Pratik shares his rewarding experience as a student business intelligence analyst at UMBC, gaining hands-on skills in Tableau, data insights, and project management.
Embarking on a Journey in Business Intelligence: Reflections and Lessons from a Student Analyst
Aspiring professionals often find that their academic journey is most rewarding when paired with practical, real-world experience. This fusion of education and hands-on training not only informs effective career choices but also plants the seeds for lifelong growth and confidence. Pratik Cholkane’s story offers a glimpse into how a master's student’s immersion in business intelligence has shaped his evolving career and personal development. Below, we delve into the nuances of his experience, valuable advice for future students, and the lessons learned that pave the way for a successful career in IT project management and business analysis.
The Academic Foundation
For many students, pursuing a master’s degree signifies more than academic dedication; it's also a conscious step toward professional distinction. Pratik is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Engineering Management at UMBC, with a specialization in Project Management. His academic path integrates technical expertise with strategic leadership—an in-demand combination in today’s rapidly evolving industries. The program’s rigorous curriculum equips students to effectively manage cross-functional teams, streamline workflows, and drive innovation within technology-driven environments.
Engaging with Business Intelligence at DoIT
Complementing his studies, Pratik joined the Division of Information Technology’s (DoIT’s) Business Services Group as a student business intelligence analyst. The role was more than a line item on his resume; it was a transformative opportunity that brought theoretical knowledge to life. Under the mentorship of leaders like Mr. Kevin Joseph and direct supervision from Miss Jennifer, Pratik was introduced to a spectrum of business intelligence (BI) tools and methodologies while serving actual clients within the university ecosystem.
The primary focus? Delivering insightful business intelligence solutions to various university departments. From designing interactive Tableau dashboards to composing dynamic reports, each task required a blend of technical expertise and communication skills. The dashboards didn’t just present raw data—they provided actionable insights that empowered decision-makers to address challenges, optimize resources, and amplify efficiencies across departments.
Going Beyond the Classroom
Pratik highlights how his experience at DoIT profoundly enhanced his understanding of the business analyst's role. While academic coursework provided the foundational theories and frameworks of data analysis and project management, it was the hands-on, real-world exposure that revealed the critical nuances—collaborating across teams, engaging stakeholders effectively, and transforming complex datasets into compelling, decision-ready narratives.
Crucially, Pratik learned:
- Understanding the day-to-day realities of a business analyst: Beyond data extraction and visualization, he learned the importance of contextual awareness—grasping the environment in which data-driven decisions are made.
- Mastering data management and manipulation: Working with real-world datasets, Pratik developed practical skills in cleaning, structuring, and analyzing data—core competencies that form the foundation of effective business intelligence.
- Converting data into actionable insights: He discovered that the true value of business intelligence lies not in producing reports, but in interpreting them—uncovering trends, identifying anomalies, and surfacing strategic opportunities that inform smarter decisions.
Building Professional Confidence
The experience at DoIT extended far beyond technical skill development—it significantly enhanced Pratik’s self-confidence, a crucial asset as he transitioned from academia to the professional world. Through cross-functional collaboration, regular interaction with supervisors, and accountability for high-impact projects, he gained greater assurance in his analytical capabilities and began to see himself not just as a contributor, but as a future leader.
Memorable Moments
While technical skills power much of the work in business intelligence, positive social exchanges are equally pivotal. Pratik fondly remembers a particular "bingo session" held during one of the group’s lunch and learn events—a regular occurrence at DoIT. Far from being mere social diversions, these sessions proved to be wellsprings of engagement, community-building, and informal learning.
Participating in bingo may seem trivial, but it had far-reaching effects: making connections with colleagues, lowering barriers between departments, and fostering a collaborative spirit. For Pratik, these moments of camaraderie and engagement brought joy, built lasting memories, and underscored the importance of workplace culture in personal development.
The Power of Lunch and Learn Sessions
Pratik’s advice to incoming students is clear: take full advantage of lunch and learn sessions. These are not just events for idle chatter—they represent unique opportunities to:
- Meet peers from different departments
- Share and gain insights on projects, tools, and methodologies
- Learn in a relaxed, supportive environment
Such collaboration doesn’t just enhance technical knowledge; it also stimulates creativity, builds confidence, and prepares students for the collaborative dynamics of real-world projects.
Connecting Across Departments
One of the major revelations during Pratik’s tenure at DoIT came from collaborating with students from diverse academic backgrounds. Business intelligence and project management are inherently interdisciplinary—success relies not just on technical prowess, but also the ability to communicate, empathize, and problem-solve together.
By working alongside peers from other departments, Pratik expanded his outlook. He experienced firsthand how diverse perspectives embellish problem-solving, spark innovation, and bring about holistic solutions to complex challenges.
Embracing Diversity for Comprehensive Solutions
The DoIT ecosystem serves as a dynamic microcosm of the broader professional landscape. For Pratik, it was both exhilarating and enriching to engage with the fast-paced environment and its many moving parts. These cross-functional experiences equipped him with the skills to navigate complex project management responsibilities while fluently bridging the worlds of data, technology, and business.
