Connecting Passion with Profession: Data Analytics Night Networking

Fall Data Analytics Night brought out the bright minds of UVA students from a variety of academic and career backgrounds to Bryant Hall, all eager to explore the range of job opportunities in an annual event hosted by the Career Center.  
 
Data Analytics Night gave students looking to advance their career prospects the ability to connect with recruiters. Students were encouraged to network with potential employers, and employers were given the chance to appeal to a variety of students who are seeking to explore their next professional opportunity, whether it be a job or summer internship.  
 
Madison Dietl, a data science minor ambassador, described her experience at the event as a whirlwind of cheerful, passionate, and excited emotions among her peers. Dietl was particularly impressed by the variety of student interests represented at the event.  
 
“The diversity in fields of study was incredible, from computer science and economics to architecture and archaeology and everything in between — all with one thing in common: a passion for data and desire to learn more about the field,” she said.  
 
Recruiters from insurance companies such as Geico, government agencies like the FBI and Defense Intelligence Agency, and firms such as Deloitte and Booz Allen Hamilton, were all represented at Data Analytics Night. Dietl said that a recruiter described the ideal qualities of an applicant as an individual who is, “'curious,” a “team player,” and “hard-working.'” 
 
Chaitali Harge, an MSDS residential student ambassador, was impressed by the gathering, saying that she appreciated that students were given the chance to speak with potential recruiters prior to being interviewed.  
 
“This event helped students to understand the industry and business requirements and realize how they can apply the knowledge they are learning at UVA,” Harge said. 

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Reggie Leonard, associate director for career connections and community engagement for the School of Data Science, was happy to learn that students had positive, yet unexpected experiences while attending Data Analytics Night.  
 
“One of my favorite parts about this event every year, with this year being no exception, is hearing students say, 'I visited x company’s suite not knowing what to expect, and now they’re on the top of my list,'” said Leonard. "That's the point: exposing students to opportunities and careers that they may not have considered otherwise."
 
Leonard strongly believes in the professional opportunities offered by data science. “Data is increasingly a literacy and a proficiency that more and more organizations are looking to build upon,” he said. “At UVA, we’ve recognized this trend and built a dedicated event to do so nearly a decade ago.”  

Contributing: Madison Dietl and Chaitali Harge