Exploring Careers in Data Analytics
The Exploring Careers in Data Analytics series is a collaborative project between the Center for Careers and Internships (CCI) and Middlebury in DC, with contributions from Middlebury alumni, professionals, and students. This series gives you an inside look into the field of data analytics, with insights from alumni working in a variety of industries.
Data analytics is often divided into four types:
- Descriptive analytics – looks at what has happened over a certain period.
- Diagnostic analytics – digs into why certain events occurred.
- Predictive analytics – forecasts what’s likely to happen in the future.
- Prescriptive analytics – recommends actions based on data.
The demand for data professionals is on the rise, with projections estimating over 3 million jobs in the U.S. alone. In this series, you’ll hear from alumni who use data analytics in diverse careers, learning about their journeys from Middlebury to their current roles and their advice for students interested in the field.
For the full playlist, visit our YouTube channel, where you will find all episodes and more series in our MIDDVantage collection.
Episode 12: Data Analytics and the Justice System
- Guest: Nick Delehanty ‘17, Data Director, Federal Public Defenders office in Brooklyn
- Interviewer: Ellie Thompson ‘22
- Overview: Nick is the Data Director at the Brooklyn office of the Federal Defenders of New York, supporting casework, strategic litigation, and operations through data collection and analysis. Previously, he was a paralegal and chief paralegal at Federal Defenders. Nick graduated from Middlebury with a major in History and minors in French and Global Health.
- Watch Time: 20 minutes
Coming soon…
Episode 11: Reducing Violence and Harms of the Criminal Justice System
- Guest: Nathan Weil ‘15, Analytics Manager, University of Chicago Crime Lab
- Interviewer: Eli Drachman ’24
- Overview: Nathan uses data science and rigorous research to design, test, and scale programs aimed at enhancing public safety and advancing justice. The Crime Lab collaborates with government agencies and nonprofits to evaluate new programs focused on reducing violence. Nathan graduated from Middlebury with a B.A. in Economics and founded Middlebury Foods.
- Watch Time: 28 minutes
Coming soon…
Episode 10: The Personal Communications Side of Data Analytics
- Guest: Raffie Parke ‘13, Account Executive Data & AI, IBM
- Interviewer: John Cambefort ‘22
- Overview: Raffie manages Data & AI solutions for IBM’s commercial clients, focusing on data infrastructure for businesses. With a background in consulting and an ongoing part-time MBA, she brings extensive experience from the tech and nonprofit sectors. Raffie graduated from Middlebury with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in French.
- Watch Time: 27 minutes
Coming soon…
Episode 9: Data Analytics in a Non-Profit Environment
- Guest: Michelle Roman ‘17, Senior Manager of Analytics, uAspire
- Interviewer: Ulysses Kamps ‘24
- Overview: Michelle oversees data processing and research at uAspire, a nonprofit focused on college affordability. As a first-generation, low-income student of color, her role aligns closely with her personal mission. She graduated from Middlebury with a B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology and minors in Spanish and Russian.
- Watch Time: 25 minutes
Coming soon…
Episode 8: Operational Data Analytics in a Tech Company
- Guest: Archer Newell ‘16, Senior Data Analyst, Fivetran
- Interviewer: Josh Rosenstein ‘24
- Overview: Archer develops data models for Fivetran’s financial and operational analyses, supporting informed business decisions. With prior experience in business intelligence, she found her path to data analytics through her Middlebury coursework in GIS. Archer graduated with a major in Environmental Studies and Geography, and a minor in Spanish.
- Watch Time: 25 minutes
Coming soon…
Episode 7: Data Science Research Supporting Technical Infrastructure
- Guest: Trisha Singh ‘18, Research Data Scientist, Meta
- Interviewer: Lila Kosowsky ‘24
- Overview: Trisha uses machine learning and math techniques to support Meta’s infrastructure. She previously worked in health economics research at Analysis Group and holds an M.S. in Statistics from Stanford University. Trisha earned her B.A. in Math and Economics at Middlebury.
- Watch Time: 26 minutes
Coming soon…
Episode 6: History Major to a Machine Learning Engineer in Fin Tech
- Guest: Winnie Yeung ‘15, Machine Learning Engineer, Block
- Interviewer: Steven Shi ‘23
- Overview: Winnie specializes in NLP and computer vision at Block, developing solutions to improve customer experiences. With a master’s in analytics, she has experience with major companies and is an active contributor to the open-source community. She majored in History at Middlebury.
- Watch Time: 28 minutes
Coming soon…
Episode 5: Data Visualization Mapping the Planet
- Guest: Max Borrmann ‘20, Data Visualization Associate, Planet
- Interviewer: Charlotte Gray ‘21
- Overview: Max creates visualizations of Earth’s data for Planet’s clients in the private and public sectors. At Middlebury, he honed his GIS skills and designed sustainability-focused multimedia. He graduated with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Geography.
- Watch Time: 23 minutes
Coming soon…
Episode 4: Data Science at the Intersection of Strategy, Product, and Engineering
- Guest: Jeb Burchenal ‘10, Director of Data Science, Meta
- Interviewer: Cathy Han ‘22
- Overview: As Meta’s Director of Data Science, Jeb leads data-driven strategic decisions across the organization. His journey began in economics at Middlebury and later included roles at Uber and Brown Brothers Harriman.
- Watch Time: 36 minutes
Data Science at the Intersection of Strategy, Product and Engineering
Coming soon…
Episode 3: Decade of the Drone in Data Analytics
- Guest: Kat James ‘14, Founder, Four Hundred Feet
- Interviewer: Brooke Laird ‘22
- Overview: Kat uses drone technology to support spatial data collection for research and NGOs. With over a decade of international experience, she focuses on visual storytelling and supply chain management. Kat has a B.A. in Geography and Global Health.
- Watch Time: 38 minutes
Decade of the Drone in Data Analytics
Coming soon…
Episode 2: Mapping Humanity
- Guest: Carmen Tedesco ‘01.5, Director Data Analytics, Fraym
- Interviewer: Kate Talano ’22
- Overview: Carmen specializes in geospatial data systems for international development and has experience across numerous global projects. She graduated from Middlebury with a B.A. in Geography and holds a master’s in Geography.
Watch Time: 47 minutes
Mapping Humanity
Coming soon.
Episode 1: Data Science in Politics
- Guest: Alec MacMillen ‘14, Voter Protection & Insights Analyst, Democratic National Committee
- Interviewer: Breanna Guo ‘24.5
- Overview: Alec is a data analyst at the DNC, focusing on voter protection. With experience in policy analysis and a master’s in computational analysis, he began his journey in International Politics and Economics at Middlebury.
- Watch Time: 26 minutes
Data Science in Politics
Coming soon.