Melody Abraham

Full Name: Melody Abraham

Grad Year: ​2025

Degree/Program: ​4+1 MS in DACSS

Current Title: Associate Analyst, Analyst Development program

Current Employer: Liberty Mutual

What is the core mission of your role, or what is a major project you are currently working on? The core mission of my role in Liberty Mutual’s Analyst Development Program is to grow into a well-rounded analyst by gaining hands-on experience across multiple business areas in insurance. Through rotational assignments in areas like underwriting, claims, and emerging technology, I will build skills in data analysis and business decision-making using tools such as SQL, Python, R, and Power BI. I’m especially excited about the program’s focus on structured mentorship and professional development, which will help support my transition from a student into a data-driven business professional.

How did you find your current position: I found the job posting on Handshake. I have actually found all of my work experiences through Handshake, I really believe it's one of the best career platforms. Once I got to the interview section, I reached out to alumni who work at Liberty to learn how to interview in their style and to get an honest review of the company and see if it was a good fit for me.

Is there a specific skill, methodology, or lesson from your degree that you rely on to do your work successfully? One of the most valuable takeaways from my DACSS coursework has been the combination of technical and communication skills I developed throughout the program. Courses like NRC 585 and DACSS 604 helped me refine my presentation and storytelling abilities, while DACSS 756 in machine learning provided a challenging but rewarding deep dive into model building and understanding how analytical methods work in practice. DACSS 691P was especially impactful in helping me reflect on my career goals and build confidence through informational interviews and networking practice, which has carried directly into how I approach professional opportunities today.

Looking back, what was a pivotal moment, favorite class, or faculty mentorship during your time in the program that directly shaped how you approach your career today? A pivotal part of my experience in the program was taking DACSS 633 on social behavior and persuasion, which felt very different from any other course I had taken. I really enjoyed analyzing marketing campaigns and evaluating their strengths and weaknesses, and Dr. Robert Cialdini’s principles of persuasion are still concepts I actively think about in both academic and professional contexts.

Another impactful course was DACSS 690 in data preprocessing, which I took last summer. It helped me strengthen my skills in cleaning and preparing data, an area I initially struggled with but grew much more confident in over time. I also really appreciated Professor José Manuel Magallanes’ teaching style and positive approach, which made the learning experience especially engaging.

If you could give one piece of advice to a student who is on the fence about starting the MS in DACSS, what would it be? My biggest piece of advice would be not to be shy about reaching out and asking questions, everyone in the DACSS program is incredibly welcoming and supportive. I first learned about DACSS through a flyer in my dorm and decided to email Director Grosse to set up a meeting, not really knowing much about the program at the time. He was extremely kind, answered all of my questions, and made the whole experience feel very approachable. That same openness and willingness to help is something I’ve consistently experienced from faculty and staff throughout the program.