By Pascale Mwavaga

Step into the realm of the BAIM Alumni series, where every step is a stride toward a world of unlocking invaluable career insights, decoding the job search landscape, and illuminating the path to knowledge acquisition. 

On April 26th, BAIM GSA unveiled the inaugural installment of the BAIM Alumni series. Crafted exclusively for BAIM students, this event transcended the bounds of networking, delving deep into the intricate workings of the job market. The BAIM Alumni Series is a testament to the commitment of the BAIM GSA Board to cater to the dynamic needs of its members.

Here’s a glimpse into the highlights and pivotal takeaways from this unforgettable and empowering event

Sowmya Tangirala
Business Intelligence Engineer
University of Delaware

Course selection – Before graduation, your time in school is all about preparation. This is the period you choose courses that will give you valuable and marketable skills, while also helping you understand where these skills fit into the job market.

Soft & Technical Skills – Take some time to discover your top soft and technical skills that you are passionate about and that set you apart from others. Having a mix of these skills will help you identify which companies are seeking them out. Some of the technical skills that are required in the market include Tableau, Power BI, and SQL. Additionally, strong communication skills are essential as a soft skill.

Networking – Do not wait until the end of your two-year journey; begin networking from day one. Career fairs are excellent opportunities to connect with talent acquisition teams. Use LinkedIn to network with recruiters and hiring teams through continuous interaction on the platform. This ensures that the algorithm displays job searches and content most relevant to you. Keep updating and optimizing your LinkedIn profile to maximize its effectiveness.

Andres Holland
Director, Digital Analytics
Sallie Mae

Stand Out! To make your resume stand out, invest time in building a portfolio that demonstrates your skills in action and how you have made an impact. When applying for jobs and internships, showcase yourself in the best possible light. Highlighting a class project or a case competition can make your resume memorable and eye-catching.

LinkedIn – Networking on LinkedIn is a crucial step towards accessing opportunities. While these connections may not yield immediate results, they can prove invaluable down the line when opportunities arise.

Courses – The BAIM program offers a wide range of courses. While some may provide directly applicable skills for the analytics field, others can give you the breadth to know what you don’t know. Opt for classes aligned with your career aspirations, but also venture into those that broaden your skillset, preparing you for success across various roles and careers.

Technical skills – Tools utilized in the workplace include SQL, Tableau, Power BI, Python, Heap Analytics, and Snowflake.

Kiranpreethi Lagadapati
Business Analyst
Lexisnexis Risk Solutions

Job Market – When navigating the job market, it’s essential to balance facts with people’s opinions. While the job market can be challenging, have confidence in yourself and strive towards your goals.

Job Applications – When applying for roles, prioritize opportunities posted within the last three days to a week. Avoid applying for positions posted a month ago or more, as they may have already progressed in the hiring process.

Resumes – Tailoring your resume is crucial for success. Ensure it aligns with the job description by highlighting relevant experiences and skills that match the requirements outlined in the job posting. This personalized approach increases your chances of standing out to employers.

Hirable Qualities – Key qualities that make candidates hirable include communication and ownership. Demonstrating ownership at work entails taking initiative and responsibility for the success of your team or organization.