Last Friday, the Business Analytics and Information Management (BAIM) Graduate Student Association (GSA) made history by hosting Coffee Hour, in collaboration with the Center for Global Programs and Services (CGPS). And what a start it was! With a fantastic turnout, fun games, prizes, and an impressive spread of snacks and goodies, the event was an instant hit, setting the stage for many more to come. Of course, none of it would have been complete without the top-tier coffee that kept everyone energized, thanks to CGPS!
As the BAIM GSA’s first Coffee Hour, expectations were high—and the event delivered beyond expectations. Graduate students from various programs gathered in full force, eager to connect over shared interests, learn from one another, and, of course, enjoy some great coffee. What made this event stand out was the perfect mix of networking and lighthearted fun.
Participants enjoying some friendly competition during the games.
In addition to great conversations, this Coffee Hour added an extra layer of excitement with games that had everyone smiling and competing. From trivia challenges to quick-thinking games, these activities provided a fun way for everyone to loosen up and engage with each other.
And let’s not forget the prizes! Winners didn’t just take home goodies. The games brought a whole new level of energy to the event, with participants cheering each other on and celebrating every win.
“The games made everything so much more fun, and winning a prize was the cherry on top!” said one
Proud winners showing off their prizes!
Graduate life can sometimes be a bit overwhelming, with coursework, research, and career goals pulling students in every direction. The Friday Coffee Hour offers a much-needed break, providing students with an opportunity to unwind, meet new people, and gain fresh perspectives—whether it’s through games, prizes, or professional connections.
The collaboration with CGPS ensured that the event had a professional edge, too. Lookout for the next Coffee Hour, and we promise it to make it even bigger and better, with more games, prizes, and opportunities to connect.
If you missed this one, make sure to keep an eye out for the next! It’s the perfect blend of fun, networking, and some seriously good coffee.
Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting Nicole Dhruv, Data Scientist Manager VP, for an inspiring speaker session. Her talk was a treasure trove of insights and practical advice for anyone navigating the complex world of data and Analytics.
She emphasized that, aside from being a ‘tech bro,’ she has a deep passion for farming! She owns a farm, loves animals, and finds joy in this unexpected hobby. Before moving into data science, she was in research science. What fueled the switch? Her innate curiosity and the desire to learn more about data. This led to her Data and Storytelling Journey.
She enrolled in an analytics program to bridge the gap. “I had a hard time finding the balance between work, studying, and life. “I wasn’t the perfect example of work-life balance,” she admitted, “but I’d do better if I were to go back.” Despite the difficulties, the effort was well worth it and paid off immensely.
However, the journey to data science wasn’t easy. The challenge of applying to 30+ jobs with little to no feedback was almost overwhelming. She did mock interviews with friends and practiced her technical skills using coding challenges from sites like Reddit and built her portfolio through side projects.
Out of the numerous applications she submitted, she received two offers over a period of 6-8 months. “You have to be patient. Learn to be patient. You are competing with thousands of applicants. Leverage the transferable skills that you currently have. This will go a long way. Brush up your technical skills as well – Python ,SAS and Alteryx. These are key in the industry.”
So, how did she make the cut? By finding the right fit, narrowing her scope, and maintaining confidence. She advised not to pass up opportunities just because they are not in your desired industry. At that point, she needed just one “yes.”
She excelled in her interview by being authentic and discussing her passion for data and storytelling. This made a lasting impression and led to a referral from the interviewer to JPMorgan Chase! She started as a Data Visualization Associate and worked her way up to her current role as Data Scientist Manager, a position she secured by networking with one of her clients while she was a Sales Science Data Scientist.
Her closing remarks were, “You need just one yes. Continue to search and be relentless. Put yourself out there. As an introvert, I had to force myself to do that. I needed to.”
Your academic journey will immerse you in a world where numbers tell stories and algorithms unveil hidden patterns. You’ll learn to navigate vast oceans of information, extracting meaningful insights that can reshape business strategies.
Data Deluge: Prepare to swim in oceans of information! You’ll be transforming raw data into actionable insights faster than you can say “regression analysis.”
Tech Tool Mastery: Get ready to become a Swiss Army knife of analytics tools. From Python to R, Tableau to Power BI, you’ll be juggling technologies like a pro.
AI and ML Magic: No, robots aren’t taking over (yet), but you’ll learn to harness their power for business intelligence.
Cybersecurity Savvy: In this data-centric world, you’ll become the digital guardian of valuable information assets.
To truly excel in this field, it’s crucial to leverage both classroom learning and online resources.
GitHub: Your New Professional Social Network
Commit, and push your way to coding glory. It’s like LinkedIn, but with more brackets and fewer suits!
Stack Overflow: Your 24/7 Coding Companion
When in doubt, Stack Overflow it out. It’s like having a genius friend who never sleeps and always has the answer.
Kaggle: The Data Science Colosseum
Join competitions, learn from the best, and showcase your skills. Who knows? You might even win some cool prizes!
LinkedIn Learning and Coursera: Your Virtual Campus
Enhance your classroom learning with these treasure troves of knowledge. It’s like having a library card to the entire internet!
Professional Webinars and Virtual Conferences
Stay on the cutting edge of industry trends and expand your professional network. This is crucial especially for international students!
Maximizing Your Classroom Experience – Embrace Collaborative Projects
They’re not just about dividing work; they’re about multiplying brainpower and preparing for real-world teamwork.
Office Hours: Your Secret Weapon!!!
Your professors are walking encyclopedias of analytics wisdom. Don’t be shy – pick their brains! Make them your buddies!
Master the Art of Time Management
Data doesn’t sleep, and sometimes, neither will you. Learn to balance your workload
Fail Fast, Learn Faster
Don’t fear mistakes. In analytics, every error is a stepping stone to mastery. Embrace the learning process!
Cultivate Curiosity
The field is evolving faster than you can say “big data.” Always be ready to learn, adapt, and grow.
Remember, in the world of Business Analytics, the only constant is change. Stay adaptable, keep learning, and most importantly, find joy in the journey! You’re about to embark on a path that is exciting. By leveraging both online resources and classroom experiences, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate this dynamic landscape and emerge as skilled analytics professionals.
We look forward to supporting you on this thrilling adventure and watching you transform into the data leaders of tomorrow. Get ready to crunch numbers, uncover insights, and make an impact!
See you in the data trenches!
P.S. If you ever feel overwhelmed, just remember: even the most complex algorithms started with a simple “Hello, World!” You’ve got this! 💪🏽📊🖥️
