Hong Kong to Arizona—A Journey of Academic Discovery: Patricia Woo ’24 MSBA
When thinking about a path leading to the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona, one might not immediately imagine it starting halfway across the world in Hong Kong. For Patricia Woo ‘24 MSBA, this international route proved to be the perfect adventure, setting the stage for a transformative academic experience.
Woo's first encounter with the University was during an exchange program while pursuing a bachelor's degree in Hong Kong. The personalized attention and genuine care shown by the academic advisors stood out. “I was impressed by how the academic advisor genuinely listened to my needs and customized a program that aligned perfectly with my career goals,” says Woo. This positive and supportive environment left a lasting impression, making the decision to apply for the Master of Science in Business Analytics program at Eller an easy one.
One of the most rewarding aspects of being at Eller is the strong sense of community. “Eller is a close-knit community where everyone is eager to share and support each other's growth.” says Woo. As a Student Ambassador, she participates in information sessions for prospective students, sharing her experiences and the unique opportunities that Eller offers. While collaborating with the Academic Director of Business Analytics, Gray Hunter, they work towards enhancing the academic environment for all students, ensuring that everyone has the resources they need to succeed.
Woo explains “This year is particularly special for the program as Humberto (Bert) S. Lopez and his wife Czarina generously endowed the HSLopez School of Business Analytics.” In addition, the school has expanded to the Eller Chandler campus. Their contribution has further enhanced the program, providing students with more resources and opportunities to excel.
Woo has established a solid foundation from core courses, gaining skills and confidence to tackle data challenges on Kaggle and complex analytics projects. A standout experience was the Deep Learning course with Eller Associate Professor, Yong Ge, which introduced the world of AI and allowed freedom to apply deep learning models to datasets. Additionally, Woo’s success in the program was aided by Data Mining lecturer, Mr. Norton, and his coding exercises in addition to TA support, allowing her to overcome the challenge of learning Python, initially daunting due to no prior programming experience. Currently, Woo is contributing to a lab project on developing a deep learning model to identify potential drugs on campus, highlighting her acquired skills. "Eller regularly hosts AI panels that help us stay updated with industry developments,” she says, “This access to expert knowledge and firsthand information is invaluable, equipping us to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI with confidence and foresight."
Looking to the future, Woo hopes to join the realm of AI. “I aspire to work in the AI field, where I can leverage my skills to drive innovation and solve complex problems.” Woo reflects on how Eller has prepared her for this journey. “The Eller College of Management has been nothing short of transformative,” she says. “From personalized academic support and a tight-knit community to hands-on learning and innovative industry insights, Eller has provided me with the tools and confidence to pursue my dreams in AI.”