Data Science & Analytics Night Provides Opportunities for Connection

The University of Virginia School of Data Science was buzzing with excitement as students gathered on Feb. 26 for the Spring 2025 Data Science and Analytics Night. Their aim: make connections and build a network that would aid their future data science careers.

This marked the first time this career fair, which has been running every semester since fall 2019, was held at the School of Data Science. Organized by the UVA Career Center and championed by the School's Office of Student Affairs, the event sought to provide a unique opportunity for students to engage with organizations who are looking to hire for data science and analytics roles.

Companies represented at the event included 2nd Order Solutions, CarMax, CoStar Group, Epic, Ethics Metrics LLC, Hazen and Sawyer, Kearney & Company, Leidos, and Sage Analysis Group, as well as representation from UVA alumni at Accenture, MITRE, and NGIC.

The diverse career offerings spanned industries from consulting, retail, and real estate to research, accounting, information technology, civil engineering, and defense. Most companies were hiring for full-time positions, but there will still a few opportunities for internships. Companies represented were primarily targeting third and fourth years or those from masters programs. 

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The evening served as more than just a career fair — it was also a helpful networking event and preparation for professional business experiences. Students were provided informative materials like a professional guide on business casual attire and a compilation of networking tips.

Paul Paparella, associate director of employer relations at the UVA Career Center, said the Center felt the night went very well, with a turnout of about 150 students. He cited the space offered by the School and the UVA M.S. in Data Science (MSDS) alumni present as reasons for the event's success. 

"We hope students are able to get a better sense of internship and full-time job opportunities in the growing field of data science and analytics," Paparella said. "We also invited a few UVA alums who went through the MSDS program in recent years and are working with various employers so that students can get a better sense of how they navigated the transition from UVA to the world of work."

Paparella felt that the open and inviting environs offered by the new School of Data Science building helped to foster connection and discussion. Student Affairs staff echoed this sentiment, remarking on how special it was to be able to host the event.

"The building is designed for collaboration and innovation, and Data Science and Analytics Night exemplifies that spirit with discussions about emerging trends, cutting edge technologies, and potential career paths," said Stephanie Joynes, assistant director of career and professional development. 

Reggie Leonard, associate director for career connections and community engagement, agreed. "Several students came up to me and remarked that it was so cool to be having an event in their building, in their space, and really feeling a sense of ownership around the opportunities being presented to them," he said. 

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Students in attendance used the opportunity to network and learn about potential applications of their education. Mason Nicoletti, BSDS ambassador and president of the Undergraduate Data Science Council, shared his experience attending the fair and exploring career paths in data science. 

"It’s good to learn about what these companies do and gain a better understanding of what recruiters look for in job applicants," he said. "There were companies spanning a variety of industries at the event. That is one of the most exciting things about professions in data science and analytics! There is no limit to the fields where these skills can be applied." 

Finally, Nicoletti shared his advice for students looking to get their foot in the door and refine their soft skills. "Even if you aren’t looking for a job or internship, I recommend attending events like these to put your networking skills into practice."