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.
Today we learn more about Kiran, a determined MS BAIMer who graduated in Fall 2023 and is working with LexisNexis Risk Solutions as a Business Analyst. Kiran’s journey in the field of Business Analytics has been fueled by discipline, mentorship, and seizing every opportunity that comes her way. From navigating the challenges of transitioning from India to the US for her studies to embracing the importance of discipline in every aspect of life, Kiran shares valuable insights that have shaped her path to success. Join us as we delve into Kiran’s story of determination, and commitment to success.
Where are you from, and what is your educational background? I am from South India. I came to UD for my master’s in 2022 and this undoubtedly was the best decision I ever made. My educational background is in Electronics and Communication Engineering, and before embarking on my master’s journey, I was already gaining valuable experience working with CGI.
Did you seize any leadership opportunities while in UD? During the academic year 2022-2023, I served as a BAIM Senator on the Graduate Student Government. In this role, I assisted numerous incoming students with essential tasks such as finding accommodation, navigating course selections, and providing general information on travel, insurance, and banking. This experience not only allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the student community but also instilled a strong sense of purpose within me.
What inspired you to pursue a BAIM degree? I was drawn to the BAIM degree because of its unique combination of technical and functional capabilities. This versatility appealed to me as it allows graduates to seamlessly integrate into different industries and roles.
How has your experience in the department influenced your academic and personal growth?
Education, to me, transcends mere accumulation of knowledge; it embodies exploration and discipline. My journey within the BAIM department and UD has been enriching. The support and kindness extended by the BAIM community and UD at large have been invaluable. Professors patiently guide us through our learning journey and accommodate our pace of catching up. On a personal level, I have expanded my horizons, forged friendships, participated in entrepreneurial workshops, and enriched my knowledge base.
“Success is a culmination of discipline, seizing every opportunity, and never taking anything for granted.”
KiranPreethi
Can you discuss any part-time or full-time work experiences you’ve had during your academic journey? I delved into the workforce by joining Aramark as a data analyst within UD. This experience not only provided me with valuable hands-on experience in my field but also allowed me to cultivate numerous meaningful relationships along the way.
How did you secure these positions, and what key factors would you emphasize for others looking to secure both part-time and full-time employment?
My internship at Aramark was made possible through the reference provided by Jim Murphy, the Director of Retail Operations. Securing my current full-time position was a rigorous journey that began with LinkedIn and involved navigating through six exhaustive rounds of interviews. While finding full-time employment may not be easy, it’s a continuous process that requires hard work.
What valuable lessons or skills have you gained from your work experiences that have contributed to your overall development? Communicating effectively has been one of the most valuable lessons I have learned. Communication is not merely about language proficiency but a skill that can be honed. It is a crucial skill that transcends various aspects, whether it’s acing interviews, delivering impactful presentations, or articulating project ideas.
Other than your educational and professional interests, what do you enjoy doing? Dancing, singing, and doodling allow me to express myself creatively, while conversing with plants brings me a sense of tranquility. I stay updated on current trends through research. Shopping is a favorite pastime of mine, and I relish the experience of wine tasting as well as soaking up the sun on a beautiful day out.
By Pascale Khayeri Mwavaga | BAIM GSA Content Writer | March 8, 2024
Every Friday, the Trabant Student Center buzzes with excitement as the Center for Global Programs and Services (CGPS) hosts the University of Delaware’s International Coffee Hour. This vibrant gathering serves as a focal point for the UD community, providing an enriching environment where students, faculty, and staff come together to socialize, network, forge new friendships, and delve into the diverse world cultures.
At BAIM GSA, fostering meaningful connections among students and faculty is at the heart of our mission. Collaborating with CGPS to co-host the International Coffee Hour exemplifies our dedication to this cause, offering the UD Global community an opportunity to discover more about BAIM GSA and access the resources and support we provide.
Sip, Socialize, and Play!
Held on February 23rd, 2024, at the Trabant Student Center, the CGPS – BAIM GSA International Coffee Hour drew a diverse crowd from the UD community, eager to kick off the weekend, take a respite from their academic and professional responsibilities, and immerse themselves in fun and exciting games.
No Coffee Hour would be complete without the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air. Thanks to CGPS, attendees were treated to an assortment of coffee and snacks to enjoy. BAIM GSA added to the lively atmosphere by providing a dynamic array of games, including human bingo, draughts, chess, and card games.
The highlight of the event was the Lerner-themed networking bingo game, a creative twist on the classic bingo format. This interactive activity served as the ultimate icebreaker, allowing participants to mingle and get to know one another in a fun and engaging way.
Bingo!
The first ten (10) players to complete their bingo cards claimed exclusive BAIM GSA goody bags, brimming with exciting surprises. This interactive twist on traditional bingo sparked laughter and memorable connections among participants, making it the highlight of the event.
Capturing Moments: A Gallery from Our International Coffee Hour
