YEREVAN, Armenia — Lilit Ananyan (MSMA ’26) is a senior in the Master of Science in Management and Analytics (MSMA) program at the American University of Armenia (AUA). Her path to MSMA was paved by her undergraduate studies in the economics track of the B.A. in Business program of the AUA Manoogian Simone College of Business and Economics, which provided a seamless transition into advanced studies.
Lilit’s professional career began remarkably early. At just 18, while still an undergraduate, she was selected for an analyst role based on her performance in technical tests and projects. “I initially worked as an analyst, and later transitioned into a customer retention specialist role, which was also a highly analytical position,” she explained. “I didn’t plan to start that early; it became a natural continuation of my academic experience. That was my introduction to the world of data.”
When it came time to pursue a master’s degree, Lilit sought a curriculum that prioritized hands-on application over abstract theory. She found MSMA to be the perfect fit, offering a strong focus on analytical and data-driven courses that were immediately valuable for her career. “Working with big data and performing complex analytical tasks confirmed that I was already in the right field,” she highlighted.
Lilit credited her AUA instructors for her growth, noting that the most challenging courses were often her favorites, particularly those introducing programming languages, data management tools, and advanced analytical methods.
The MSMA program also shifted Lilit’s understanding of traditional industries. She noted that fields like marketing, often perceived as purely creative, are actually deeply rooted in evidence-based decision-making. This analytical mindset culminated in her collaborative capstone project, a long-term consulting engagement with a local company. “Collaboration was essential throughout the project. We worked as a team, learned from each other, and exchanged different perspectives and approaches. We also worked closely with our supervisor and the company. It was a unique experience because we were solving real problems faced by a real organization. Our task was to develop a business strategy for market entry. It was a very interesting and practical experience,” she noted.
Beyond the classroom at AUA, Lilit took advantage of the Erasmus+ exchange program, spending a semester in Nice, France. She describes it as one of the best decisions she has ever made, noting that studying in a completely different environment was both challenging and enriching. “Living alone in a new country gave me fresh perspectives and the confidence to navigate unfamiliar territory — an experience that was absolutely worth it.”
As she prepares for the next chapter, Lilit’s goal is clear: she intends to build a career in data analysis or a similarly data-driven field. For prospective students, her advice is to have clear expectations, keep an open mindset, and take full advantage of every opportunity the program offers.
Reflecting on her time at AUA in a single sentence, Lilit described it as follows: “It has been a journey of exploring new opportunities that gave me fresh perspectives on both my studies and my personal growth.”
Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.