Pictured above: Front row left to right: Annum Nashra, Dr. John Sparco, Paula Cruzes Guidotti
Back row left to right: Sloane Rudometkin, Misty Gardner Lee, Thamires Armindo

For years, Dr. John Sparco had “Data Analytics Club” written on his whiteboard, toying with the idea of starting one at Wilmington University. When Annum Nashra — a student in the B.S. in Business Analytics program — reached out to him with the same thought, they made their shared vision a reality. 

“It’s such a data-driven world,” says Nashra, who’s from Dhaka, Bangladesh, and serves as president of WilmU’s new Data Analytics Club. “No matter what your major is, no matter what you’re looking for, almost every job description has the keywords ‘data analytics’ in it, so this seemed like a very good time to start a club.” 

Sixty people showed up for the initial interest meeting, proving the timing was right. 

“The goal for the club is, first and foremost, to bring students together and provide opportunities,” says Dr. Sparco, director of WilmU’s Division of Finance, Accounting, Economics and Analytics. “It provides skills relevant to the workplace, student experiences in a club and leadership positions, and brings together students, depending on their program, who approach this discipline from a different perspective.”  

Data Analytics Skills 

Data analytics is a dynamic, high-demand industry with a projected five-year job growth rate of 10.6% nationally, according to Lightcast. That includes positions such as market research analyst, management analyst, data scientist and statistician.  

Nashra and other club leaders want to give WilmU students “a platform where they’re able to network, meet people from the industry, and meet people who’ve done this before and have been successful,” she says.  

Hands-on projects, workshops, guest speakers and student competitions will help members better understand data-informed decision-making and real-world applications. They’ll also refine their communication skills and learn how to use data to tell a story. 

“It cuts across pretty much every discipline,” says Dr. Sparco, adding that the club is open to anyone who wants to explore how data influences their field. “You don’t have to come in and code. You don’t have to come in and do business analysis.”  

“I want students to know it’s accessible,” says Nashra, who also encourages alumni to get involved. “As long as you’ve been a part of the University, you’re welcome to come and just help us — and just see what we do and be a part of it.” 

To learn more about the Data Analytics Club, contact Dr. John Sparco or check the club’s LinkedIn group.