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? Check out our Advising & Resources Update below.
Advising & Resources
- All Students Start Here: Tech, Data & Analytics Vault
Your go-to, self-guided resource for everything from career exploration to resumes, interviews, and more. - Building Your Resume or Cover Letter?
Check out our online resources and Canvas module to get started. - For Resume or Cover Letter Feedback or Quick Questions about Starting Your Internship or Job Search (Undergrads):
- Drop-in advising at Levy Hall offered from 10am-3pm (M-F) during Fall & Spring terms – No appointment needed.
- Need More Time with a Career Advisor?
- 30-Min General Career Advising (via Starfish) – For 1st & 2nd years navigating: Career exploration in TDA, interview prep, networking strategy, or considering grad school.
- 30-Min Tech, Data & Analytics Career Advising (via Starfish) – For juniors & seniors navigating: Feeling stuck or overwhelmed, in-depth TDA career exploration, job/internship search strategies, interview prep & networking, offers & negotiations.
Learn & Explore
Upcoming Events
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!
Network with Alumni
There are many UW-Madison alumni working in this career area who are ready to have a networking conversation with students like you! They can share more about their careers and experiences, give you advice on how to get into these fields, answer your questions, and more. Learn more about alumni here, and enroll in our Career Conversations Canvas module for our help in setting you up with a networking conversation.
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 and check out more resources here. The infographic below shows many professional paths related to computer science, data science, and information science!
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
- 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!
No, you don’t need a Major to pursue a career in technology! Employers are primarily interested interested in whether you have the SKILLS to do the job: Can you write code? Can you learn quickly? Can you develop software with a team? A basic set of skills and an eagerness to learn can count for a lot with employers.
- It may also be helpful to think about careers in the form of this “equation” to differentiate yourself from others: Career = Skills + Industry. Sometimes, a technical skill coupled with topic knowledge can make you a more valuable candidate than someone with perfect technical skills. Consider the following examples:
- Computer Science (Major) => Web development (Career Skill) => building websites for virtual learning classrooms for a school district (Education CC, career specialty)
- Data Science (Major) => math-centric data analysis (Career Skill) => calculating risk of sea level rise and comparative insurance rates (Insurance Industry, CFMCR CC)
- Information Science (Major) => website accessibility for disabled users (Career Skill) => auditing Medicare websites for disability compliance and user support (HHS CC)
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)
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!
Check out these resources as you look for opportunities:
- Developing Tech Skills in TDA – a longer, more robust version of what’s already on the website.
- Create Your Own Job Shadow Opportunity – one of the good outcomes of networking! A Job Shadow is when a young professional (you!) observe the work of a seasoned professional over a few hours, a day or longer. Typically there is no pay involved, and the observing professional doesn’t engage in the actual work. Each job shadow arrangement is unique – read our guide for tips on setting up your own job shadow.
There are opportunities out there for you. Employers tend to recruit juniors for their internships, simply because Juniors are closer to graduation and thus can be offered full-time jobs immediately after their internship. For this reason, underclassmen may experience rejection in their job search.
However, that doesn’t mean that first year students won’t be able to secure an internship. Some employers, such as Microsoft or Deloitte Consulting offer internship programs specifically for first years and sophomores.
Finally, enthusiasm can sometimes make up for a lack of experience! Employers like to see younger applicants with an eagerness to learn, a curiosity in the subject (shown by course selection and involvement in your spare time). Networking and Career Fairs are a great way to boost your visibility in the job market and gain support with your internship search!
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.
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.
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.
- First, write a resume. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it’s best to have a draft we can work on in an appointment. Use SuccessWorks resources here, and the TDA Resume Samples on this page.
- Use Handshake to browse job postings. This is a good place to start for identifying both internships for this year, and career paths for the future. Look for keywords that show up frequently that interest you. Bring those to an advising appointment when you’re ready to discuss them.
- Questions about careers and the skills they ask for? An advisor can discuss and compare career paths, and talk to you about what interests you want to pursue.
Resume Examples
More Resources
WISCERS – undergrad research positions in Computer Science
Tech Proficiencies for Non-Tech Students – add a dash of tech skills to stand out in a non-technical industry like Business, Communications, Government, or many more.
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 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).
Meta University for Engineering (first and second-year students)
RISE-Capgemini Leadership Program (seniors interested in tech consulting)
Explore Microsoft (first and second-year students)
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
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.)
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) UW Madison Student Chapter: https://win.wisc.edu/organization/ieee
Association for Computing Machinery: https://www.acm.org/
Geospatial Information and Technology Association: https://www.gita.org/
The American Geographical Society: http://americangeo.org/
URISA – Fostering Excellence in GIS: https://thegpn.org/
Meetups
Career Fair Preparation (Canvas Module)
MeetUp – look for events for young professionals, technical specialties or professional organizations.
Exploration Resources for TDA Students – a collection of career exploration resources! Websites, articles, YouTube videos, books and more where you can learn more about technology in our world.
Medium (technology)
Madhacks (coding competitions)
Hackathons nationally and internationally (coding competitions)
Kaggle (data competitions)
Machinehack (data competitions)
Connect with Alumni through Badger Bridge
State Cartographer’s Office: https://www.sco.wisc.edu/jobs/
American Association of Geographers: https://jobs.aag.org/
Federal Government Agency GIS jobs: https://www.usajobs.gov/
GIS Degrees: https://www.datascienceprograms.org/degree/masters/gis
GIS Jobs: https://www.gisjobs.com/
ESRI: https://www.esri.com/en-us/about/careers/main
Google Earth: https://careers.google.com/#_ga=2.235464644.452480644.1517599446-1903018612.1517599446
GIS Volunteer Opportunities: https://www.giscorps.org/
DICE: https://www.dice.com/
Jobs in Social Media: https://www.jobsinsocialmedia.com/
Just Tech Jobs: http://www.justtechjobs.com/
IEEE Computer Society Job board: https://jobs.computer.org/
Start-up Job Board- Angel List: https://angel.co/
Y-Combinator: https://news.ycombinator.com/jobs
Career Builder: https://www.careerbuilder.com/