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.
As someone who has grown up in India, I’ve always known cricket to be more than just a sport; it’s a part of who we are. It’s like the heartbeat of our nation, where every match feels like a grand festival. The excitement and unity cricket brings are immeasurable, similar to how Americans view the Super Bowl, but imagine that amplified across every street, home, and screen in India!
This year, I took a deep dive into the world of data analysis within cricket. It’s fascinating to see how the sport I love is also a vast field of numbers and predictions. Data analytics in cricket is like having a secret playbook. Coaches and teams use detailed performance metrics to make strategic decisions like which batsman should face a particular bowler or how to set the field under specific conditions. This isn’t just about improving the game but transforming it by making decisions based on solid data rather than just gut feelings.
The predictive models used in cricket are something straight out of a sci-fi movie. They can predict possible match outcomes, helping teams plan their strategies better. Imagine knowing the likely score in advance based on historical data and current conditions; it’s like having a crystal ball!
And it’s not just about the players and games. Data analytics helps in connecting with fans more personally, tailoring marketing strategies to what fans love, enhancing their experience, and even deciding match timings based on when most people are likely to watch.
Starting this blog and sharing these insights has been a journey of discovery. As I peel back the layers of data, I see the game I love evolving before my eyes, making each match not just a display of skill but also a masterclass in strategy powered by data. Here’s to more learning and falling even deeper in love with cricket’s complex beauty!
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.”
One year ago, I stepped off a plane into the unknown. I was a new international student in the United States, embarking on a journey filled with excitement and anticipation but also shadowed by fear, worry, and anxiety. Everything felt overwhelming—the unfamiliar environment, the cultural differences, the weather, and even the food. I questioned every decision I made, unsure whether I was on the right path or if I even belong here.
My journey began at the University of Delaware, where I took up a part-time job at the UD catering department. I had no prior experience in catering and often felt out of place, fumbling through tasks and learning on the go. At the same time, I was diving into technical courses, learning SQL, SAS, and Python, despite having no background in programming. The learning curve was steep, and there were many moments when I felt overwhelmed and wondered if I had taken on too much.
The cultural differences added another layer of complexity to my experience. I was adapting to a new way of life, grappling with the unfamiliarity of American customs, the diversity in food that was far from what I was used to, and a climate that was often harsh and unpredictable. It was a constant battle to find my footing, and self-doubt seemed to shadow my every step.
But amid this sea of uncertainty, I found support in unexpected places. Sarah Dix was a constant source of encouragement and comfort. She provided a safe space to share my fears and reassured me that it was okay to feel lost. Jessica Venturi, whose office I nearly burst into tears in during the career fair preparations, became a pillar of strength, reminding me that it was okay to be vulnerable.
Libby Cussack and Dr. Andrea saw things in me that I couldn’t see in myself. Their unwavering belief in me was a beacon of hope during the darkest times. They called out strengths I didn’t know I possessed, challenging me to grow beyond my self-imposed limits. Their friendship and support, along with the camaraderie of Sarah, were vital in transforming my fears into courage. Dr. Andrea’s guidance, in particular, was instrumental in helping me recognize my potential. Learning about Barton in Dr. Andrea’s class, I began to see glimpses of his journey in my own—a series of small steps filled with uncertainty yet leading to growth and self-discovery.
Through all of this, I learned to say “yes” to opportunities that scared me, to raise my hand even when I wasn’t sure of the answer, and to speak up and ask questions even when my voice shook. I learned to give myself and others grace—to accept that it’s okay to not have everything figured out and that we’re all learning as we go.
Now, a year later, I find myself on the other side of the journey. I still have my fears, and there are days when uncertainty grips me, but I am not the same person who arrived a year ago. There has been immense growth—not just academically, but socially, emotionally, and mentally. I am more confident now, not because I have all the answers, but because I have learned to navigate the unknown with a little more grace and a lot more courage.
This year, I had the joy of being part of the BAIM orientation for incoming students as a member of the BAIM GSA Executive Board. It was a full-circle moment, standing there, realizing how much I had grown. I saw myself in the eyes of the new students—scared, unsure, overwhelmed. I was now in a position to offer them the comfort I had once desperately sought. To tell them it’s okay to be scared. To assure them that they are not alone, that there is a community ready to hold their hand and walk with them, one day at a time.
Joining the First Year Seminar (FYS) program team has been a blessing. Dr. Meghan Biery, Michelle Shumate, and Bella—our cool dog manager—have made this new year already amazing as it starts. Their warmth and enthusiasm are infectious, and their support has been invaluable. Working alongside them, I now have the opportunity to share my journey with the incoming class, to tell them it’s okay to be scared, to feel lost, to doubt themselves. But also to remind them that growth happens in these moments of fear and uncertainty. We will figure it out together, step by step.
Reflecting on this past year, I am filled with gratitude for the people who supported me, the challenges that pushed me, and the growth that emerged from it all. I am still learning, still growing, and still facing fears. But I am not where I started. I am stronger, more confident, and more sure that I am on the right path. And that, to me, is the greatest achievement of all.
To every student who has left home for college, I promise you, we all are just stumbling around, finding our way. And that’s perfectly okay. Don’t take yourself out of the room, and don’t take yourself out of the race. Keep showing up Together, we will continue to learn, grow, and support each other through it all.
On the 30th of August BAIM GSA had our first ever event which was the meet and greet for the new student and were joined by some older students and professor Ahmad A Rabaa’i, and professor Anatoliy Anguelov.
The team started by introducing themselves and going through different spots on campus where we went through each of them briefly. After that we presented the Virtual tour of the above named locations to show the new comers where they are located and how they look like.
After the virtual tour we split everyone who attended into groups for an ice breaker event.
It was close race between all teams but team “Dawg” winning the event.
We ended the event with pizza for everyone in the Green and everyone stayed and networked with one another. Overall the first event was successful.
