My name is Madelyn Skelly, and I am excited to share my academic journey at Grand Valley State University.

In Spring 2025, I earned my bachelor’s degree from the Seidman College of Business in Business Administration, majoring in Business Economics and Marketing with a minor in Applied Statistics. Following graduation, I interned with Meijer's Operations Team, where I worked on an 11-week project that helped me discover the direction I wanted to take in my career.

Through that experience, I gained exposure to Meijer's Data Analytics Team and became increasingly interested in the field of data analytics. Looking back on my undergraduate studies, I realized that my favorite courses were those that combined statistics, economics, and data-driven decision-making. I also worked as a Statistics Tutor at Grand Valley, where I enjoyed helping students, collaborating with peers, and sharing the knowledge I had gained throughout my studies.

Motivated by these experiences, I decided to continue my education and was accepted into Grand Valley's Data Analytics and Data Science Graduate Program. Because I had little experience with computing, I was initially nervous about the program's technical coursework. To prepare, I completed a computing course during the summer before beginning graduate school, which helped me build confidence entering my first semester.

While pursuing my master's degree, I stayed connected with my professors and expressed interest in continuing to work for the university. This led me to reconnect with Professor Sango Otieno, Director of the Statistical Consulting Center (SCC).

The SCC is a collaborative resource that supports students, faculty, staff, and community partners with data analysis, research design, and statistical consulting. Through the center, students gain hands-on experience working on real-world projects while helping clients turn data into meaningful insights.

Professor Otieno offered me the opportunity to join the SCC as a Graduate Assistant. During my first year in graduate school, I worked alongside fellow graduate students to assist professors, students, and external clients with data-related projects. This experience was invaluable because it strengthened my technical skills while allowing me to apply concepts from my coursework to practical challenges. If you haven't explored SCC, I highly recommend it.

After completing my first year, I joined Amway as a Data Analyst Intern on the Product Analytics Team within Data Strategy and Analytics. My experience at the SCC helped prepare me for this role and gave me confidence working with stakeholders and data-driven projects. Throughout the summer, I analyzed internal and external product data to generate insights that supported business decision-making. This opportunity further confirmed my passion for analytics and the career path I hope to pursue after graduation.

Today, I am completing my final year in the program and am grateful to have received another Graduate Assistantship opportunity as a Data Analyst for Grand Valley's Physician Assistant Program. In this role, I analyze program data to support reporting on student success, performance, and development.

The greatest lesson I have learned throughout my academic journey is the importance of staying involved, building relationships, and embracing new opportunities. Many of the experiences that shaped my path came from taking chances, staying curious, and leaning on mentors and peers for support. You never know where one conversation or opportunity may lead.

Thank you for allowing me to share my story.