{"id":511879,"date":"2022-02-22T11:23:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-22T16:23:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/poole.ncsu.edu\/magazine\/?p=511879"},"modified":"2026-03-12T21:25:47","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T01:25:47","slug":"opening-doors-with-pooles-master-of-management-risk-and-analytics-concentration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/poole.ncsu.edu\/magazine\/opening-doors-with-pooles-master-of-management-risk-and-analytics-concentration\/","title":{"rendered":"Opening Doors with Poole\u2019s Master of Management, Risk and Analytics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n

To fill the talent gap, NC State launched the Master of Management, Risk and Analytics<\/a> (MRA) concentration. Designed to develop leaders ready to hit the ground running, the program lays a foundation in data analytics and enterprise risk management and rounds it all out with relevant, real-world, hands-on experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And according to the MRA program faculty, the program can take students just about anywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\n

Any kind of leadership position moving forward, no matter the industry, will require the ability to identify and navigate emerging risks. In the next few years, the response \u2018I hadn\u2019t thought about that\u2019 won\u2019t be acceptable anymore.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAny kind of leadership position moving forward, no matter the industry, will require the ability to identify and navigate emerging risks. In the next few years, the response \u2018I hadn\u2019t thought about that\u2019 won\u2019t be acceptable anymore,\u201d explains Mark Beasley<\/a>, Poole College KPMG Term Professor of Accounting and director of NC State\u2019s Enterprise Risk Management Initiative<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe other piece of the puzzle is that most leaders will be expected to have analytical capabilities to use data to support strategic decisions. So this risk and analytics concentration blends two core competencies to equip graduates with a skillset they can bring to any job they want to do \u2013 whether that\u2019s leading a big public company or working in a consulting practice,\u201d he continues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Launched into Leadership<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Today, companies are increasingly integrating risk management into their strategic planning efforts, which \u2013 according to Beasley \u2013 marks a distinct shift from traditional approaches to risk management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHistorically, risk management has been associated primarily with legal departments, internal audit and insurance and compliance roles, and it\u2019s been divorced in some ways from a company\u2019s strategic initiatives,\u201d Beasley explains. \u201cIt\u2019s as if the people doing risk management were on floor four of the office building while the people focused on strategy and future business ventures were in the penthouse \u2013 and they never even talked. But things have changed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Evaluating risk in order to inform a company\u2019s next strategic move has become more commonplace in recent years, and if organizations weren\u2019t already headed in this direction before, COVID\u2019s massive global shutdowns and ongoing supply chain challenges forced their hand.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\n

Historically, risk management has been associated primarily with legal departments, internal audit and insurance and compliance roles… but things have changed. Businesses now realize that they have to think about risk in the context of what they are trying to achieve.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBusinesses now realize that they have to think about risk in the context of what they are trying to achieve. They\u2019re also learning that it\u2019s a lot easier to think proactively about risk than it is to dig themselves out of a hole after the risk comes to fruition,\u201d Beasley explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Ericka Kranitz<\/a>, director of the MRA concentration, this shift means that a skill set in risk and analytics is a solid foundation for any career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCompanies in every industry need to consider what they want to do and what risks might impede their success, and having leaders who can help them be more methodical and bring in data insights to either solidify their thinking or help them change course is extremely valuable,\u201d Kranitz says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLeaders who can think critically and parse through the relevant data can challenge the status quo, empower a company\u2019s visionaries to ask the right questions and steer the organization in the right direction. That strategic mindset doesn\u2019t limit you in any way \u2013 and it\u2019s never going to go out of style. People who are skilled at thinking strategically using risk insights can do anything,\u201d she continues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Endless Opportunity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While the degree can launch graduates wherever they want to go, Beasley and Kranitz note that there are a handful of roles that MRA graduates are particularly well-suited for.

MRA graduates will be well-positioned for innovation roles, strategic planning and forecasting, operations management, risk advisory services at large consulting firms and model risk governance at more sophisticated companies engaged in data modeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And in more regulated industries like banking, insurance, pharmaceuticals, utility and healthcare, there are a number of potential career opportunities with a more specific risk lens, such as regulatory oversight, compliance and internal audit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a significant demand for this type of talent, especially here in North Carolina. Between the Charlotte metro area and Research Triangle Park, we have a wide variety of industries that are heavily regulated,\u201d Kranitz says. \u201cWe also have a number of entities in technology and innovation, and as more companies like Apple establish a presence in RTP, the demand will continue to increase.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And whether students are just a step away from the role of chief risk officer or still learning the ropes in an entry-level position, Poole\u2019s MRA program will help them take the next step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMaybe they\u2019re trying to get to top leader. Maybe they\u2019ve been at their company for five years and they want to move to middle management in operations, marketing, geographic responsibility or product line responsibility. Maybe they just want to do their job better. Whatever their career goals, this degree can get them there,\u201d Kranitz says. <\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\n

