Soaring to New Heights
Georgia Tech's OMS Analytics transforms a Delta Air Lines leader
A former business intelligence architect at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Claudia Scott transitioned to Delta Air Lines after graduating from Georgia Tech’s Online Master of Science in Analytics (OMS Analytics) program in 2021. Now an IT business advisor for Delta’s Enterprise Data Services, Claudia’s responsibilities include overseeing Delta’s transition from legacy analytics systems to more governed, AI-ready solutions.
While her decision to pursue Georgia Tech’s OMS Analytics degree was a strategic move to enhance her professional skills, her experience in the program led to much more than she expected.
Transforming a Career
For Claudia Scott, the path to leadership in data science was not a straight line but a journey of continuous learning and adaptation. As a software engineer at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Claudia took on the opportunity to lead the organization’s Analytics Center of Excellence. Transitioning from application development to data architecture and analytics, she quickly recognized the need for a more comprehensive skill set, particularly in the business and strategic dimensions of analytics leadership.
“I had always been focused on very technical, hardcore programming,” Claudia recalls. “But when I started working more closely with analytics, I realized that technical skills alone weren’t enough. Leading a data science team required me to understand the challenges business leaders face and speak their language.”
Building a New Skill Set for Leadership
This realization set her on a quest to bridge those gaps, ultimately leading her to explore Georgia Tech’s Online Master of Science in Analytics (OMS Analytics) program. While initially considering an MBA, she found the OMS Analytics program uniquely appealing, as it offers a broader scope of skills and a deeper dive into analytics.
“Georgia Tech’s OMS Analytics program was the perfect combination of technical and business education I needed to help me achieve my goals,” she explains. “I needed to deliver solutions tailored to business needs while better understanding their challenges. And the OMS Analytics program gave me exactly that.”
The Power of Community and Connection
For Claudia, the OMS Analytics program was about more than just technical and business acumen—it was also about the people.
“My favorite part as a student in the program was the people I met along the way,” she says. “I connected with incredible individuals from diverse backgrounds, including corporate executives, researchers, and recent graduates. Working on challenging group projects created bonds that have turned into lifelong friendships. The collective support and insights from this community enriched my experience and made the journey even more memorable.”
These connections had a profound impact on Claudia’s career trajectory. While in the program, she learned about a job opportunity at Delta Air Lines through a classmate. Encouraged by her peer, Claudia applied and was ultimately hired to lead Delta’s Health Analytics department. “This connection not only opened doors I hadn’t anticipated but also highlights the program’s incredible network of supportive peers and industry professionals,” she says.
Real-World Applications in the Workplace
Upon graduating in 2021, Claudia stepped into her new role at Delta Air Lines, aggregating data to inform decisions for the company’s chief health officer. The position demanded agility, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of analytics, especially in the fast-paced context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It was incredibly rewarding to be part of fast decision-making processes during such a critical time,” Claudia recalls.
Her success in the role eventually led to a new position as IT business advisor to Delta’s Enterprise Data Services. In this position, Claudia’s responsibilities include leading a team to transition from legacy analytics systems to more governed, AI-ready solutions. “This role allows me to use both my IT core and the skills I gained in the OMS Analytics program. I’m connecting with every business area across the organization,” she says.
Lessons in Adaptability and Innovation
One of the key takeaways from the OMS Analytics program for Claudia was learning adaptability — a skill she applies daily in her work. The program’s exposure to diverse tools and technologies helped her shift from a singular tool-specific mindset to a solution-focused approach.
“Before, I was very passionate about specific tools,” Claudia admits. “But the program’s rapid shifts — from Python to JavaScript to cloud solutions — taught me that no single tool fits every problem. I learned to focus on finding the best solution, not just relying on what I was most comfortable with.”
This mindset has proven invaluable as Claudia leads Delta teams through complex transitions. “When I help people move away from familiar but outdated systems, I empathize with their reluctance. But I also show them how new solutions can make their work easier and more effective,” she says.
A Transformational Experience
Reflecting on her journey, Claudia attributes much of her success to the OMS Analytics program. “Georgia Tech is a dream school, and the program is just awesome,” she says. “I’m always telling people about it and the incredible value I got from it.”
For working professionals considering the program, Claudia underscores the transformative power of the OMS Analytics degree. “From bridging technical and business skills to fostering career-changing connections, OMS Analytics equips its graduates to excel in a fast-moving, data-driven world.”
The Sky is the Limit
From her early days in application development to leading enterprise-wide analytics initiatives at Delta Air Lines, Claudia Scott’s career journey exemplifies the power of continuous learning, adaptability, and the right educational foundation. She concludes, “Georgia Tech’s OMS Analytics program not only provided me with the skills I needed but also connected me with a community that helped propel my career forward. For professionals considering the program, I am a testament to the success a well-rounded, analytics-driven education can make in today’s ever-evolving business landscape."
Credits:
Co-authors: Laurel-Ann Dooley & Teresa Daniel
Editor: Teresa Daniel
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