Technology, Data & Analytics

In virtually any industry, technology is involved in some way – and you DO NOT have to be a CS or Stats/Data major to get into these fields! Anyone can explore here.

Look below for relevant events and throughout this page for resources to help you learn about and land a position in this field. You can also subscribe to this community’s newsletter for job/internship updates, employer events, and more. Want personalized advice to figure out your next steps? Beth and Hao can help!

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Drop-In Advising: No Appointment Needed!

Do you have career questions? Visit the CS Advising Office (4th Floor, Tower 2) OR DS Advising Office (1217C, Med Science Center) on every Wednesday at 1-4pm during the spring semester with your resume and career questions.

Availability is first come first serve, and meetings will be limited to 15 minutes if there is a line.

* Note: Drop-In Advising will be unavailable at CS Office on Feb 1^st and 8^th – DS Office will be open! *

Spring 2023 Events

Check back soon for more spring events in this Career Community.

There are no upcoming events at this time.

Jobs & Internships on Handshake

Here’s a preview of just a few positions currently available on Handshake. Note that the date shown is not the application due date, but is the date the position was posted!

DATA ENGINEER at 3Kliks IT Solutions
March 28, 2023
Sales Ops Intern (Computer Science, Software Engineering) at NETSCOUT
March 24, 2023
Intern 2023 - CSO (Services) Allen, Texas at NETSCOUT
March 23, 2023
Remote IT/Security GRC Analyst - Experienced at Hotman Group, LLC
March 22, 2023
Business Systems Analyst (Salesforce Analyst) at Wi-Tronix, LLC
March 17, 2023
NLP & ML Software Engineer at Arbor
March 16, 2023
Remote IT/Security GRC Analyst - Entry Level at Hotman Group, LLC
March 16, 2023

Explore Career Paths

The market for technology, data, and analytics is expanding rapidly. Your L&S degree could lead to a career in big data, GIS, cartography, actuarial science, cyber security, database management, IT support, machine learning, programming, web development and more. Check out the Career Guides below for more information about the many different paths available within this field. Check out more resources here.

If you like problem-solving and are interested in data privacy and protection, then consider the career path in cybersecurity! In this path, you will protect an organization’s computer systems and networks from unauthorized intrusion. During a typical day, you will likely work in an office and at your computer to ensure your organization or company is safe from security threats.

If you like working with numbers, analyzing data, and using software/technical skills, consider the data career path! In this path, you will be analyzing datasets to find solutions, hidden patterns, and trends. Depending on which employer or organization you work for, you will be telling a story by interpreting data to help them solve problems. During a typical day, you may be working on data projects, communicating the findings of the data you’ve analyzed to your team, and potentially doing research.

If you like geography, data analytics, and the development of new geographic information systems, then consider the career path in geographic information systems (GIS)! This path uses computer graphics, artificial intelligence, and high-speed communications in the mapping and selective retrieval of geographic data. On the other hand, cartographers prepare maps and drawings from aerial photographs and survey data. Most cartographers work with GIS to design algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for mapping systems.

If you like to problem solve and code, consider the career path as a programmer! In this career path you will code, test, and troubleshoot computer programs or applications. Software applications are used to perform many tasks such as searching for information, editing photographs, writing text, playing games, or making purchases. During a typical day, you will be in front of the computer, coding, and occasionally interacting with your team.

If you enjoy working with technology, but don’t want to code, consider the career path in project management! You will work closely with others, oversee a team, problem solve, and use leadership skills in this path. In addition, you may plan and oversee technology-related projects such as the installation of computer software. During a typical day, you probably will be in your office or traveling to a client’s office for a project.

If you enjoy designing, computer programming, and considering human behavior when creating a product, consider the career path in user experience (UX) or user interface (UI)! UX deals with designing how a product will work for users which requires understanding human behavior, while UI deals more with designing how the product will look graphically. Examples of products could be software, applications, and websites. During a typical day, you may be spending time at the computer, engaging in team meetings, and developing designs.

