In a world where data drives decisions, the field of data analytics is booming — yet it remains largely male-dominated.
Meet Kiara Burcher, a Bermudian studying for her master’s degree at Western University, Canada, one of North America’s top business schools.
As one of only a few women in her undergraduate programme and still among the minority in her master’s course, Ms Burcher is breaking barriers and paving the way for more women to enter this fast-growing, dynamic field.
Data analytics isn’t just about crunching numbers or coding algorithms. In Ms Burcher’s case, it’s about resilience, growth and inspiring women to stand confidently in a space that can feel unfamiliar.
Through multiple scholarships, including direct support from the Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies, Ms Burcher shared the challenges, breakthroughs and opportunities she’s experienced on her path to professional success.
Finding her passion
Ms Burcher’s love for maths began early but, like many, she initially struggled to see how it could lead to a meaningful career.
“Growing up, I always loved maths but struggled to translate that into a profession,” the 22-year-old said.
Everything changed in her final years at Bermuda High School for Girls, where she embraced the chance to take the inaugural computer science course in her International Baccalaureate programme. That sparked her fascination with coding and opened her eyes to how maths and computer science intersect.
“At university, I was able to take data science electives, combining two areas I highly enjoy,” she explained.
“What I found so fascinating was the art of storytelling and uncovering connections through data.”
For Ms Burcher, data analytics is about more than the numbers themselves — it’s about drawing meaning and value from them to solve real-world problems.
Now a master’s student at Western University, she has chosen the financial, insurance, and banking stream within her professional master’s degree programme. This path aligns with her Bermudian roots, as she’s able to directly apply data analytics in the insurance sector. She also credits the programme for its emphasis on professional development through activities like networking, interview training and industry seminars.
Breaking barriers
“Transitioning from an all-girls high school to a programme where I was sometimes the only Black woman in my courses was an adjustment,” Ms Burcher said.
Feeling isolated led her to join Western University’s Association for Women in Mathematics, which fosters support, advocacy and community among women in maths.
“I’ve seen women my age or younger feel like they weren’t ‘smart enough’ for the subject,” she said. “That’s why speaking out about these differences is so important.”
Now serving as vice-president of AWM, Ms Burcher aims to create a welcoming environment for other young women in mathematics.
She was encouraged to see a growing number of women pursuing data analytics — particularly at the graduate level — but she acknowledged the field still has a long way to go.
“Even though there are more women in my current master’s programme than in my undergrad maths degree, it’s still a male-dominated field,” she explained.
But her mindset has change
“I participate in my courses with confidence now, relying on my knowledge and focusing on the learning experience,” she said.
Scholarships that change lives
BFIS provides scholarships and workforce development opportunities for Bermudians interested in insurance and related industries.
“The financial aid from BFIS has been crucial in covering a large portion of my university expenses,” Ms Burcher said.
She added: “Receiving a scholarship instills a deep sense of self-belief. It’s not just financial aid; it’s a message from the provider that they believe in you.”
She recently caught up with BFIS representatives Victoria Cunningham and Bonnie Exell after her first semester and appreciated their genuine interest in her progress.
“That personal connection showed me how much care they put into knowing the students they help,” Ms Burcher said.
Why data analytics matters
One of the most exciting aspects of data analytics is its versatility.
According to Ms Burcher, it has opened doors to countless industries and invited creativity and curiosity. “Here at university, I’ve been exposed to opportunities in diverse sectors like sports, the food industry and criminology,” she said.
Whether the data involves player statistics, grocery trends or crime rates, the possibilities are endless.
This adaptability is especially important for Bermudians.
Ms Burcher said: “On a small island like Bermuda, the younger generation may often feel like they have limited options, but data analytics offers so many ways to fit your personal interests into a career.”
Her love of automation is a surprising yet exciting offshoot of the field — something she didn’t even know she would enjoy before studying data analytics.
Why women should jump aboard
Ms Burcher has this advice for women hesitating to pursue a career in data analytics: don’t let self-doubt hold you back.
“Never give up because you don’t think you’re good enough,” she said. “The skills required for data analytics need practice, even for those to whom it comes naturally. Hard work makes the difference.”
She also encouraged women to take advantage of the wealth of resources available, from online tutorials to professional communities tailored to women navigating male-dominated fields.
Learning not just technical skills but professional ones has transformed Ms Burcher’s development. “Pursuing a master’s in data analytics has taught me how to evolve skills like communication, attention to detail, and project management — things that help in both my career and personal life.”
Ms Burcher’s enthusiasm for her field is infectious, and she hopes more women will see its value.
“This is an amazing field, and I hope any woman with passion and ambition succeeds to the best of her ability, knowing she is always capable.”
Her goal remains clear: to take what she’s learned and bring it back home. Beyond simply using her skills, she wants to inspire others, especially young Bermudian women, to explore the many opportunities data analytics offers — a field full of possibility and growth where women can make a lasting impact.
