Data Analytics Course Heats Up Ice Cream Business
I am an ice cream entrepreneur in Berlin, Germany, taking a digital class with a professor from India who works at the University of Michigan in America
Philipp, of Berlin, Germany, enrolled in a data analytics course to help food entrepreneurs like him survive
After obtaining his business degree in Berlin and San Diego, German entrepreneur Philipp Niegisch created Woop Woop Ice Cream – a liquid nitrogen ice cream shop and food truck in the heart of Berlin. Philipp said that opening his ice cream shop was his dream, but there were business challenges and personal stressors he had to face, making him question whether he could continue.
"The past several years have been challenging for the industry. We had to deal with Covid, inflation, energy prices, high uncertainty. It led me to question my future," Philipp says.
While in lockdown in 2021, he enrolled in "Introduction to Data Analytics for Managers," an introductory course on data analytics techniques and their application in business. Designed for managers who see the opportunity to use data analytics in business but do not have the skills and background to engage with data analytics, the online course was the perfect opportunity for Philipp to learn more about the different digital tools that could help strengthen his company.
"The power of data was something that struck me," Philipp says. "We live in such dynamic and unpredictable times. But I realized that one way to adapt is to keep on learning," he says. "I am not a developer and don't want to be, but I understand that there is a need for digital solutions to my business problems."
Within the course itself, taught by Sanjeev Kumar and Amitabh Sinha, Lecturer of Technology and Operations and Former Associate Professor of Technology and Operations at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business, respectively, students can experience real business scenarios covering topics such as machine learning, data processing, and artificial intelligence.
Philipp says he discovered a new love for data science that might influence his future career path as he looks for ways to use data to help other food businesses. He also noted it wouldn't be possible without the easy access and ability to fit the course into his schedule.
"I am an ice cream entrepreneur in Berlin, Germany, taking a digital class with a professor from India who works at the University of Michigan in America. If you stop to think about it, and when I tell my grandparents, you realize how crazy and cool it is."
He hopes to combine his professional experience as an ice cream business owner with his newly acquired knowledge to create a digital product based on machine learning that can help food businesses worldwide.
In the end, Philipp says the variety, accessibility, and inclusivity of Michigan Online make the overall experience empowering to learners.
"I encourage everyone to complete a task, become a lifelong learner and the entrepreneur of your own path!"
