The Buffalo State Data Talk podcast introduces you to how data is used and explores careers that involve data.
For transcripts of each episode visit https://dataanalytics.buffalostate.edu/buffalo-state-data-talk-podcast.
Interested in being interviewed or have comments or questions. Contact us at datatalk@buffalostate.edu.
_________________________________
Buffalo State Data Talk is produced by members of the Industry Advisory Board (https://dataanalytics.buffalostate.edu/advisory-board) of the Data Science and Analytics program at SUNY Buffalo State College. A special thank you to all the members of the Podcast Committee: Brian Barrey, Podcast Committee Chair Heather Campbell Mohammad Haque Barbara Olsafsky Eric Walker Karl Wende Kimberley Herrington
Music by Mohammad Haque.
October 1, 2022
Episode 23: Automotive Industry Analytics an Interview with Data Analysts and their Tech Recruiter at ACV Auctions
In this episode Andrew Melbourne, a recruiter, Maggie Mai, a product analytics team lead, and John Ghosen, analytics engineer from ACV auctions will talk about what kind of data analytics ACV Auctions does. Listen to the episode to learn about how their career paths lead to this area, the ACV hiring process for data analysts, and Maggie’s advice for communicating with non-data scientists.
0:00 Intro
0:48 What does ACV do?
1:50 What Maggie, John, and Andrew do at ACV
7:00 How is your time split between working alone or as a team?
8:00 What software and programming languages do you use?
9:19 What kind of skills are ACV looking for when hiring?
11:26 Communicating non-data scientists
14:17 Favorite part of being a data analyst
15:25 Professional development
19:28 John and Maggie’s career path
22:40 The interview process at ACV
24:53 Advice for people interested in data analysts
25:09 Resources for data analysts
26:48 Outro
Resources
Learn more about data science and stay up to date with the podcast by connecting with us on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/school/buffa...
Interested in a career in data science? Visit https://dataanalytics.buffalostate.edu/ to learn more.
September 1, 2022
Episode 22: Ethics and Health Insurance data with Onyinye Daniel from Highmark Health
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.
0:00 Intro
0:34 What Onyinye does at a VP at Highmark Health
3:28 What data does Highmark have?
5:41 How does Highmark use their data?
8:03 What software does Highmark use to analyze data
11:16 The challenge of building a data science team
12:16 Professional development for data scientists
14:39 Onyinye’s career path
17:13 Ethics in data science
19:05 Differences of working in different healthcare roles
22:20 Resources for new data scientists
22:55 Advice for new data scientists
24:10 Outro
Learn more about data science and stay up to date with the podcast by connecting with us on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/school/buffa...
Interested in a career in data science? Visit https://dataanalytics.buffalostate.edu/ to learn more.
August 1, 2022
Episode 21: The Importance of Data Management with Scott Taylor, The Data Whisperer
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.
0:00 Intro
0:53 What Scott does
4:25 Scott’s favorite part of his job
6:24 Scotts career path from History to data management
11:15 What education do you need to be a data scientist
14:06 Consulting
18:09 Improving your communication
19:40 Using LinkedIn for Business
20:51 Resources for Data Scientists
22:47 Scotts advice for new data scientists
24:14 Outro
Resources:
People to follow
Data science resources
Communication resources
Learn more about data science and stay up to date with the podcast by connecting with us on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/school/buffa...
Interested in a career in data science? Visit https://dataanalytics.buffalostate.edu/ to learn more.
July 1, 2022
Buffalo State Data Talk
Episode 20: Data insights and action, an interview with Sunita Menon a Global Data Ambassador for a Top Professional Services Firm
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.
0:00 Intro
2:04 What is a professional series firm?
2:36 What Sunita does
4:45 What kind of data Sunita uses
7:06 The results from the data
9:17 Defining data
11:49 Sunita’s favorite part of her job
12:23 Data for PR and communications
14:23 Sunita’s career path
16:03 Professional development
17:39 Utilizing LinkedIn
20:08 Advice for new data scientists
23:37 Outro
Resources
Learn more about data science and stay up to date with the podcast by connecting with us on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/school/buffa...
Interested in a career in data science? Visit https://dataanalytics.buffalostate.edu/ to learn more.
June 1, 2022
Buffalo State Data Talk
Episode 19: Healthcare data an interview with Karen Hall, Program Manager for Population Health Collaborative
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.
0:00 Intro
0:44 What Karen does
6:14 What data do you use?
7:42 What do you do with the data?
9:46 The results of the data
10:24 How do you analyze your data?
11:25 Karen’s favorite part of her job
12:44 Social Determinants of Health and why they are important
17:46 Karen’s background
19:50 Karen’s nontraditional tips to grow your network
22:09 How to get into contact with Karen
22:54 Outro
Resources
Learn more about data science and stay up to date with the podcast by connecting with us on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/school/buffa...
Interested in a career in data science? Visit https://dataanalytics.buffalostate.edu/ to learn more.
May 1, 2022
Buffalo State Data Talk
Episode 18: Data Governance in Higher Education with George Firican, Director of Data Governance and BI at the University of British Columbia
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.
