The Career Readiness for Data, Analytics and AI Program aims to provide a defined path and set of resources to students who would like to prepare for a career in the fields of Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence. We believe that extracurricular activities, community engagement, volunteer projects, attendance at professional events and active participation in the Data Analytics community are critical for your professional development and career readiness in this field. Many students focus only on their academic success and overlook how these additional activities play an essential role in a successful career. We encourage all students to start preparing for their future careers at the beginning of their academic journey by engaging with the Data Analytics community, taking on leadership roles, and adopting a mindset of lifelong learning.
There are 3 pathways for students:
- Level 1 – Career Readiness for Data, Analytics and AI Program: Available for all undergraduate and graduate students at University of Washington Seattle, University of Washington Tacoma and University of Washington Bothell
- Level 2 – Career Readiness for Data, Analytics and AI Program: Available for students who are studying Undergraduate Minor in Business Data Analytics Program @UW Tacoma
- Level 3 – Career Readiness for Data, Analytics and AI Program: Available for students who are studying Master of Science Business Analytics Program @UW Tacoma
The Career Readiness for Data, Analytics and AI badges are awarded to current students who earn a minimum of 40 PDUs (Professional Development Units) within a 12 month period (from June to June). PDUs may be earned by completing a combination of required and optional Professional Development Activities.
Here are some of the required and optional activities to earn your badge…
Create a Data Analytics Portfolio (Required) – A data analytics portfolio is a great way to display your skills and experience, and it serves as a good indicator of your analytics proficiency for hiring managers. A data analytics portfolio may include code pieces, models, visualizations, dashboards, demo videos and more.
Create Content: Generate & Disseminate Knowledge – Communication and storytelling are among the most in-demand skills for Data Analyst professionals. A well-written article can tell your network and potential hiring managers a great deal about your ability to present and communicate data, as well as your enthusiasm for sharing your knowledge with others.
Attend a Data Analytics Conference or Event – Attending a high-quality conference or event will broaden your knowledge and professional network. Meeting with professionals from diverse industries and backgrounds can inspire you with new ideas and help you build a robust professional network.
Volunteering or Internship for Data Analytics Projects – What could be more rewarding than serving the local community while practicing your data skills and building your resume? One way to do this is by joining the UW Tacoma Analytics Innovation Club. Under guidance of Milgard School’s Center for Business Analytics, the Analytics Innovation Club provides UW students the opportunity to volunteer on pro-bono applied analytics projects which aim to help local organizations solve their problems through data-driven insights. The Analytics Innovation Club works on real-world projects provided by the Center for Business Analytics.
Join a Workshop in the Field of Data Analytics and Be a Lifelong Learner – As in many other fields of science, advancements in Data and Business Analytics never stop and there are an endless number of tools, services, skills to learn. That’s why it is essential to gain a mindset of lifelong learning even before your career in this field begins. Attending workshops, webinars and classes are great ways to keep your knowledge and skills current. Additionally, they provide the opportunity to meet people who share similar interests with you.
Membership and Active Participation in a Professional Association – Joining a professional association can be greatly rewarding for students in various ways. Professional association memberships provide opportunities to network with professionals and help to advance skills and knowledge in particular subjects. Having a membership also might be seen as an indication of taking the initiative to learn more about a field of interest.
Click on the link below to learn more about our 3 pathways to earn a digital badge to demonstrate your career readiness and get some tips on professional development activities that can help you get ready for a career in Data Analytics and AI fields.
