What do you do?

As a data analyst, I am responsible for collecting and analyzing data for trends and patterns. I am also responsible for presenting that data in a form that is easily interpreted by groups that are not as knowledgeable of the data as myself. 

As a graduate student, I am studying business analytics and cyber security. With my business analytics concentration, I am studying technologies and methodologies for capturing and manipulating data to tell stories. With my cyber security concentration, I am studying various types of cyber threats and methods that can be used as protection from these threats.

Why did you choose this field?

I've known since I was a child that I wanted to work in technology but not necessarily as a data analyst. I grew up watching my brother build computers and that inspired me to learn more about them. 

I entered college as a Computer Science major but that quickly changed to Information Systems when I realized that math wasn't my strongest subject. Once I changed my major, I began to take business classes and this inspired me to find a role that would allow me to combine my technical skills and business acumen which lead me to data analytics.

What do you look at and think, "I wish younger me would have known this was possible"?

My biggest achievement, so far, is graduating college. No one in my immediate family has completed more than a year of college so I entered undergrad with the odds stacked against me. As first generation college student it was not an easy feat but I made it happen and now I am working on my master's degree.

Why do you love working in STEM?

I love working in STEM because it gives me the opportunity to solve complex problems using technology. It also gives me the opportunity to have a positive impact on others while doing something that I am passionate about.

Best advice for next generation?

Utilize resources within your communities and online. There are a multitude of free resources online that can be used to prepare for a career in STEM. 

And learn as much as possible and develop a love for learning. STEM is ever changing which means those working in STEM have to have a desire to learn new things continuously.

Inspo quote / fun fact

In my free time I collect shoes. I own almost 100 pairs and I would like to double my collection by my 25th birthday.