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Name: Rachael Goldstein
Class Year: 2019
Major: Computer Information Systems
Position: Inventory and Insights Data Analyst
Company: Warner Media
Can you describe your career path for me? (This may include HS jobs, internships, etc.)
When I first applied to Bentley I was very unsure of the direction I wanted to go in. I knew I enjoyed economics, I was good at math, I loved solving problems but I struggled to pick a major and more specifically a job I could see myself in. My career path was ultimately what helped me find a job I truly love. I came across data analytics through trial and error. From an HR internship in high school, to internships building websites for Massachusetts state, working with software programing and design, or eventually interning as a Data Analyst at TripAdvisor I kept a mental list of what I loved and did not love from each internship. This helped me really narrow down the industry and job role to find something that met all the criteria I looked for in a full time position.
How did you become interested in this career?
Bentley does a great job of introducing you to so many different aspects of the business world. Through IT101 I was able to see that I enjoyed using excel as well as coding. I signed up for more IT courses and through there I was able to see what coding languages I liked. I enjoyed the more analytical aspects of coding and saw myself leaning towards classes teaching SQL and Python rather than classes that focused on app development. After learning these various coding languages I was able to apply and find data analytic internships to see if this is something I would want to pursue after college.
What aspects of your position do you find most rewarding?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is being able to bring valuable knowledge and insight to so many different teams in the company. When working at a large company like Warner Media, it is easy to view yourself as just another employee. When you look at the bigger picture however, you see how much value the data and insight you provide can generate. By analyzing revenue numbers I can find business opportunities that can generate millions of dollars. By analyzing and forecasting pricing and consumer engagement I can help with the assistance of developing new products to bring to the market. The projects and data needs are constantly changing so you are always ready to dig into new data and create new insights making everyday an exciting and new challenge.
What aspects do you find most challenging?
The most challenging part of my job is learning all the ins and outs of the industry. Through school and various internships you learn valuable techniques and skills to be able to do your job. Learning all the nuances of the Media Industry is only something I can learn through working at Warner Media. This will be any job you have, and that makes for a big learning curve in the beginning. My advice is come in everyday eager to learn and ask a lot of questions. You can only improve by doing so.
What advice do you have for someone preparing to enter this career?
Like I mentioned above, you can learn technique and coding languages through school and internships. When you are trying to find a full time position in data analytics apply to companies and industries where the data you will be analyzing really interests you. You spend all day working with these data sets so it is important to find a field you enjoy. If you are into sports, apply to be an analyst for a sports team. If you are into fashion apply to be an analyst for a designer. Data is everywhere and every company uses it to make informed business decisions. Look for what your passions are and find a role that ties into it.
Are there any Bentley specific courses or resources you would recommend to help someone pursue this career?
Bentley has just recently introduced their new Data Analytics major as well as their Data Technology minor. I recommend either applying for one of these majors/minors or taking a few of the classes they require for the major/minor. It is good to have a balance of not only IT classes, but math, economics, and statistics classes as well.
Who is one person at Bentley that helped you get where you are today?
One person at Bentley who helped me get to where I am today was Professor Garfield. She was one of the first IT professors I had the pleasure of taking. Through her interesting class material, valuable industry insights, and one on one assistance she helped me find my passion for data analytics. Professor Garfield is an advocate for Women in Tech and brings students every year to the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing. She works hard to make sure every one of her students learns the most they can and helps bring attention to a field that is on rise.
