March 27, 2025 | Claire Hall

‘Go Getter’ High School Students Explore Data Analytics Profession at UConn Event: ‘It Looks Like a Fun Career’

“By partnering with the UConn School of Business, Junior Achievement is providing high school students with unprecedented access to expertise in data analytics, showing them how numbers can tell powerful stories that drive business outcomes,’’

Students from Avon High School, Farmington High School and Capital Prep in Hartford spent a day at UConn's GBLC learning about data analytics in business and exploring related career paths.

Students from Avon High School, Farmington High School and Capital Prep in Hartford spent a day at UConn's GBLC learning about data analytics in business and exploring related career paths. (Nathan Oldham / UConn School of Business)

Isabella Escobar and Anwesha Gupta, both juniors at Avon High School, spent a few minutes Monday morning in a friendly competition to see whose robot could scoop up more blocks and get them across a goal line.

They were among 40 students from Avon, Farmington, and Capital Preparatory Magnet School in Hartford, who spent part of the day at UConn’s Graduate Business Learning Center, exploring careers in data analytics. The Data Analytics Day event was organized in partnership with Junior Achievement of Southwest New England.

Gupta’s older sister is studying business in college and that piqued her own interest in the field.

“I want to major in business and I’m figuring out what direction interests me. I’m testing the water for data analytics,’’ she said. “I’ve enjoyed myself today. It was very fun.’’

Escobar is also leaning toward a business career, possibly in marketing or international affairs, but is open to other options. “I’m very lucky to be here. I’m excited,’’ she said.

In addition to learning about emerging technology, including robotics, the students attended programs about communication and leadership, and how Microsoft Excel and Tableau can benefit business.

During the latter program, professor John Wilson, academic director for the master’s in FinTech program, explained that visual analytics—collecting, analyzing and presenting information in an appealing and easy-to-understand way—is one of the hottest jobs in business today.

Professor John Wilson, Academic Director for the graduate FinTech program told 40 high school students that careers in data visualization are among the most promising in business.
Professor John Wilson, Academic Director for the graduate FinTech program told 40 high school students that careers in data visualization are among the most promising in business. (Nathan Oldham / UConn School of Business)

That captured the interest of Capital Prep students Javaris Spencer, a junior, and Sherdon Rodney, a senior.

“I wanted more information and a better understanding of the data analytics field,’’ Spencer said. “It’s been a good experience so far.’’

“I learned about the role data analytics plays in life,’’ Rodney said, after viewing a brief introduction to a visual analytics presentation on the impact of domestic violence. “I’ve been thinking about how data has evolved and how it works, and how more companies want to use it. It looks like a fun career.’’

Julie Armstrong, director of education at Junior Achievement, was excited about the new partnership between her organization and UConn, and felt it would be fruitful.

“The students are self selected and all are interested in data analytics and in business, and have an aptitude for research,’’ Armstrong said. “The teachers we work with send us the real go-getters who want as much career exposure as possible.’’

Wilson said the event appeared to be a success.

“We’ve been tasked with workforce development and creating a pipeline to drive interest in STEM careers early on,’’ he said. “There’s great enthusiasm here today. Many students are interested in careers in analytics, and others are here just to gain a better understanding of what it is.’’

UConn graduate student Gomathi Ramachandran helped develop the curriculum for the event. Ramachandran, a former educator now working as an educational financial systems analyst, is pursuing an advanced degree in business analytics and program management. She said she could witness the students’ engagement and hopes the program will expand their interests.

“Growing up, I remember wishing for a mentor who would encourage me to believe in myself and in my ability to learn new things,’’ she said. “Back then, I was often afraid to take risks due to the fear of failure. Now, as an adult, I’m pursuing courses that push me out of my comfort zone daily. I’ve learned to embrace challenging subjects like SQL, visual analytics, and public speaking.’’

She said she hopes the students who participated in Monday’s program developed curiosity, a belief in themselves and their abilities, and recognize that no concept is too difficult to grasp.
Junior Achievement serves 35,000 students in Connecticut alone. The organization’s three pillars are financial literacy, career preparation, and entrepreneurship.

Jeremy Race, President and CEO of the Southern New England chapter, said programs like the Data Analytics Day are invaluable and offer students exposure to high-impact careers that they might not otherwise experience.

“By partnering with the UConn School of Business, Junior Achievement is providing high school students with unprecedented access to expertise in data analytics, showing them how numbers can tell powerful stories that drive business outcomes,’’ Race said.

“This collaboration creates a unique bridge between academic theory and real-world application, allowing students to learn directly from professors and student mentors who are at the cutting edge of the field,’’ he said. “We are deeply grateful to our friends at UConn for their commitment to cultivating the next generation of business leaders and for opening their doors to give JA students this glimpse into the world of data-drive decision making.’’