On January 29, Mohr Career Services hosted an Industry Bites session focused on analytics and business strategy. Three professionals shared their insights on breaking into the field, the skills students should develop, and the best ways to stand out in a competitive job market.
Panelists included:
- Brad Green – Account Executive, Strategic Enterprise at Snowflake
- Antheny Chhay – Analyst at Veris Insights
- Collin Fischer – Commercial Analytics & Enablement at Roseburg Forest Products
Top Skills To Learn
One of the biggest takeaways? Salesforce and Tableau are essential tools to learn.
Collin shared, “Salesforce and Tableau are crucial. Learning these tools will set you apart, and documenting processes efficiently is a huge part of my role.” Brad suggested using Trailhead to access free Salesforce training and Tableau University as another useful resource. “You don’t need to learn every software out there,” Antheny added. “Be function-specific—focus on tools that will actually help in your role.”
If you haven’t already, start getting familiar with these platforms. They’ll give you a competitive edge when applying for analytics and strategy roles.
Emerging Trends in Analytics and Business Strategy
The panelists also shared key trends shaping the field and how students can stay ahead.
- Generative AI and automated chatbots are evolving, but they’re not perfect. Panelist Brad shared this tip: “AI will always get at least 10% wrong. Knowing SQL will help you fix AI-generated outputs, and Python will help you analyze and refine them.”
- Communication is not just about technical skills—it’s also about knowing how to translate data into insights. Collin explained further, “Senior executives may not fully understand new technology, so it’s on us to bridge that gap.”
- Skills-based hiring is on the rise, and employers are looking beyond just degrees. “Build transferable skills—communication, humility, and critical thinking,” said Antheny. “There’s a huge gap between students reaching out and the ones companies actually want to hire.”
How to Stand Out in the Job Market
What makes a candidate stand out when everyone looks identical on paper? The panelists shared their thoughts:
- Gain domain expertise—especially in machine learning.
- Earn Salesforce Trailhead and AI Specialist certifications to prove you’re serious.
- Be open to different job opportunities—you can always pivot within your company later.
- Leverage the interview part of the application process. This is your chance to tell your story and show them you’re a culture fit.
- Showcase a learning mindset—name your achievements but emphasize your willingness to grow.
- Master data organization and cleanup in Excel. It’s an underrated but essential skill.
Final Thoughts: Build Your Brand Beyond Your Resume
This panel reinforced a key takeaway: A strong resume alone won’t land you a job. Employers want to see proof of your skills, and your LinkedIn profile is just as important as your resume.
They encouraged students to showcase relevant skills (like Salesforce, Tableau, SQL, Excel), engage with industry content, and network with professionals in your field.
Need help refining your resume or optimizing your LinkedIn profile?
Mohr Career Services is here to help. Stop by for drop-in advising, Monday–Friday from 10:00 a.m–4:00 p.m. to get personalized support.