0:00 Intro
0:38 What George does as the Director of Data Governance and BI at the University of British Columbia
4:29 Members of George’s data team and what they do
7:36 What data does George work with
9:05 Example of how the University used data to maximize alumni engagement
13:32 George’s career path
15:53 LightsOnData
19:43 Tips for utilizing LinkedIn
21:47 Advice for new data analysis
25:00 Outro
Resources
Learn more about data science and stay up to date with the podcast by connecting with us on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/school/buffa...
Interested in a career in data science? Visit https://dataanalytics.buffalostate.edu/ to learn more.
April 1, 2022
Buffalo State Data Talk
Episode 17: HR people analytics an interview with Kevyn Rustici, Area Vice President for Gallagher
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.
0:00 Intro
0:36 What Kevyn does as a VP at Gallagher
2:59 What data Kevyn uses and how he uses it
10:36 What software and programming languages Kevyn uses
11:43 What technologies should you learn for the future
12:49 The importance of knowing what you want from your data
14:35 What made Kevyn want to work with data
16:06 Professional development
17:22 Advice for new data analysts
18:58 Tips for getting a job or internship
20:14 Building relationships to improve your career
21:23 Outro
Learn more about data science and stay up to date with the podcast by connecting with us on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/school/buffa...
Interested in a career in data science? Visit https://dataanalytics.buffalostate.edu/ to learn more.
March 1, 2022
Buffalo State Data Talk
Episode 16: Data Visualization with Tableau an interview with Ray Givler, Senior Decision Consultant for Highmark
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.
0:00 Intro
0:34 What Ray does as a Senior Decision Consultant for Highmark
4:07 The data Ray uses and the results
7:12 What software Ray utilizes
10:56 Overcoming challenges
14:07 Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose in your career
16:41 How to get a data viz job
17:46 What skills students should learn before they graduate
21:00 Utilizing LinkedIn
22:00 Advice for data scientists
23:13 Outro
Resources:
Learn more about data science and stay up to date with the podcast by connecting with us on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/school/buffa...
Interested in a career in data science? Visit https://dataanalytics.buffalostate.edu/ to learn more.
February 1, 2022
Buffalo State Data Talk
Episode 15: Data Cleaning and Classification an interview with Susan Walsh Founder and Managing Director of The Classification Guru
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.
0:00 Intro
0:36 What Susan’s company does
2:50 A week in the life of Susan Walsh
4:11 The data and what needs to be cleaned
8:16 Susan’s book Between the Spreadsheets
10:01 Benefits from cleaning your data
10:49 Susan’s favorite part of her job
11:34 Growing her business on LinkedIn
15:55 Susan’s advice for new data scientists
17:57 Does your data have a COAT?
18:52 Outro
Resources
Learn more about data science and stay up to date with the podcast by connecting with us on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/school/buffa...
Interested in a career in data science? Visit https://dataanalytics.buffalostate.edu/ to learn more.
December 1, 2021
Buffalo State Data Talk
Episode 14: Non-profit evaluation, asking the right questions, an interview with Tristan Keelan Director of Business Development for CCNY
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.
0:00- Intro
0:39 What Tristan does for CCNY
2:35 Data storage and tools
7:23 Cleaning and analyzing the data
9:50 Sharing the results
11:15 Making a difference with data
16:12 Trauma Informed Data
20:23 Tips for learning new data science tools
21:41 Professional development
22:28 CCNY podcast
24:39 Outro
Resources
Learn more about data science and stay up to date with the podcast by connecting with us on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/school/buffa...
Interested in a career in data science? Visit https://dataanalytics.buffalostate.edu/ to learn more.
December 1, 2021
Buffalo State Data Talk
Episode 13: Information Management and Data Governance an interview with Angela Horton, Director of Data Quality and Accuracy at a large Health Care Organization
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.
0:00 Intro
0:42 What Angela does as Director of Data Quality and Accuracy at a large Health Care Organization
3:42 The data and what they do with it
7:18 Careers through the data life cycle
10:10 Resources for professional development
11:28 Data Governance
15:54 Angela’s background and career path
20:39 Angela’s advice for people who want to be a data scientist
23:22 Outro
Resources
Courses
PowerBI
Books
Learn more about data science and stay up to date with the podcast by connecting with us on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/school/buffa...
Interested in a career in data science? Visit https://dataanalytics.buffalostate.edu/ to learn more.
November 1, 2021
Buffalo State Data Talk
Episode 12: SEO and Marketing, an interview with Nathan Hall from the Better Business Bureau
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.
0:00 Intro
0:46 What Nathan does for BBB, website analytics, SEO and more
8:34 Who does Nathan work with?
10:12 How he analyses the data21:
15:06 Impacts of Nathan’s work
15:57 Advice for new data analysts
17:58 How to become a SEO analyst
21:41 Should you be an analyst?
22:32 Outro
Resources
Search Engine Land
Search Engine Round Table
Learn more about data science and stay up to date with the podcast by connecting with us on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/school/buffa...
Interested in a career in data science? Visit https://dataanalytics.buffalostate.edu/ to learn more.