MRA graduates will be well-positioned for innovation roles, strategic planning and forecasting, operations management, risk advisory services at large consulting firms and model risk governance at more sophisticated companies engaged in data modeling.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

A Cut Above<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In addition to its innovative curriculum, Poole\u2019s MRA program also offers students access to world-renowned industry experts and thought leaders \u2013 allowing them to gain an unparalleled education to fast-track their career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThough risk and analytics is starting to trend, NC State is ahead of the curve. We\u2019re very unique in that we started the ERM initiative, our thought leadership center for risk management, back in 2004. Other universities are just beginning to pick it up, but we\u2019ve had these types of courses on the books for more than 10 years,\u201d Beasley explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNC State has built a well-known, established brand around this. People come from all over the world to do our workshops and hear from industry experts at our roundtables. There\u2019s really nothing else that compares,\u201d Kranitz adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, the program is laced with a number of hands-on experiences and exposure to practical tools to help graduates stand out from the crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur graduates walk away with a toolkit loaded with technologies that a lot of other people aren\u2019t going to have. They\u2019ll be exposed to analytical tools like Python, Monte Carlo and predictive analytics. They\u2019ll participate in a unique practicum experience at the end of the program to address a real-world business challenge. And they\u2019ll learn how to leverage enterprise risk management to navigate complex global issues like climate change,\u201d Beasley says. \u201cThese are things they can carry with them into any kind of role to accomplish good in the world.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n

\n

More from Spring 2022<\/h2>\n

Education at Poole continues to evolve as faculty incorporate new and innovative ways of teaching.<\/p>\n \n

\n \n \n
\n
\n "Poole\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
\n \n

Poole Wellness Initiatives: From Therapy Dogs to Office Yoga<\/h3>\n \n\n \n\t \t

Those pups, certified therapy dogs, were part of a larger initiative to support student, faculty and staff wellness.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span><\/p>\n\t \t \n <\/div>\n\n <\/a>\n\n \n

\n
\n ""\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
\n \n

Celebrating Five Years of the Business Analytics Honors Program<\/h3>\n \n\n \n\t \t

The Business Analytics Honors Program celebrates five years of preparing students for lucrative careers in the high-demand field of business analytics.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span><\/p>\n\t \t \n <\/div>\n\n <\/a>\n\n \n

\n
\n ""\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
\n \n

Poole Stories: Spotlighting Young Alumni Donors<\/h3>\n \n\n \n\t \t

Six recent alumni reflect on their time at Poole College and share their motivation to give back.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span><\/p>\n\t \t \n <\/div>\n\n <\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n See all in current issue<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n","protected":false,"raw":"\n\n\n\n\n

To fill the talent gap, NC State launched the Master of Management, Risk and Analytics<\/a> (MRA) concentration. Designed to develop leaders ready to hit the ground running, the program lays a foundation in data analytics and enterprise risk management and rounds it all out with relevant, real-world, hands-on experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And according to the MRA program faculty, the program can take students just about anywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

\u201cAny kind of leadership position moving forward, no matter the industry, will require the ability to identify and navigate emerging risks. In the next few years, the response \u2018I hadn\u2019t thought about that\u2019 won\u2019t be acceptable anymore,\u201d explains Mark Beasley<\/a>, Poole College KPMG Term Professor of Accounting and director of NC State\u2019s Enterprise Risk Management Initiative<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe other piece of the puzzle is that most leaders will be expected to have analytical capabilities to use data to support strategic decisions. So this risk and analytics concentration blends two core competencies to equip graduates with a skillset they can bring to any job they want to do \u2013 whether that\u2019s leading a big public company or working in a consulting practice,\u201d he continues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Launched into Leadership<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Today, companies are increasingly integrating risk management into their strategic planning efforts, which \u2013 according to Beasley \u2013 marks a distinct shift from traditional approaches to risk management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHistorically, risk management has been associated primarily with legal departments, internal audit and insurance and compliance roles, and it\u2019s been divorced in some ways from a company\u2019s strategic initiatives,\u201d Beasley explains. \u201cIt\u2019s as if the people doing risk management were on floor four of the office building while the people focused on strategy and future business ventures were in the penthouse \u2013 and they never even talked. But things have changed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Evaluating risk in order to inform a company\u2019s next strategic move has become more commonplace in recent years, and if organizations weren\u2019t already headed in this direction before, COVID\u2019s massive global shutdowns and ongoing supply chain challenges forced their hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

\u201cBusinesses now realize that they have to think about risk in the context of what they are trying to achieve. They\u2019re also learning that it\u2019s a lot easier to think proactively about risk than it is to dig themselves out of a hole after the risk comes to fruition,\u201d Beasley explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Ericka Kranitz<\/a>, director of the MRA concentration, this shift means that a skill set in risk and analytics is a solid foundation for any career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCompanies in every industry need to consider what they want to do and what risks might impede their success, and having leaders who can help them be more methodical and bring in data insights to either solidify their thinking or help them change course is extremely valuable,\u201d Kranitz says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLeaders who can think critically and parse through the relevant data can challenge the status quo, empower a company\u2019s visionaries to ask the right questions and steer the organization in the right direction. That strategic mindset doesn\u2019t limit you in any way \u2013 and it\u2019s never going to go out of style. People who are skilled at thinking strategically using risk insights can do anything,\u201d she continues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Endless Opportunity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While the degree can launch graduates wherever they want to go, Beasley and Kranitz note that there are a handful of roles that MRA graduates are particularly well-suited for.