If you like designing, being creative, using technology, and taking user interface into consideration when creating a product, consider the career path in web development. In this path, you will design, implement, and maintain websites for employers. During a typical day, you will spend much of the day working independently, but you will still communicate with your team from time to time. Depending on your employer and your position, you may be working from home, and as a result, will have to meet with your team online.

Game Development and Design are two careers that work together to drive one industry: video game development. Both positions use software language and design to create visual and interactive art. Designers tend to focus on aesthetic design using technical solutions; Developers are concerned with the technical construction. Game Development and Design careers may also be found whenever a 3D-rendered or interactive technology solution is required.

Tech, Data, & Analytics FAQ

What specific skills and experiences should a resume include for roles within Technology, Data, and Analytics?

Programming Languages, Tools, Software and Concepts
- NOTE: basic/fundamental proficiency is often all that is required for internships or entry-level jobs. Don’t underestimate your own ability to learn quickly!
- Core programming languages, frameworks, technologies, softwares, and/or tools (e.g. Python, R, Java, SQL, C, C++, C#, Ruby, Javascript, HTML, CSS, Git, Jira, AWS, GCS, Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, PyTorch, MongoDB, Docker, React, Swift, Flutter, Visual Studio, Visual Box, Adobe PS, etc.)
- Advanced concepts (e.g. Object Oriented Programming, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Deep Learning, Applied Regression Analysis, Mathematical Models, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Algorithms, Data Structures, Database Management Systems, Scrum methodology, Ideation, etc.)
- Design and development experience – well-rounded developers and engineers are familiar with what it takes to plan and deliver a finished result.
  - Build this skill through volunteering code, hackathons, personal projects, research and internships.
- Teamwork and Collaboration – rarely do developers work alone in their professional career. Just like in college, you’ll work in large and small teams. Demonstrate those abilities on your resume with any org, volunteer or group experience.
- Communication – as with any role, this skill is particularly important since you will inevitably need to communicate your research, design, process, and results to stakeholders that sometimes don’t even possess a technical background; therefore, demonstrating that you possess strong verbal and written skills is key!

Do I need a major or certificate in Computer Science if I want to pursue a career in technology, data, and analytics?

No, not necessarily! You can major in anything and still work in the technology or data field as long as you have the experience to meet the employer’s qualifications for the job/internship!

If you are a student on a F-1 visa, let’s chat more about this situation though because the response to this myth is a little bit more complex.

Do I need to go to graduate school to pursue a career in technology, data, and analytics?

It depends on the job you want! Whether you must go to graduate school would depend on the situation such as whether the position you want to be in will require a graduate degree. For example, if you want to be a Data Analyst, in general, you will not have to go to graduate school. However, if you want to be a Data Scientist, you may find grad school will help you achieve your goals, since many employers require a master’s degree or even a PhD.

We recommend networking with alumni to learn more about their experiences and decisions about grad school, and a great place to start would be our Career Conversations module!

If you’re interested in pursuing a graduate degree in a TDA Career,

- If you know what you want to study, going right after undergrad aids you with fresh knowledge and lifestyle that lets you be a good student. This includes associated factors like needing to study and complete a graduate level standardized test (e.g. GRE or GMAT).
- If you aren’t quite decided, it can be a great idea to work a professional job for a few years to learn more about your professional interests and goals. Some employers may even support tuition coverage for grad school, or may provide research opportunities on-the-job (Google, for example, supports employee research publications)

Am I behind if I'm a sophomore who hasn’t secured an internship yet?

You are not behind! Ideally, securing an internship should happen during your junior year. However, securing an internship could happen anytime during your college experience as well. And yes, it could even happen during your senior year when you are about to graduate. Even if you are not able to secure an internship as a first year or sophomore, you can always build your experiences (i.e. working a part time job, volunteering, creating projects) to be more marketable the next time you apply!

Can first year students get internships in technology/data?

There are opportunities out there for you. Employers tend to recruit juniors for their internships. However, that doesn’t mean that first year students won’t be able to secure an internship. There are employers, such as Microsoft, who offer internship programs specifically for first years and sophomores. In addition, networking could also support first year students (and really any year) with their internship search!

