Fulbright Scholar leverages KU Business master's program for data-focused future

Eileen Bluemel, a Fulbright Scholar from Frankfurt, Germany, has always had a passion for different languages and cultures. When she discovered the KU School of Business Master’s in Business Analytics program, she found a place where strong data skills intersect with unforgettable academic experiences.  

Bluemel received a bachelor's degree in international business with a focus on change management and marketing at the Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg Mosback in combination with working for Strauss in Biebergemünd, Germany, through a dual work-study program. This experience allowed her to develop educationally while also learning the ins and outs of a business and eventually led to a full-time job as a sustainability manager at Strauss after graduation. 

In this role, Bluemel managed international regulations and data, which sparked her passion for data analytics. But after two years at the company, she started researching master’s programs where she could deepen her learning in data and business analytics. 

"While I was working in that department, I liked the concepts of the role, but I realized I am more passionate about the data behind the concepts, so I decided to try to learn how I could understand and analyze those things,” Bluemel said. “That led me to apply here [KU] and lean into what I really want to do.” 

When a friend sent her the Fulbright Scholarship’s Instagram page, it was her sign to take the leap. 

The Fulbright Program awards approximately 9,000 merit-based scholarships in the United States and more than 160 countries every year to accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists and professionals of all backgrounds and fields. Fulbright scholars study, teach, conduct research, exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to complex global challenges.  

KU partners with the Fulbright Program to coordinate U.S. program applications for students and host incoming foreign scholars through various programs.  

For Bluemel, the scholarship comes down to more than just professional and academic development. Bluemel sees her Fulbright journey as a personal milestone that reflects both her future goals and her family’s story.  

“I want to show how grateful I am to be here, because it’s such a big deal to me,” Bluemel said. “Neither of my parents studied, so being able to study abroad is such a big step. Being accepted by the Fulbright program means a lot to me.” 

Bluemel chose the KU School of Business because of the MSBA program, but also to experience a typical U.S. university with people from around the world.  

“On one hand, the program is really great, and really unique in that it is only one year and combines students from all different areas,” Bluemel said. “But it is also really great to combine so many people from different backgrounds that are all trying to pursue a new career together.”  

The MSBA degree is a two-semester program that builds foundational business courses to prepare students to master AI-enhanced data gathering, storytelling and quantitative modeling to tackle real-world business challenges.  

Through her first semester in the program, Bluemel has taken classes that cover topics ranging from statistical analysis, data visualization and professional development. 

“All of the classes are helping me in different ways within data analytics, because the field is so big that you have to learn so many specific skills,” Bluemel said. “Right now, we’re learning different coding languages, and since I’m not 100% sure where I want to be, it’s helpful to be prepared for every area of the industry.”  

Although she doesn’t have a background in coding or data analysis, Bluemel has been able to lean on the expertise of the program leadership team as well as her peers, and she enjoys that the professors tailor the courses to students with varying levels of knowledge.  

“Some people already know how to code from school, and others have really practical experience that can help them teach others, making it a great environment,” Bluemel said. “The whole MSBA team is so supportive, I feel like I can always go talk to them with any questions or ask for help with anything.” 

With her degree, Bluemel’s goal is to learn how to code and visualize data for C-level executives or other clients who may not know how to.  

With a longstanding passion for sports, she also hopes to work in strategy and data analytics for a sporting organization in Germany after graduation from KU in May, but she is open to other avenues that will build on the business principles her coursework has already begun teaching her.  

“Even though I’ve only been in the program for a few months, I already feel more prepared for the business world,” Bluemel said. “All of my classes are helping me in different areas of analytics and will help me get into specific roles in the industry.” 

Outside of her schoolwork, Bluemel has also been making the most of her KU experience and time in the U.S. by taking road trips with fellow students, trying new foods and attending KU Athletics events.  

Some of her favorite memories so far include a trip to the Rocky Mountains with her friends, trying popular American food chains like Crumbl Cookies and overall, getting to know new people from around the country and beyond.  

“I came here and wanted to be open to everything,” Bluemel said. “I want to take every challenge and opportunity I get, because at the end of the day, I’m here at KU to learn and connect with people.”