Two graduate students with a strong family bond and a love for the power of numbers and information share what they like about SPU’s MS in Data Analytics in Business.
For siblings Charmy and Purav Raj, the journey to Seattle Pacific University has been one defined by love, shared purpose, and a passion for numbers. Raised in the bustling city of Surat, Gujarat, India, in a family that championed hard work, honesty, and continuous learning, the brother-sister duo grew up more like best friends than typical siblings. With only two years between them, they spent their childhood side by side — studying, playing, and dreaming together under the watchful eyes of their supportive parents and older brother.
“Our parents taught us to believe in ourselves and never give up,” Charmy reflects. “They always encouraged us to follow our dreams, no matter where they led.”
That encouragement led both Charmy and Purav into the world of computer applications for their undergraduate studies, where they each discovered a shared fascination for data. Though their paths initially diverged — Purav delving into business development roles while Charmy explored internships in web development and research — they ultimately found themselves united once again by their mutual love of data analytics.
“Working with real-world data made me realize how powerful it can be in driving business decisions,” says Purav. “That’s when I knew I wanted to take my career to the next level by pursuing a master’s in data analytics.”
Charmy echoes this sentiment: “I’ve always loved working with numbers, analyzing patterns, and drawing insights. It felt natural to choose data analytics for my graduate degree.”
Learning That Goes Beyond Theory
When it came time to select a graduate program, SPU’s MS in Data Analytics in Business stood out to both siblings for one major reason: its balance of theory and practical application. Charmy, now working toward her expected graduation in June 2026, was drawn specifically to the University’s emphasis on hands-on learning.
“Many universities focus heavily on theory, but at SPU, I get to work with real data, solve business problems, and apply what I learn to actual projects,” she explains. “Courses like data mining, machine learning, and business intelligence are helping me build skills I can use in my career.”
For Purav, who is set to graduate in June 2025, SPU’s unique blend of technical expertise and ethical focus was especially appealing. He said Professor of Management and Information Systems Ryan LaBrie played a key role in shaping his perspective.
“Dr. LaBrie connects real-world industry experience with what we learn in the classroom,” Purav shares. “He’s not only refined my technical skills but also taught me the importance of ethical decision-making in data analytics. That’s something that really surprised me — realizing data isn’t just numbers; it represents real people and communities.”
Hands-on Experience: Data in Action
Both siblings have gone beyond academics to gain valuable professional experience while studying at SPU. Charmy works as a student employee managing the University’s alumni database, where she applies lessons from her courses in database administration and data mining.
“This job has helped me see firsthand how data analytics is used in the real world,” she says. It’s reinforced everything I’ve learned and made me even more confident in my career goals.”
Purav, meanwhile, serves as a data analyst in SPU’s Facilities and Project Management office, working on projects like LinkedIn data scraping and dashboard building.
“These projects align perfectly with my goal of using data-driven insights to improve business strategies,” he says. “They’ve allowed me to sharpen my skills in tools like R, Python, and Power BI, and I hope to use these skills in the retail and e-commerce space in the future.”
Advice for Future MS-DAB Students
When asked how they envision their careers five years from now, both Charmy and Purav speak with clarity and purpose. Purav sees himself as a skilled data engineer, building systems that support AI-driven decision-making while also mentoring aspiring professionals.
“I want to be at the forefront of emerging technologies,” he says. “But I also want to advocate for ethical data practices and give back to my community.”
Charmy hopes to continue helping businesses improve performance through data.
“I want to use data analytics to help companies understand trends, solve problems, and make better decisions,” she says. “SPU has prepared me with both technical skills and practical experience to achieve this.”
Their advice to future students? Charmy emphasizes knowing your career goals before starting the program, while Purav encourages embracing both the technical and business aspects of data analytics.
“Take advantage of opportunities to connect with faculty,” he adds. “Their guidance is invaluable.”
A Shared Journey
For Charmy and Purav, the most special part of their graduate experience is not just the skills they’ve acquired but the journey they’ve taken together. Having a sibling who shares the same interests and passion has been a source of constant motivation and support.
“We’ve always encouraged and challenged each other,” Charmy smiles. “It’s amazing to have someone by your side who truly understands what you’re working toward.”
Purav agrees. “We started this journey in the same home, and now, even across the world, we’re still walking it together.”
In a field where data is king, it’s clear that what sets these siblings apart is not just their analytical abilities, but the strength of their bond — and the unwavering support of the family that raised them to dream big.
Explore more about SPU’s online or in-person MS Data Analytics in Business program.
