The Buffalo State Data Talk podcast introduces you to how data is used and explores careers that involve data. Buffalo State Data Talk is produced by members of the Industry Advisory Board.
Check out the people behind the Buffalo State Data Talk podcast here.
This series explores the process of finding and making the most of an internship. We focus on the field of data science and analytics but many of these tips will be applicable to numerous fields and also if you are searching for a job. From networking to acing that interview our experienced panel of guests provide excellent tips and tricks to land you your next internship.
Heather is the Buffalo State Data Science and Analytics Program Coordinator. Her favorite part of the field is seeing how results from data analysis can have a positive impact on a project or company. Heather loves talking to Buffalo State Data Talk guests about their advice for students who are entering the field of data science and analytics.
Brian is a Buffalo State Data Science and Analytics Board Member and is currently studying in the DSA MS program at Buffalo State. His interest is in informing high school and college students of the uses and applications of data analytics. He is also a mathematics educator for advanced studies in the Buffalo School District at Hutchinson Central Technical High School.
September 1
In this episode Onyinye Daniel, Vice President, Data & Analytics Strategy at Highmark Health, talks about her career in healthcare from the research side, to working at a hospital and now on the payer side in health insurance. Listen to the episode to learn how Onyinye’s background in health policy and bioethics has shaped her career.
August 1, 2022
In this episode Scott Taylor, The Data Whisperer and Principal Consultant for Meta Meta Consulting, talks about how to tell a better story so that your company can focus on the importance of data management. Scott also talks about the importance of knowing your business and his experience working in consulting.
Transcript coming soon
July 1, 2022
In this episode Sunita Menon, a Global Data Ambassador for a top professional Services Firm, talks about the importance of remembering the goal of gaining insights from data is to take action.
June 1, 2022
In this episode Karen Hall, the Program Manager for Population Health Collaborative, talks about how she uses healthcare data to improve the health of Western New York. Listen to the episode to learn how Karen analyses publicly available data to create plans with community partners with an emphasis on Social Determinants of Health. Don’t forget to stick around for the end where she provides some nontraditional tips for growing your network.
May 1, 2022
In this episode George Firican, Director of Data Governance and BI at the University of British Columbia and founder of LightsOnData talks about how his team uses data to help fundraise for the university. Listen to the episode to learn some of George’s favorite resources for budding data scientists and tips for growing your career.
April 1, 2022
In this episode Kevyn Rustici Area Vice President - Strategic Human Capital Consultant for Gallagher - talks about human analytics. How companies can use data to improve the lives of their employees and the company. Listen to the episode to learn Kevyn’s tips for getting a job or internship and how to stay up to date as a data scientist.
March 1, 2022
In this episode Ray Givler, Senior Decision Consultant for Highmark, talks about creating data visualizations for a healthcare organization using Tableau. Ray talks about how he finds fulfillment in his career through Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose. Listen to the episode to learn Rays advice for new data scientists and how to start your career in data visualization.
February 1, 2022
In this episode Susan Walsh, the Managing Director of The Classification Guru, talks about how her company specializes in cleaning and classifying data for their clients. Susan shares how she works to make data fun and relatable through her company and her LinkedIn presence.
January 1, 2022
In this episode Tristan Keelan, the Director of Business Development for CCNY, talks about how they evaluate data for non-profits. Tristan shares how listening to clients and asking the right questions allows him to provide insights that help these companies improve their communities.
December 1, 2021
In this episode Angela Horton, Director of Data Quality and Accuracy at a large Health Care Organization walks through the data life cycle and shares information about the importance of data quality and data governance. Listen to this episode to learn how Angela got where she is and how data is used at the health care organization she works for.
November 1, 2021
Episode 12 features part 2 of our two-part series with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). In this episode Nathan Hall shares his experiences as a SEO analyst who uses Adobe Analytics and Google Analytics to find anomalies and investigate the reason for changes in website traffic. He also supports multiple local BBB’s helping them to make data driven decisions and update their digital marketing based on algorithm changes. Listen to this episode to hear Nathan’s thoughts on how to know if being an analyst is right for you.
