From Intern to Analyst: Charting a Career in Data Analytics

Deepak Dhole, MSIS ’23, leveraged Smith's career resources, cutting-edge coursework, and a strategic internship to secure a full-time role at Navy Federal Credit Union. His journey exemplifies innovation, resilience, and the power of networking.

Tell us about your path from graduation to your current job. 

I began my master’s program at the Robert H. Smith School of Business in Fall 2022. After completing two of the three semesters, I interned as a business intelligence intern at Navy Federal Credit Union from June to August 2023. Following my internship, Navy Federal extended the internship through the fall semester and offered me a full-time position. I completed my master’s degree in December 2023 and began my full-time role as a Business Intelligence Analyst at Navy Federal in February 2024.

Why did you decide to get a business degree and why did you choose the Smith School?

After earning my undergraduate degree in Electronics Engineering, I began my career as a Java Developer at HSBC India. I was intrigued by data science and Python, and, within a year, I saw an opportunity to leverage machine learning in the company. I developed a proof of concept and successfully pitched it to management, securing funding and resources to turn it into a full project. This experience taught me how to pitch ideas, secure clients, build a team and make strategic hires. Realizing I wanted to expand my skills beyond coding, I chose business school to deepen my knowledge of both technology and business. I selected the Smith School for its well-balanced curriculum in data science, business and finance, as well as its strong ranking and compact 16-month program that offered extensive learning in a short timeframe.

How has your Smith education helped you with your professional career? Were there specific classes, experiential projects, team projects, or internships that have been especially helpful to you?

The Smith School has been instrumental in my professional growth. The Office of Career Services (OCS) guided me in refining my resume and understanding current industry demands, which boosted my confidence in job hunting. My career coach was incredibly helpful, advising me on networking strategies, follow-up emails and more. Courses such as SQL, Python, Data Visualization, Data Mining and Project Management equipped me for internship interviews and provided in-depth knowledge through practical assignments. This preparation helped me excel in my internship, which ultimately led to a full-time offer at Navy Federal Credit Union.

What about your personal journey has led to your success?

My undergraduate background in Electronics Engineering laid the foundation for my programming skills, especially in Python and database management. This base, combined with my experience at a global fintech firm, provided me with insights into both finance and technology. These experiences proved valuable as I pursued a career in finance and data analytics, making it easier to master data analysis, data modeling and data mining concepts.

Is there something about your professional journey that people would find surprising?

When I began my career at HSBC, I was new to both finance and technology. I committed to learning diligently and building my knowledge. Once I understood the existing processes, I proposed a machine-learning tool to simplify complex workflows. Though I was just 23 and a new hire, my supervisors supported the idea, allowing me to develop it into a full-scale project. My supervisor and I eventually built a new team to manage the project, and I was honored with the "Brightest Star of HSBC" award, given annually to the top innovator across the organization. I never expected to achieve such recognition in a large corporation so early in my career.

What advice would you give to current students?

My advice to current students is to be fearless and always prepared, embodying the spirit of a true Smith Terp. Being a student at Smith is similar to working on Wall Street—fast-paced and dynamic—requiring constant readiness. I remember how I secured my internship at Navy Federal during an event called “Career Coachella” hosted by the Office of Career Services. I met an NFCU recruiter, reviewed my resume with her, gave my elevator pitch, and obtained her email for future networking. This initial connection led to an interview opportunity with Navy Federal.