Julia Coccia '16
Job title: Business intelligence reporting analyst
Company Name: Partners Federal Credit Union
Job Description: I create dashboards and reports for the business. This allows our company to make informed decisions. I work with SQL, Tableau, SSRS, and excel.
Career Summary: My career started within PACM with my internship with the Walt Disney company. After my internship ended I returned to buffalo to finish my masters. I then went to Merchants Insurance company as a data analyst. After that I returned to the Walt Disney company to work as a business intelligence analyst for their credit union (Partners).
Proudest Accomplishment: Finding a career that I love. Being able to go to work each day and enjoying what you do. Being a data analyst gives me a lot of fulfillment and flexibility.
How did your experience in PACM help you find your first job?: I would say the SAS classes were a huge help as my internship utilized SAS. The Markov chains class gave me a wonderful project to reference when I was interviewing. Any of the regression classes, I used regression techniques in multiple projects. The business classes I took also prepared me for the professional side of my career. How to interview, resume building and the importance of networking.
How did the PACM program contribute to your success: It gave me the tools I needed to get started. Before PACM I didn't have any experience in the computer programs that many companies look for. Gaining experience in these programs along with projects gave me examples to reference when interviewing and the skills needed to do the job.
What was your favorite part of program?: The people I met and the skills I learned along the way.
What did you enjoy most about Buffalo?: Buffalo will always be a second home. There is just something special about it that makes you forget how terrible the winters are. There are great restaurants and many places to explore.
If you could do it again, what would you do differently?: I would ask more questions. Now that I am in my career I understand more the connections between what I was learning and what I am doing at work.
What advice do you have for current students?: Get as much out of the program as you can. Retain the projects you complete. Find a internship that interests you.
Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn if you have any questions in data analytics or my career path.
You Yu '19
Job title: Assistant Professor
Company Name: Beijing Union University
Job Description: I am responsible for a number of activities including counseling students, organizing student files and paperwork, and reporting. I also complete the comprehensive assessment of students, including the comprehensive assessment data required for post-secondary education, merit awards, and student recognition.
Career Summary: Since I was an international student, I chose to return to my home country immediately after graduation. With my background in the PACM program, I was able to take a job at Beijing Union University.
Proudest Accomplishment: Independently finish research projects and write papers.
How did your experience in PACM help you find your first job?: Data analysis skills, especially statistical data analysis. Fluent English expression and ability to write English papers. Most importantly, research skills.
How did the PACM program contribute to your success: Time flies fast, I cannot believe that I graduate a year ago. I still remember clearly why I chose to study abroad at Buff State. There are three reasons: first of all, I like the US and American English. Secondly is about the weather, I don’t see the beautiful snow in the winter of Beijing. The remaining is the major. I did computer science as my bachelors’ degree, and I tried to find a major that combined computer science and mathematics. As it turned out, I made the right choice! I learned a lot of things including how to analyze the data from real life and interpret it to people professionally. Like my internship project, I analyze the alcohol consumption of adolescents, and from that, I see the family factor is a critical part influencing their children drinking alcohol. It is very interesting!
What was your favorite part of program?: Statistical classes. It was the most challenging part.
What did you enjoy most about Buffalo?: It is nice to spend my study abroad period at Buff State. Buffalo is a peaceful city, very quiet, a good fit for doing research. (The winter is not friendly sometimes).
If you could do it again, what would you do differently?: Doing more research and make my paper published ASAP.
What advice do you have for current students?: Please never give up and believe your abilities, especially in Dr. Ghosh classes. From my perspective, I will suggest the coming students keep opening and participating in more activities. Buff State is a wonderful university, you can see the beautiful campus, you can meet knowledgeable faculties, and finally, you can get more than you imagine.