October 1, 2021
Episode 11 features part 1 of our two-part series talking to people from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). In this episode Melanie McGovern and Lauren Kirchmyer share how they use data to improve their outreach and social media marketing and show their accredited businesses the value that they bring. By leveraging their backgrounds in journalism and communications and continuously improving through professional development and networking they are able to successfully communicate information to the multiple audiences that the BBB serves. Don’t miss part 2, which will be released November 1st, with Nathan Hall, an SEO analyst for International Association of BBBs.
September 1, 2021
This is the final episode in the Buffalo State Data Talk Summer 2021 mini-series all about internships. This series will explore the process of finding and making the most of an internship. We will be focusing on the field of data science and analytics but many of these tips will be applicable to numerous fields and also if you are searching for a job. From networking to acing that interview our experienced panel of guests will provide excellent tips and tricks to land you your next internship.
View The internship: You got one! Now what? transcript
August 1, 2021
This episode will focus on the application process for getting an internship. From writing your cover letter and resume to acing that interview.
View Applying for Internships: Resume, Cover letters, and Interviews transcript
July 1, 2021
This episode will focus on networking, why it is important, how it can help you get an internship and build your career with a specific focus on digital networking and using LinkedIn.
View Internship Networking and LinkedIN: Building digital relationships transcript
June 1, 2021
This episode will cover the internship basics. What is an internship?, why might you want to have one?, and how to find an internship?
View Internship Basics: Where do I start? transcript
May 1, 2021
Episode 10 features Shuler Cotton, a data analyst for the Buffalo Bills. Shuler analyzes the football data from the team and players to answer questions and create automation. Tune in to hear what Shuler did to get a job in an industry he loves and what it is like working for the Bills.
April 1, 2021
Episode 9 features Kimberly Herrington, a data journalist and founder of Buffalo Business Intelligence. Kim shares stories about how data she has analyzed has helped bring meaning to people’s work and how her analysis connected people who uncovered forgotten information. Tune in to hear how she utilizes all the skills she gained in her untraditional background to successfully help people to tell their stories using data.
March 1, 2021
Episode 8 features Peter Yacobucci, associate professor of political science and public administration at Buffalo State College. Peter walks us through how he collects and analyzes data and how his results have influenced the decisions of future court rulings. Tune in to hear how his round-about pathway lead to a career in analytics and his advice for how to be successful in your career.
February 1, 2021
Episode 7 features John O’Hara, a marketing Analytics & Insights Manager at The Walt Disney Company. John talks about how his background in applied mathematics (including a Master’s degree from the Professional Applied and Computational Mathematics program at Buffalo State College) launched his career as an analyst and lead to his current job at Disney. Tune in to hear about his advice for building your network, what it is like working for the Walt Disney Company and how he handles projects involving large data sets.
January 1, 2021
Episode 6 features Christopher Bole, a data scientist for BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York. Chris talks about his career path starting as an analyst and moving to a data scientist. Listen to this episode to hear his advice for starting your career, the skills he thinks you need to be successful, and how his work has made improvements for his company and their clients.
December 1, 2020
Episode 5 features Katherine Aiken, the Director of Technology Services and Performance Technology for University at Buffalo Athletics. Kathy talks about how she became involved in sports technology, the importance of providing data and technology that is the right fit, and finding a your niche.
November 1, 2020
Episode 4 features Bill Bauer, the Education and Diversity Director at Hauptman Woodward Medical Research Institute located in Buffalo, NY. Bill talks about advice for networking and starting a data analysis career in the biomedical field.
October 1, 2020
Episode 3 features Jeff Rathmann, the CEO of Silo City IT a cybersecurity and pen testing firm located in Buffalo, NY. Jeff talks about his job as a cyber security expert, skills needed to excel in the industry, and shares is favorite resources for becoming a better cyber security specialist.
September 1, 2020
Episode 2 features Jessica Weitzel, the president and Co-owner of VIA Evaluation an evaluation firm located in Buffalo, NY. Jessica talks about how her background in English helps her to better understand the implications of her data. She also gives advice for students starting in data science including tips for networking and starting a new job.
August 1, 2020
Episode 1 features Achintya Pillai, a data scientist who worked for Panasonic at the Tesla Giga factor in Buffalo. Achintya talks about his experience working as a data scientist in manufacturing including how automation can reduce human error. We also learn about his journey to becoming a data scientist and his advice for those who want to follow the same path.
