Parfait Hoyi

Parfait Hoyi’s career began in biomedical mechanical engineering at the University of Ottawa, but each step of the journey brought him closer to an unexpected passion – data management.

Beginning with a Japanese instrumentation manufacturer, Hoyi later moved to a German firm, gaining greater exposure to the benefits of data-driven decision-making. Today, Hoyi is leveraging data and IT technology to drive transforming insights.

“I realized I enjoyed diving into the data,” he said. “I took every opportunity to play with it and see how we could use it for a fuller view. I was loving it.”

To take his career further, Hoyi knew he needed to strengthen both his technical and managerial skills. That’s when Ivey Business School came back into focus – a School he had considered after high school for its HBA program.

“It was full circle,” he said.

Pursuing a Master of Management: Analytics program (MM-A) at Ivey became the next step in his journey, giving him the tools to transition from a hands-on data role to a leadership position in the field.

Designed for professionals, the 12-month program blends online and in-class experiences in downtown Toronto, incorporating Ivey’s renowned Case-Method Learning to develop both technical and leadership skills essential in today’s data-driven world.

It was a destination that made total sense to Hoyi.

“At the end of the day, engineering is about problem-solving, and data is one of the best tools we have to solve problems,” said Hoyi, who likened data to fuel for the engineering machine.

Beyond enhancing his technical expertise, the program also aligned with his growing focus on leadership – an increasingly important consideration as he balances work, school, and life as a new father to his 16-month-old daughter.

Learning beyond the classroom

A lifelong self-learner, Hoyi found the transition back to academics smooth. What surprised him, however, was how much he gained from Ivey’s case-based learning.

“Case studies force you to think like a decision-maker and recognize that real-world problems aren’t always black and white,” he said. “Reading alone doesn’t capture the nuances of decision-making, but cases push you to consider multiple variables, judgment calls, and trade-offs.”

The collaborative nature of the classroom has also been invaluable.

“My engineering background gives me a certain perspective, but when you’re in class with people from finance, consulting or other fields, they challenge your thinking,” he said. “It makes you reflect on your own blind spots – an important skill if you’re leading a team.”

For Hoyi, the MM-A program is more than just a degree. It’s a stepping stone between technical expertise and business strategy.

“My engineering background trained me to be technical, but I’m building my leadership skills while ensuring I still have the technical understanding to contribute,” he said. “I’m trying to be that unicorn – someone who has the best of both worlds while transitioning into management.”

His advice to future MM-A students? Come in curious and ready to learn.

“Be open to pushing yourself outside your comfort zone,” he said, noting that the program has helped him strengthen his public speaking skills and learn from his peers. “The experience will challenge you, but it will also shape you into a more effective leader.”