MRA graduates will be well-positioned for innovation roles, strategic planning and forecasting, operations management, risk advisory services at large consulting firms and model risk governance at more sophisticated companies engaged in data modeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And in more regulated industries like banking, insurance, pharmaceuticals, utility and healthcare, there are a number of potential career opportunities with a more specific risk lens, such as regulatory oversight, compliance and internal audit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a significant demand for this type of talent, especially here in North Carolina. Between the Charlotte metro area and Research Triangle Park, we have a wide variety of industries that are heavily regulated,\u201d Kranitz says. \u201cWe also have a number of entities in technology and innovation, and as more companies like Apple establish a presence in RTP, the demand will continue to increase.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And whether students are just a step away from the role of chief risk officer or still learning the ropes in an entry-level position, Poole\u2019s MRA program will help them take the next step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMaybe they\u2019re trying to get to top leader. Maybe they\u2019ve been at their company for five years and they want to move to middle management in operations, marketing, geographic responsibility or product line responsibility. Maybe they just want to do their job better. Whatever their career goals, this degree can get them there,\u201d Kranitz says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

A Cut Above<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In addition to its innovative curriculum, Poole\u2019s MRA program also offers students access to world-renowned industry experts and thought leaders \u2013 allowing them to gain an unparalleled education to fast-track their career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThough risk and analytics is starting to trend, NC State is ahead of the curve. We\u2019re very unique in that we started the ERM initiative, our thought leadership center for risk management, back in 2004. Other universities are just beginning to pick it up, but we\u2019ve had these types of courses on the books for more than 10 years,\u201d Beasley explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNC State has built a well-known, established brand around this. People come from all over the world to do our workshops and hear from industry experts at our roundtables. There\u2019s really nothing else that compares,\u201d Kranitz adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, the program is laced with a number of hands-on experiences and exposure to practical tools to help graduates stand out from the crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur graduates walk away with a toolkit loaded with technologies that a lot of other people aren\u2019t going to have. They\u2019ll be exposed to analytical tools like Python, Monte Carlo and predictive analytics. They\u2019ll participate in a unique practicum experience at the end of the program to address a real-world business challenge. And they\u2019ll learn how to leverage enterprise risk management to navigate complex global issues like climate change,\u201d Beasley says. \u201cThese are things they can carry with them into any kind of role to accomplish good in the world.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n"},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

First, there was a boom in big data. Then, there was a tsunami of business challenges. And now, there\u2019s a shortage of data analytics talent and leaders well-versed in risk management.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":104,"featured_media":511967,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"source":"","ncst_custom_author":"","ncst_show_custom_author":false,"ncst_dynamicHeaderBlockName":"ncst\/default-post-header","ncst_dynamicHeaderData":"{\"showAuthor\":false,\"showDate\":true,\"showFeaturedVideo\":false,\"caption\":\"\",\"subtitle\":\"First, there was a boom in big data. Then, there was a tsunami of business challenges. And now, as companies respond and prepare for the future, there\u2019s a shortage of data analytics talent and leaders well-versed in risk management.\",\"displayCategoryID\":23}","ncst_content_audit_freq":"","ncst_content_audit_date":"","ncst_content_audit_display":false,"ncst_backToTopFlag":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[23,26,5],"tags":[],"_ncst_magazine_issue":[31],"class_list":["post-511879","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-academics","category-newswire","category-student-alumni"],"displayCategory":{"term_id":23,"name":"Academics","slug":"academics","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":23,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":8,"filter":"raw"},"acf":{"ncst_posts_meta_modified_date":null},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/poole.ncsu.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/511879","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/poole.ncsu.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/poole.ncsu.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/poole.ncsu.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/104"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/poole.ncsu.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=511879"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/poole.ncsu.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/511879\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":515645,"href":"https:\/\/poole.ncsu.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/511879\/revisions\/515645"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/poole.ncsu.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/511967"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/poole.ncsu.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=511879"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/poole.ncsu.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=511879"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/poole.ncsu.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=511879"},{"taxonomy":"_ncst_magazine_issue","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/poole.ncsu.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/_ncst_magazine_issue?post=511879"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}