I first learned about the Computational Modeling and Data Analytics (CMDA) program during the Pathways to Success (one of the best classes I ever took) class while I was still an undecided major. It seemed to fit my skill set and interests very well, and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to join the program.

I remember feeling very defeated when I was unable to secure a summer internship during my time in the program (COVID made it extra hard). A lot of my peers had positions lined up by the time they graduated, so I remember feeling like I was falling behind. I continued to apply for positions after college, but many of them specified that they would like someone with previous experience. For a small period, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to find a position which made use of my degree.

Eventually — about a year after graduating — I was able to interview for a contractor position as a pricing analyst at Hilton. I was offered the contractor position and after contracting for six months, I was offered a full-time position. I have now been with Hilton for 3.5 years and have had an amazing time. My position is at the intersection of data analysis and hospitality, and I can’t think of one day that goes by where I don’t use something that I learned in college. Hilton has been such an amazing company to work for and I’m very grateful for my position.

"CMDA prepares you for so much more than just data analytics...The skills you’ve learned in CMDA are applicable in many different fields."

If I could go back and tell my younger self, “It’s okay you didn’t get an internship,” I most certainly would. I look back and am amazed at how much what I learned in school benefits me today. CMDA prepares you for so much more than just data analytics. Internships are great and I wish I had the opportunity to participate in one, but I just want to tell anyone who may be struggling to get an internship that it is not the end of the world and things will work out. The positions you apply to don’t have to only be data analyst/data scientist positions. The skills you’ve learned in CMDA are applicable in many different fields. There are so many opportunities everywhere and you truly never stop learning.

I want to give major thanks to all the CMDA professors I had during my time in college. The classes were difficult at times, but I was very lucky to have such wonderful staff to help me along the way. I love CMDA and am so grateful for my time in the program.