Ewa Kleczyk ’08: Senior Vice President, Commercial Analytics & Data Curation, Target RWE

How has your degree helped you pivot into different industries or excel in your role?

My degree in Applied and Agricultural Economics (AAEC) has been instrumental in shaping a dynamic, cross-industry career. The analytical foundation it provided allowed me to transition seamlessly from academia to healthcare, and then to leadership roles in real-world evidence and data science. Understanding economic modeling, statistical analysis, and decision-making frameworks has enabled me to approach complex business challenges with a strategic mindset—whether in evaluating pharmaceutical outcomes, guiding policy initiatives, or optimizing operational efficiency. The versatility of the AAEC discipline made me adaptable and effective in various environments, from corporate boardrooms to collaborative academic settings.

Can you share an example of how the skills you gained during your studies have applied to unexpected areas of your career?

One surprising and powerful application of my AAEC training has been in leading complex analytics and data science initiatives. The rigorous econometrics coursework I completed during my studies laid the groundwork for my career in quantitative analysis and evidence generation. While econometrics is traditionally associated with academic research, I found its real-world utility in areas like predictive modeling, healthcare outcomes analysis, and AI-powered data interpretation.

For example, when developing real-world evidence strategies or value frameworks in the pharmaceutical industry, I relied heavily on econometric techniques to ensure robust, data-driven decision-making. What began as a statistical discipline in the classroom ultimately became a cornerstone of my work in analytics, helping me bridge theoretical insight with practical innovation in data science.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to prospective or current students about using an AAEC degree to open doors in a wide range of fields?

Don't limit yourself to traditional pathways. The AAEC degree equips you with a universal toolkit—data literacy, economic reasoning, and policy insight—that is in high demand across industries like tech, healthcare, finance, and government.

My advice: stay curious, build interdisciplinary connections, and embrace non-linear career journeys. Leverage internships and networking to explore emerging fields, and don’t be afraid to apply your knowledge to areas where economics isn’t the obvious language. Often, that’s where you’ll create the most impact.