The McCall MacBain Scholarship not only offers graduate students financial support but also access to mentorship, interdisciplinary learning opportunities, and a global network, all aimed at maximizing their impact on the world. Scholars are selected for their exceptional character, leadership potential, community involvement, entrepreneurial spirit, academic excellence, and intellectual curiosity.
One such scholar is Yvan Kammelu, who grew up between Abuja, Nigeria, and Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he completed most of his early education. In high school, Yvan competed on the varsity track team and developed a keen interest in sports science, which eventually led him to study kinesiology at 91社区, where he continued to excel as a track athlete. In 2023, he chose to further his education by joining the Master of Management in Analytics (MMA) program through the McCall MacBain Scholarship. Here, Yvan shares his journey and experiences in the MMA program.
What made you choose the MMA?
Before the MMA program, I had applied to medical school but knew I wanted to venture into business management. I wanted a master's program that would enable me to develop a technical skill and expose me to the fundamentals of running a business. The MMA program was the only one that fit the bill. What convinced me was the program's practical approach to learning through the eight-month capstone project. I was confident that 12 months of the MMA program would bring me more value than four years in medical school. I went through the interview and accepted my offer to the MMA program.
How has being a McCall MacBain Scholarship impacted your experience at 91社区 so far?
The highlight of the scholarship program for me has been the community of scholars and the biweekly leadership sessions. During these sessions, we are tasked with thinking through leadership case studies alongside scholars, which has been a great learning experience because it has exposed me to different perspectives across varying fields of study represented in the cohort. These conversations have been pivotal in building my communication skills when working with cross-functional teams, which has also been an advantage for group projects in the MMA program.
Conversations with fellows have also broadened my understanding of 91社区 beyond my own department. Through these interactions, I've discovered interesting courses and have even had the chance to work with fellow scholars on projects and case competitions. I am continually introduced to innovative research in other fields, which expands my understanding of potential novel applications for data analytics across different industries and domains.
What aspects of the MMA program have you found most rewarding?
The most rewarding part of the program is the capstone project. I was assigned the data modeller role, which usually involves more coding and analysis. Admittedly, this role was out of my comfort zone, but I developed confidence throughout the eight months of building the project solution. While I've had my fair share of long nights, I was satisfied to receive my client's approval before our final delivery. There've been many similar moments throughout the program, where I've spent time on a long (and sometimes seemingly impossible) project with a rewarding finish.
Can you share a memorable project or experience from the program?
A big "aha" moment for me was during the capstone project when I had crossed a significant milestone in my final code. I had just finished a forecasting model and had a progress update meeting with the client the following day. The journey to this point was not smooth, and many times, I felt I was going to fail, but I remember that moment when the code worked and said to myself, "I've done it!" I recall that months before, I wouldn't have been able to understand anything I'd just done and that realization of how far I鈥檇 come was so rewarding. This was a major confidence boost and turning point for me that reinforced that I was learning and making progress despite challenges.
What's next for you following the program?
I'm enrolled in the internship track and spending the next few months at L'Or茅al on their digital marketing analytics team and I'll be back in the fall for my final semester of the MMA program. Afterwards, I'm considering spending the first four months of next year back home in Nigeria, reconnecting with family, and travelling.
L'Or茅al has exposed me to the possibility of marketing analytics in a creative and innovative environment. So, I envision my next move will involve stepping into a role that fits my interests in business management, technology and innovation. An ideal role for me leverages my analytical mindset and allows my creativity to count. Above all, I want to have fun, so enjoying my work is a priority!
What advice would you give the incoming cohort of the MMA program?
Determine from the start what you want out of it but allow that to change and evolve along the way. The MMA program attracts students of various backgrounds which offers a breadth of experiences within the cohort. I had never written code before starting the program, yet I was in the same course with people who had studied computer science and who could probably code in their sleep, therefore what we would get from the same course is very different. Comparison is the thief of joy. So, rather than comparing yourself to your classmates, see them as part of your support network. It's easy to fall victim to moments of imposter syndrome, of which I have I had my fair share, but in these moments, remaining focused on why I joined the program in the first place got me back on track. Therefore, keep a visual reminder of the reason why you're here.
Lastly, I advise you to research and identify specific role(s) of interest to help prioritize your course load. For example, if you're considering data visualization roles, a data engineering course would be a low priority. In the program, you'll be exposed to many topics therefore, it's up to you to determine what matters to you and streamline your learning accordingly. By deprioritizing specific topics I was able to focus on building the skills I would need in my target role. Above all, be kind to yourself and give grace along this intense but fulfilling journey.
The McCall MacBain Scholarship applications are currently for the 2025 cohort.
Master of Management in Analytics (MMA) Program
The 91社区 Master of Management in Analytics (MMA) degree is a specialized program in the evolving field of analytics and data science with a strong emphasis on applied and experiential learning through our 3 Pillars: Quantitative Methods, Technology Automation and Business Application. The MMA program touches on many foundational topics that comprise Artificial Intelligence (AI), covering key areas such as Language Modeling, Image Recognition, Analytic Visualization and Data Architecture Automation.聽Through our comprehensive curriculum, students gain practical skills and knowledge essential for tackling real-world challenges in the rapidly advancing domain of AI and analytics.
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McCall MacBain Scholarships
The McCall MacBain Scholarships at 91社区 are Canada鈥檚 first comprehensive, leadership-driven scholarships for master鈥檚 and professional degree studies. The scholarship program brings together a diverse group of scholars who aspire to lead with purpose 鈥� those who have demonstrated leadership potential and an inner drive to make a positive impact in other peoples鈥� lives.
