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How UVA’s School of Data Science is Preparing Students for the Future of Work
At the University of Virginia School of Data Science, the mission of preparing students for meaningful and impactful careers goes hand-in-hand with innovation. Director of Career and Professional Development Sarah Rogis and her team are expanding programming, embracing new technologies, and forging stronger connections with employers and alumni to ensure students have the skills, confidence, and networks they need to succeed.
Expanding Access Through Innovative Programming
The Career Development team is adding flexible options to meet students where they are. A new part-time career advisor will offer evening hours for online students, while alumni career consultant Marina O’Shea provides specialized technical interview preparation, portfolio reviews, and mentorship. “She brings industry expertise that complements the services we provide,” Rogis said, noting that UVA is one of the few universities with this kind of embedded alumni consultant. The team has also redesigned the Career Launchpad, an internal and evolving resource hub that offers just-in-time career guidance and 24/7 access to tools and materials supporting every stage of the student journey. Students are also gaining hands-on project-based learning opportunities through a new partnership with the platform Riipen. Beginning in January 2026, undergraduate data science majors will collaborate in small groups on short, intensive projects sourced from real employers. With faculty input and guided by an alumni mentor, students will gain practical experience in data cleaning, modeling, and presenting actionable insights—building portfolios that showcase their skills to employers.
The Career Development team is also launching industry career treks this spring — immersive learning experiences that give students a firsthand look at data science in action. Reggie Leonard II, associate director of career connections, will lead students on visits to companies in New York City and locally at WillowTree, where they will connect directly with alumni and recruiters. “Students are hungry to explore what paths might be a good fit for them,” Rogis said. “These treks help them gain substantive experience and skills they can showcase to employers, whether in conversation, networking, or future interviews.”
Leveraging AI to Stay Ahead of the Market
Artificial intelligence is playing a central role in reimagining career development. Rogis and her team are piloting AI-based tools to develop career exploration and readiness pathways for students. Just as employers increasingly use AI in recruiting — from screening résumés to gamified interviews — the School is preparing students to be savvy, ethical users of these technologies. To bring this work to fruition, the team also plans to partner with faculty and student researchers, incorporating data-driven insights and market intelligence to ensure programs remain innovative and responsive to both student needs and industry trends.
“There’s a balance to be struck,” Rogis noted. “AI can help students explore opportunities and prepare, but students must still be able to tell their own story in a compelling and authentic way.”
Meeting Employer Needs Through Skills-Based Hiring
According to Rogis, employers are shifting away from hiring based on GPA and toward skills-based hiring. They want candidates who can demonstrate applied experience, communicate effectively, and adapt across interdisciplinary teams. She notes that while technical acumen is essential, employers are especially eager for graduates who can clearly communicate insights and connect data to problem-solving and organizational goals.
To support this, the career services team is building a professional development series that emphasizes communication, leadership, and client-facing skills, complementing the technical rigor of the curriculum. “The students who stand out,” Rogis said, “are the ones who can showcase professional skills on top of technical expertise.”
Building an Ecosystem of Mentorship and Connection
Career development at UVA SDS is expanding beyond the career services office itself. A new Alumni Career Readiness Mentor Initiative launching later this year will formalize pathways for alumni to mentor students, offering guidance, opening doors, and giving back to the community. Rogis sees this as part of a broader “ecosystem” model, where faculty, alumni, employers, and UVA partners all play a role in helping students navigate their career journeys. Already, alumni- and employer-led workshops are proving popular. Recent sessions with Bloomberg recruiters on optimizing LinkedIn profiles, for example, drew students “in droves,” Rogis said. Students are also prioritizing one-on-one advising, underscoring the importance of personal guidance alongside group programming.
Staying Ahead of the Career Game
Rogis emphasizes that one of the team’s top priorities this year is becoming “savvier with data and metrics” to better understand what students need and how they engage with career resources. From tracking internship destinations and salary trends to evaluating which workshops draw the most interest, these insights allow the team to tailor services more strategically and demonstrate the real-world impact of UVA data science graduates.
As hiring trends continue to evolve, the School of Data Science aims to stay ahead by combining innovation with personal connection. With new programs launching, AI-driven tools in development, and deeper partnerships with employers and alumni, Rogis and her team are building a responsive, forward-looking model of career development.
“Our students are not only gaining technical skills but also applied experience and interdisciplinary learning that make them highly competitive,” Rogis said. “The more we can connect them to opportunities and help them tell their stories with confidence, the more we’re preparing them to thrive in a changing job market.”
This article was compiled from an in-person interview with Sarah Rogis in September 2025.
