Navigating Uncertainty With Precision: Tyler Bailey’s Path From Military Intelligence to Risk Analytics

Tyler Bailey understands what it means to make critical decisions when the stakes are high. After over a decade of military service, including time leading intelligence operations in some of the world’s most volatile regions, he transitioned to corporate America with a bold vision for his future.

“I’ve always thrived in environments that require data-informed decision-making under pressure,” Tyler said. “I saw a growing need for professionals who can navigate uncertainty with both analytical rigor and strategic clarity.”

As a member of the Army Special Operations community, Tyler regularly used strategic decision-making skills in high-threat situations. He now applies this expertise to his role as a territory safety lead and risk analyst at Lithko Contracting in Raleigh.

“I had just returned from Africa, where I was working as the director of intelligence for a special operations task force in North and West Africa,” said Tyler. “I was already operating at the intersection of risk, strategy and analytics — but I wanted to formalize that experience through an academic framework and build the technical foundation to thrive in corporate risk roles.”

Tyler decided to find a master’s program that would allow him to continue to use his extensive military experience, but in a corporate capacity.

Selecting NC State’s Master of Management, Risk and Analytics Program

Tyler enrolled in the Master of Management, Risk and Analytics (MRA) program in January 2024. The MRA program equips professionals to become strategic leaders through its innovative focus on enterprise risk management and data analytics. This part-time, online program combines cutting-edge coursework with practical business applications, creating a pathway to executive leadership roles. 

“Ultimately, I chose NC State because I didn’t want a generic business degree. I wanted specialized expertise that aligned with where corporate America is headed,” he explained. “Risk and analytics are no longer back-office functions, they’re boardroom priorities. This program has prepared me not only to understand that shift, but to lead it.”

For Tyler, the excellent reputation of the MRA program was also a significant factor in making this decision.

“NC State’s Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Initiative is globally recognized, with faculty who aren’t just researchers, they’re practitioners with real-world experience on emerging risk trends. That level of real-world integration was important to me. Also, the flexibility of the online, part-time format was ideal,” Tyler noted. 

The flexible structure of the MRA program allowed him to balance coursework with his professional responsibilities and extracurricular interests, including a unique role as a tight ends graduate assistant coach for NC State football.

Another compelling reason for choosing the MRA program at NC State was that Tyler was already part of the Wolfpack community. He earned his undergraduate degree in Political Science from the university in 2023, so returning to his alma mater felt like coming home.

Experience in the Online MRA Program

“What really set the experience apart,” he explained, “was the balance between flexibility and engagement.” The structure of the MRA program made it possible for him to continue working full time and keep his role with NC State football while completing his master’s degree. 

“These roles gave me the chance to immediately apply what I was learning, whether that meant using PowerBI to manage workplace incidents or Excel for analyzing performance metrics,” said Tyler. “Perhaps most importantly, the faculty and program leadership created an environment where practical learning and strategic thinking were prioritized.”

The NC State MRA program curriculum provided a blend of technical skills and strategic frameworks, often pushing Tyler to develop new capabilities. 

“Throughout the program, I’ve developed hands-on experience with essential tools like JMP, Tableau, RStudio and Python,” Tyler shared. “We applied these platforms to complex projects involving Monte Carlo simulation and strategic risk modeling, creating actionable intelligence from raw data.”

Tyler especially appreciated the mentorship provided by faculty member Ericka Kranitz during his studies. “She made a lasting impact on my educational journey,” he reflected. “Kranitz brought risk management to life in practical, strategic ways that connected immediately with my professional challenges. Her commitment to helping each student find their unique path demonstrated exactly the kind of people-centered leadership I aspire to embody.”

Balancing Work, Football and the Online MRA Program

Beyond coursework, Tyler found unexpected value in applying classroom concepts directly to his daily work at Lithko Contracting. Group projects and case studies offered collaborative learning opportunities that mirrored real-world risk management scenarios, allowing him to test theoretical approaches in practical settings.

“In my role at Lithko, I’ve applied concepts like root cause analysis to reduce incident rates and improve project outcomes,” Tyler said. “The program has also sharpened my ability to communicate risk insights to leadership and make data-informed decisions that support strategic objectives.”

Balancing a demanding career, a coaching role in NC State football, and graduate coursework required strategic time management. Fortunately, the flexible structure of the MRA program allowed Tyler to manage his professional and personal responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed. Moreover, he began to apply the skills he learned in the program outside the classroom.

“The online format made it possible to manage both roles effectively,” Tyler explained. “The program didn’t just accommodate my schedule, it enhanced my work performance by providing frameworks I could apply immediately in both settings. Analyzing game performance data became an extension of what I was learning in my analytics courses.”

Leading with Confidence in Risk Management

“This program has been a major milestone in my personal and professional journey,” he said. “It reminded me of the strength of the Wolfpack community and the value of being surrounded by people who want to see you succeed.”

Tyler strongly endorses the MRA program for professionals seeking to advance their careers. “The flexibility of asynchronous online learning allowed me to study around my complex work schedule. For those transitioning between career fields or seeking to accelerate their advancement, NC State’s MRA program delivers exceptional value,” he stated.

Tyler offers bold, practical advice for professionals considering an advanced degree program.

“Stop waiting for the perfect time — it doesn’t exist,” he explained. “Find a program aligned with your specific goals and commit fully. The MRA program has given me both the skill set and the confidence to lead in high-stakes environments. It’s challenging, absolutely. But few investments will deliver greater returns than education that transforms both how you think and how you lead.”

Interested in advancing your career with the online Master of Management, Risk and Analytics degree program from NC State Online? Visit the programs page for a full list of degree and certificate programs.