Data Analytics: A Place For All
To celebrate Data Analytics Month, we sat down with the Big Data Analytics Association (BDAA) President Stacy Comer and Vice President Elizabeth Gilbert. Stacy and Elizabeth are leading BDAA with the hope of spreading the word of analytics to students of all backgrounds, and to provide them with skills outside of the classroom.
What are you studying and why?
Stacy: I am an Information Systems (IS) major in the Fisher College of Business, with a minor in Business Analytics. I chose IS because I knew I had a strong interest in Data Analytics, but I wanted to have a connection to the business world that Fisher provides.
What are you involved in on campus?
Elizabeth: Coming into Ohio State, I had three priorities that I wanted to focus my time on: faith, academics and working out. I joined Jacob Porch, our Lutheran Campus Ministry, to focus on faith. As far as with academics, the Big Data Analytics Association is my main involvement. Additionally, I power lift every morning. I wanted to be deeply involved on campus, and each of these organizations has allowed me to do so. My involvement on-campus helps me to balance school and every other aspect of my life.
How and why did you get involved in BDAA?
Stacy: I joined BDAA as a way to supplement what I felt I wasn’t able to learn in the classroom but needed for the workforce. BDAA has helped to set me up for a career in analytics while also making connections. As a freshman, BDAA was incredibly beneficial to me because it helped me to connect with other students and set me up for the future at a faster pace and with a better understanding of what a career in analytics could look like.
How and why did you get involved with Data Analytics Month?
Elizabeth: BDAA has been connected to the Translational Data Institute (TDI) since before it was an institute. Being the oldest analytics organization on campus, we had the ability to forge connections and share what we have to offer through many channels. When TDI approached us about spreading our message this month, we wanted to take the opportunity to share everything we have to offer.
What are three words that describe your student org?
Stacy: We aim to inspire students to think analytically, empower them through hands-on training and connect them to potential employers.
What advice do you have for incoming or younger Buckeyes?
Stacy: It is easy to be intimidated by others who are further along in their schooling or careers than you are — don’t be. Be a sponge, expose yourself to as many parts of analytics as you can and take advantage of your resources. The most important thing you can do for yourself is to connect with people who are more experienced than you are. Learn their path and take their advice, and it will help get you to where you want to be.
What advice do you have for women getting involved in STEM fields/majors at Ohio State?
Elizabeth: More often than not, my classes are predominantly male. In fact, I have been the only girl in multiple data classes. This is not a reflection of what you are capable of. It is okay to be unique and you belong wherever you choose to. Make it yours.
What do you want students to know about analytics and BDAA?
Stacy: You aren’t going to learn everything you need to know through classes — practicing and building connections is important. Capitalize on the organizations and experiences that Ohio State has to offer because you will never again have access to as many resources as you do now.
For more information about Data Analytics Month, visit the Translational Data Analytics Institute’s website.