October 1, 2021
Buffalo State Data Talk
Episode 11: Marketing and Social Media Analytics, an interview with Melanie McGovern and Lauren Kirchmyer from the Better Business Bureau
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
Check out the BBB scam tracker here: https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker
Learn more about data science and stay up to date with the podcast by connecting with us on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/school/buffa...
Interested in a career in data science? Visit https://dataanalytics.buffalostate.edu/ to learn more.
September 1, 2021
Buffalo State Data Talk
Internship Mini-series
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.
This episode will focus on the internship. Once you have finally landed the position what can you do to make the most of the experience and what do you do when your internship is over.
0:00 - Intro
1:39 - How to make the most of your internship
7:02 - How to turn an internship into a job
10:18 - What should you do if you don’t like you internship
14:51 - What to do when the internship is over
16:56 - Advice for your first internship
19:11 - Outro
Learn more about data science and stay up to date with the podcast by connecting with us on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/school/buffa...
Interested in a career in data science? Visit https://dataanalytics.buffalostate.edu/ to learn more.
August 1, 2021
Buffalo State Data Talk
Internship Mini-series
This is the third 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.
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Visit the Data Science and Analytics Website
This episode will focus on the application process for getting an internship. From writing your cover letter and resume to acing that interview.
0:00-Intro
01:51- Application errors to avoid
03:17- Resume
10:20- Cover Letter
12:34- Interview
July 1, 2021
Buffalo State Data Talk
Internship Mini-series
This is the second 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.
Internship Networking and LinkedIn: building digital relationships 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.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Virtual Networking for Nerds- https://aas.org/posts/news/2020/03/free-webinar-how-network-and-find-collaborations-afar
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Visit the Data Science and Analytics Website
June 1, 2021
Buffalo State Data Talk
Internship Mini-series
This is the first 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. Internship basics: Where do I start? This episode will start with internship basics what is an internship?, why might you want to have one?, and how to find an internship?
Links mentioned in this episode:
https://www.pathwaystoscience.org/
https://hwi.buffalo.edu/nsf-bioxfel-internships/
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Visit the Data Science and Analytics Website
May 1, 2021
Buffalo State Data Talk
Episode 10: NFL, football, and data analytics, an interview with Shuler Cotton a data analyst with the Buffalo Bills
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.
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Visit the Data Science and Analytics Website
April 1, 2021
Buffalo State Data Talk
Episode 9: Storytelling and data visualization, social determinants of health, an interview with Kimberly Herrington a data journalist and founder of Buffalo Business Intelligence
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.
Kimberly Herrington's LinkedIn
Buffalo Business Intelligence on FB
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Visit the Data Science and Analytics Website
March 1, 2021
Buffalo State Data Talk
Episode 8: Decision making and bias, an interview with Peter Yacobucci from Buffalo State College
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.
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Visit the Data Science and Analytics Website
February 1, 2021
Buffalo State Data Talk
Episode 7: Marketing analytics, making magic happen with mathematics, an interview with John O’Hara from the Walt Disney Company
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.
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Visit the Data Science and Analytics Website
January 1, 2021
Buffalo State Data Talk
Episode 6: Health insurance data, from analyst to data scientist, an interview with Christopher Bole from BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York
Episode 6 featured 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.
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Visit the Data Science and Analytics Website
December 1, 2020
Buffalo State Data Talk
Episode 5: Sports technology, providing usable data, an interview with Katherine Aiken from the University at Buffalo division of Athletics technology
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.
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Visit the Data Science and Analytics Website
November 1, 2020
Buffalo State Data Talk
Episode 4: Biomedical research, applying data science skills to the medical field, an interview with Bill Bauer from Hauptman Woodward Medical Research Institute
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.
Links shared during interview:
Alaina Levine Networking Seminar - Networking for Nerds: Create Your Dream Career-Alaina G. Levine-Keynote Speaker
National Research mentoring network -https://nrmnet.net/#undergradPopup
The Coder School - https://www.thecoderschool.com/locations/buffalo/
Hauptman Woodward Internships - https://hwi.buffalo.edu/education/
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Visit the Data Science and Analytics Website
October 1, 2020
Buffalo State Data Talk
Episode 3: Cybersecurity, threat hunting and other industry skills, an interview with Jeff Rathmann from Silo City IT
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.
For more information about the conference Jeff talked about visit https://www.defcon.org/ and watch some of the panel discussions. To get started in cybersecurity Jeff suggests checking out https://www.wireshark.org/ which provides many tutorials and free training or https://github.com/ which has lots of free training.
Learn more about Jeff’s Company here https://www.silocityit.com/.
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Visit the Data Science and Analytics Website
September 1, 2020
Buffalo State Data Talk
Episode 2: Non-profit evaluation, a data career without a STEM background, an interview with Jessica Weitzel from VIA Evaluation, a woman owned business
Summary: 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.
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Visit the Data Science and Analytics Website
August 1, 2020
Buffalo State Data Talk
Episode 1: Automation in manufacturing, how human interactions fit with data, an interview with Achintya Pillai from Panasonic/Tesla in Buffalo
Summary: 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.
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Visit the Data Science and Analytics Website
Check out what will be coming on August 1st when we launch the first episode of Buffalo State Data Talk.