable with public speaking or communications; this is a way to strengthen these skills — which are very important in business — in a casual way.”
Both co-chairs rattled off resume-building experiences they’ve already encountered in their new roles: delegating tasks according to personal strengths, effectively juggling multiple projects at once, motivating others, financial planning, and more that can be marketed (and utilized) in future careers. Pranav quickly added: “It’s like putting together puzzle pieces — finances, logistics, creative ideas, time management, people management. It helps you grow personally while gaining skills that can transfer to your career.” We’ve decided to dub this experience holistic development.
Learn more about the Master of Science in Business Analytics program at the Foster School of Business.
