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Building Connections and Confidence: Highlights from the Data Science and Analytics Night
The Fall Data Science and Analytics Night brought together an exciting mix of students, alumni, and employers eager to connect through data. The event created opportunities not only for professional networking but also for building community across programs — from the B.S. in Data Science (BSDS) and M.S. in Data Science (MSDS) to the Ph.D. and minor.
It was also a chance for School of Data Science students and staff to welcome peers from across UVA who were exploring data science for the first time. “It was exciting to meet students from other disciplines who wanted to learn more about the field,” said MSDS student and Admissions Ambassador Shiraz Robinson. “I especially enjoyed working alongside Dishitha Dhakshin and hearing about her journey, including how a BSDS ambassador inspired her to pursue data science.”
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Employers from a wide range of industries attended the event, reflecting the versatility of data science across sectors. Representatives from Bloomberg, CarMax, Leidos, Deloitte, Appian Corporation, CoStar Group, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, among many others, connected with students to discuss opportunities in finance, technology, consulting, and national security. Their presence showcased how data-driven expertise is increasingly vital — from optimizing business operations and advancing public service to driving innovation that shapes the future.
A highlight for many attendees was the opportunity to meet professionals from organizations such as the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC). “Connecting one-on-one with the NIWC gave me a highly personalized networking experience — much more impactful than the traditional career fair format,” said Lucas Raydar, an MSDS student.
For many students, the evening offered both an outreach opportunity and a chance to engage directly with industry leaders. “This event was a unique experience for me since I was chatting with attendees about our minor, BSDS, MSDS, and Ph.D. programs while also connecting with employers myself,” shared Dhakshin, a BSDS student and Admissions Ambassador. “Everyone was incredibly thoughtful in making sure students got the most out of this enriching experience.”
Other students discovered unexpected connections with alumni. Earlier that day, BSDS student Emmy Brown admitted she wasn’t sure what to expect from the event. To her surprise, she connected almost immediately with a UVA alum working at the FBI, who shared valuable career advice: “Look at the skills listed by the employer for your dream role, and use your elective spaces to take classes that allow you to attain these skills. Employers will see a once-in-a-blue-moon candidate who just happens to have all the exact skills they need. In reality, it is just masterful planning.”
That advice resonated deeply with Brown and her classmates. “It reminded me how many niche classes UVA offers that can supplement even the most unconventional academic or professional paths,” one student reflected. “Personally, 'Innovating for Defense' and 'Law and Artificial Intelligence' are two courses I hope to take, as they’re both at the intersection of national security and technology.”
Will Novak, another MSDS student, appreciated the event’s accessibility and focus. “I had a great experience at the Data Science and Analytics Night. I was able to learn about some great opportunities while building new connections. The companies there were great at answering my questions and providing guidance for my next steps.”
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Rachel Earl, a BSDS student, shared a similar sentiment: “I really appreciate having opportunities like the Data Science and Analytics Night to network with companies that are specifically looking for data science students. Although I am only in my second year, I really value talking to companies and learning more about their opportunities and recruitment needs.”
From shared advice and employer connections to cross-program collaboration, the Fall Data Science and Analytics Night showcased the UVA School of Data Science’s strong sense of community — and how every conversation can spark a new path forward.
