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 & Prachi can help! 

Make An Appointment

Pop-Up Career Advising

Have career questions? During career fair season (February), SuccessWorks advisors meet you where you are!

Visit our Career Advising Specialists every Wednesday from 1-4pm at the locations below with your resume and career questions. No appointment needed, and availability is first come, first served.

Spring 2024 Drop-In Dates:

Computer Science Advising Office (4th Floor, Tower 2) on January 24, and February 7, 14, 21 and 28

Data Science Advising Office (1217C, Med Science Center) on January 31, and February 7, 14, and 28

* Note: Pop-Up Advising in both CS and DS Offices will switch to short appointments in March through April, with drop-in access as availability permits. *

Upcoming Events

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.

Cybersecurity

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.

Data

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.

GIS and Cartography

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.

Programming

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.

Project Management

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.

User Experience / Interface

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.

Web Development

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.

Game Development & Design

Tech, Data, & Analytics FAQ

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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, 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)

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! 

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.

I'm a First Year Student, What Should I do to get started?

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!

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.

Quick Guide to Negotiation

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?

Sample Resume Repository

  • 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? Beth can discuss and compare career paths, and talk to you about what interests you want to pursue. 

 

More Resources

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Positions & Salary Information

Grad School and Research Resources

researchERS Program

WISCERS – undergrad research positions in Computer Science

Considerations for Research with Faculty

Online resources to develop tech skills

Developing Tech Skills in TDA

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.

Coursera

edX

Egghead.io

Learn Python

The Python Tutorial

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Python

Mode

Codeacademy

Codesignal

Lynda

Diversity and Identity in Technology Resources

Identity at Work

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.)

 

Professional Organizations

Student and Professional Orgs

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: http://www.urisa.org/index.php

Networking / How to stay updated in the field

Meetups

Career Fair Preparation (Canvas Module)

MeetUp – look for events for young professionals, technical specialties or professional organizations.

Exploration Resources for TDA Students – Beth’s personal collection of career exploration resources! Websites, articles, YouTube videos, books and more where you can learn more about technology in our world.

Women In Tech

Tech-related meetups

 https://www.wired.com/

 https://www.dataquest.io/blog/

Medium (technology)

Madhacks (coding competitions)

Hackathons nationally and internationally (coding competitions)

Kaggle (data competitions)

Machinehack (data competitions)

UX design challenges

Product design challenges

The Technical Interview

Connect with Alumni through Badger Bridge

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Resources

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/

Computer Science (CS) Resources

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/