Through his journey, Pratik arrived at a pivotal insight: success isn’t solely defined by the nature of the work, but by the people you collaborate with and the environment in which you operate. At DoIT, he found the ideal blend of both—a supportive team and a culture that fostered learning, inclusion, and innovation. This synergy not only accelerated his professional development but also enriched his personal growth in meaningful ways.
Seeking Full-Time Roles
As he approaches graduation, Pratik is strategically leveraging the knowledge and experience gained during his time at DoIT to propel his transition into a full-time career. With a strong interest in IT project management and business analysis, he is drawn to roles that align the analytical rigor of his academic foundation with the practical skills cultivated through his work as a student analyst.
Pratik’s preparedness extends beyond technical expertise—it encompasses professional confidence, a robust network, and a proven track record of performance. Together, these qualities position him as a well-rounded and competitive candidate in today’s evolving job market.
The Importance of Specialized Skills
Pratik’s journey highlights the value of aligning academic pursuits with real-world industry demands. Over two years of focused graduate education, complemented by hands-on experience in developing business intelligence solutions, have equipped him to make a meaningful impact as an IT Project Manager or Business Analyst. Both roles require a strong grasp of data workflows, effective stakeholder communication, and a mindset geared toward solution-oriented thinking—areas where Pratik has consistently demonstrated strength and readiness.
Appreciating Opportunities
Professional growth is rarely a straight path—it’s forged through challenges, opportunities, and the lessons learned along the way. Reflecting on his time at DoIT, Pratik expresses deep gratitude for an experience that has profoundly shaped his outlook and capabilities. This journey has given him not only technical skills, but also a strategic edge—one that positions him confidently as he transitions into the professional world.
Building Confidence for the Job Market
More than anything, Pratik’s role as a Business Intelligence Analyst has bolstered his confidence to succeed in a competitive job market. By working with real data, solving complex problems, and collaborating across departments, he has gained practical experience that extends beyond the classroom. This foundation ensures he’s not just prepared to enter the workforce—but to contribute, lead, and grow from day one.
Lessons for Aspiring Business Intelligence Professionals
1. Prioritize Hands-On Experience
While theoretical knowledge lays the groundwork, true expertise in business intelligence and project management is developed through real-world application. Pursue internships, assistantships, or project-based roles during your studies to translate classroom concepts into practical skills.
2. Embrace Cross-Functional Collaboration
In today’s complex work environments, effective problem-solving requires diverse perspectives. Collaborating with individuals from other departments or disciplines enhances your ability to navigate ambiguity, communicate across roles, and lead with empathy and insight.
3. Engage in Informal Learning Opportunities
Learning doesn't only happen in classrooms. Participate in events such as “lunch and learns,” workshops, or team-building activities. These informal settings foster creativity, spark new ideas, and make professional development both engaging and enjoyable.
4. Master Data Visualization Tools
Proficiency in tools like Tableau is essential in a data-driven world. These platforms do more than visualize information—they help transform complex data into clear, actionable insights that drive strategic decisions.
5. Seek Mentorship and Learn from Leaders
Mentorship accelerates growth. Pratik’s experience highlights the invaluable guidance that supervisors and experienced professionals can offer. Their insights provide context, direction, and a broader understanding of the field—making it essential to actively seek and nurture these relationships.
6. Practice Reflection and Cultivate Gratitude
Every experience—whether a success or setback—offers something to learn. Regular reflection helps strengthen self-awareness and confidence, while a mindset rooted in gratitude fosters resilience and a lifelong commitment to growth.
The Road Ahead: Building on Experience
Pratik’s journey is emblematic of the growth many students experience when they combine targeted education with immersive, real-world roles. As the line between classroom and workplace blurs, success increasingly belongs to those who embrace collaboration, prioritize continuous learning, and seek out hands-on challenges.
Armed with practical skills, interdisciplinary connections, and hard-won confidence, today’s students stand poised to meet the demands of IT project management and business analysis with enthusiasm and resilience. Whether guiding organizations through complex transformations or uncovering the insights hidden in data, the future belongs to those ready to learn, adapt, and lead.
As Pratik prepares for his next chapter, his reflections remind all aspiring professionals that the true measure of success lies not just in credentials or titles, but in the ability to learn, connect, and grow with each new opportunity.
Catalysts for Professional Growth
Pratik’s journey offers valuable lessons—pursuing hands-on experience, embracing collaboration, seeking mentorship, and approaching each opportunity with gratitude. These principles are universally relevant, reminding students across disciplines that true professional growth thrives at the intersection of curiosity and opportunity.
The fields of business intelligence and project management are both dynamic and ever-evolving. Students who commit to continuous learning, actively engage in real-world practice, and lead with humility and purpose position themselves not just to succeed—but to lead, innovate, and inspire in the careers ahead.
Shout-Out!
Pratik will be graduating in May 2025 from UMBC, with an MS in Engineering Management. Congratulations Pratik!
Watch his complete video here!
The first draft of the above announcement was generated using GenAI and edited by the Division of Information Technology Communications and IT teams.
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