With more than a decade of experience as an HR technology professional, Siana Duntin enrolled in the MS in Human Capital Analytics at the NYU School of Professional Studies Division of Programs in Business (DPB) to stay abreast of the latest trends in her field. Siana chatted with us about her experiences as a full-time professional earning her degree, her motivations for pursuing a graduate degree in her area of expertise, and her future aspirations.
February 16, 2023
DPB Student Spotlight: MS in Human Capital Analytics Candidate Siana Duntin
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your professional background?
I've been an HR technology professional for over 10 years. My focus has been on supporting the talent center of excellence at various global organizations through a technical lens. Outside of work, I’m an avid fan of sci-fi and dystopian literature, movies, and television. George Orwell’s 1984 was the book that sparked my interest in this genre.
What motivated you to pursue the MS in Human Capital Analytics and Technology (HCAT) at NYU SPS?
In my line of work, I can clearly see the writing on the wall. There is change in the air, and organizations are starting to see the benefits of putting the wants and needs of human capital first to support overarching company goals. There are constant conversations about the future of work and the office of the future, and those discussions continue to evolve. I wanted to be a part of this transformation as a thought leader and industry expert, and guide organizations through their talent optimization journey. I researched various programs across the country, and the HCAT program at NYU SPS worked perfectly for me as a full-time employee. After a valuable weeklong immersion on campus, the remainder of the program is fully online, and I can complete it part-time.
What do you like most about the MS in Human Capital Analytics and Technology so far?
Every week, I’ve been fully engaged in the learning material while simultaneously getting real-world experience via demos conducted by various leaders in the industry. At the end of each week, I walk away feeling confident I’ve selected the right program for my needs.
What are your aspirations once you earn your master's degree?
My goal is to open a boutique firm to guide organizations and help them leverage innovative techniques and tools in order to optimize their human capital’s talent.