Erdem Cinar has been working in the pharmaceutical industry for 15 years, a sector that had to rapidly switch to digital. To adapt to this data-based environment, he decided to enroll in the online Master of Science (MSc) in Data Management and Business Analytics at EDHEC.
Better understanding data and analytics to be able to ask the right questions as a manager has been his goal since joining the programme. In this interview, Erdem looks back at his first months in the programme and shares some tips on how to balance professional life and online studies.
What is your professional background?
I have been living abroad for many years: in the US, Italy, Switzerland and now in France, for the fifth consecutive year. After working as a strategic consultant for the Boston Consulting Group, I joined the pharmaceutical industry, in which I have been working for 15 years now, in different locations and roles.
Throughout my career, I mainly had commercial roles, from marketing to sales, from business development to commercial excellence. I have been a general manager for emerging markets at Pfizer, covering sixteen markets.
Why did you choose to acquire new skills in data management?
The pharmaceutical industry has been changing really fast. It is now much more digital and all based on data. As data grows in importance, companies can no longer ignore the benefits of analytical tools.
You must adapt to the future and make sure you become proficient in understanding data, ask the right questions, learn artificial intelligence techniques and managerial decision-making skills. As a manager, it is really important to ask the right questions and understand what is happening in the data world. This is the only way for growth.
Why did you choose EDHEC and more particularly an online program?
I chose the Online Master of Science in Data Management and Business Analytics because of the broader global perspective brought by EDHEC. The professors, the content of the program, the insights from my classmates, all contributed to my decision.
I chose the online format because it makes it easier to balance my professional and personal lives. Being an online student gives you an added flexibility and better time management. This is key for me. It also helps me decide on my own pace, which is very important.