This job description has so many specific software and tools listed, I can’t know them all! How do I know if I’m qualified for a job?

You’re right, it’s pretty much impossible to meet every qualification for a job description. The good news is that employers don’t expect candidates to be 100% perfect matches. If you meet ~40% of the job description requirements, and you’re excited about the job, apply!

Do your best to communicate the key skills/software/tools that match the required job qualifications within your application materials. If you can, incorporate your experiences which may align with any desired/preferred qualifications. If you can demonstrate that you have some transferable skills and are excited to do the job well, you will be qualified to apply.

Do I need to accept or decline an offer from an employer by the deadline (i.e. 1 week) they give me?

No, not necessarily. According to the UW-Madison Employer Recruitment Policies, students within L&S could potentially have up to 4 weeks to make a decision on whether they will accept or decline an offer. Please note, this policy is a recommendation for employers who recruit at UW-Madison.

Is it okay to accept an internship/job offer and then continue to interview for other positions?

You probably shouldn’t. Once you accept an internship/job offer, our recommendation is to avoid interviewing for a new position. It’s usually not a good idea to go back to an employer, who you’ve accepted their offer, and say you can’t do their internship anymore because you have a new offer.

When should I make an advising appointment with Beth or Hao?

When you have a first draft of a resume or cover letter, and you want feedback (general or job-specific)
- Don’t know where to start or want to know what best practices are? Click here!
When you know you’ll be interviewing soon, and you want to practice (general or job-specific mock interview)
- Want to practice a bit or get a sense of what kind of questions are typically asked? Click here!
When you have big decisions to make about your career, and you want to talk to someone about your options. This includes but is not limited to: selecting majors, grad school, job offers,
- Interested about information related to considerations and general timelines? Click here!
When you know you need to find experience, but aren’t sure how to start searching. Experience includes but is not limited to internships, jobs, research, volunteer, job shadow.

Want to get started now? Click here!

Resume Examples

CS
Resume Sample

Data & Analytics
Resume Sample

CS
Resume Sample 2

Advanced Data Science Resume

More Resources

Positions & Salary Information

Visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Library Information & Sciences

Library Job Site: I need a Library Job: http://inalj.com/

Higher Ed Jobs: higheredjobs.com

Library Careers: http://www.ala.org/educationcareers/

Library Science List: http://librarysciencelist.com/

Edu Cause Career Center: http://jobs.educause.edu/jobs

Online resources to develop tech skills

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Python

Internship & Job Resources

Capital One’s CODA (non-CS major seniors who want to do software development/engineering)

Capital One’s Analytics Program (new grads for data analytics)

Google’s Internship Programs

Google Summer Code (students get to spend their summer break writing code and learning about open source development while earning a stipend; accepted students work with a mentor).

Facebook University for Engineering (first and second-year students)

Explore Microsoft (first and second-year students)

RISE-Capgemini Leadership Program (seniors interested in tech consulting)

Code2040 Fellows Program (for Black and LatinX students; 9-week program during the summer in Silicon Valley where students get to work with top tech companies where they will also be focusing on racial equity advocacy work)

Career Forum (CFN)-organizer of the largest career fair for Japanese-English bilingual students and professionals in Boston

(tech startups) https://www.builtinchicago.org/

Government related tech opportunities: FBI, CIA, Contractors, Think Tanks

IIP

Starting Block’s SNAP Program

Rewriting the Code (fellowship program for women in tech)

YWeb (employment service program that trains women and people of color to become web developers/designers! The program includes 400 hours of intensive technical training and students who complete this program will enter a paid internship.)

Scholarships

Lime Scholarships (scholarships for students with disabilities)

Google Lime Scholarship (CS, full-time students)

PwC Lime Scholarship (students interested in tech and business)

Disney Data Analytics Scholarship Program: ( Disney Data & Analytics Women offers 4 scholarships to attend a 2-day Disney Data & Analytics Conference in Orlando during August 20-21, 2019)

King Women in Games Scholarship https://king.com/pl/jobs/students?locations=all&opportunities=all