A student’s journey through data analytics at WSU Everett
Julia Bogush has always enjoyed a wide range of subjects, be it writing, storytelling and even math. Growing up, she says, she thought she wanted to be a teacher, an interest she’s explored through teaching Bible lessons at her church and working as a writing tutor. However, it wasn’t until she pursued a degree in data analytics at Washington State University Everett that she discovered a way to bring all of her favorite academic interests together into one field.
“I’m able to use math in a storytelling way,” she said.
Now a senior, Bogush is learning how to find, write and map out the stories behind the data all around us.
Data analytics means looking at information to understand trends and help people decide what to do next. For example, Bogush said a business could use data analytics to see how well a product is selling and determine whether to continue or change the course.
In that situation, Bogush explained, a data analyst would be “analyzing that data to help businesses make better decisions.”
One major, many possibilities
One of the biggest draws of data analytics, Bogush says, is its versatility. The skills she is developing can apply to different industries, giving her room to explore her interests.
That range of possibilities became especially clear during a visit to an open house event with Costco IT, the internal group responsible for driving the wholesale retail company’s technological advancements. Upon entering, Costco representatives directed students toward tables that matched their majors. When Bogush explained what she studied as a data analytics major, she recalled being told, “Just go to every single table.”
The experience helped her see how many different places her degree could take her to.
“I could go to a company that needs me to analyze financial data,” she said. “I could go to a company that wants me to build an AI.”
Learning, problem-solving and exploring real questions through teamwork
At WSU Everett, Bogush is putting her skills to work through class projects. In one current project, she and her classmates are examining data related to changes in the city of Seattle’s budget and minimum wage.
For Bogush, who describes herself as a very social person, data analytics offers plenty of opportunities to meet and connect with other people, explore different perspectives, and work toward shared goals.
“The most interesting part about data analytics is working in teams and just meeting a wide variety of people,” she said.
She hopes to create more opportunities for those connections as the current president of the WSU Everett Data Analytics Club. Her plans include inviting industry speakers and starting a project that students can add to their resumes, potentially helping nonprofit organizations with their data needs.
Finding her place at WSU Everett
Bogush initially planned to attend a different in-state university before her parents encouraged her to consider WSU Everett instead. Today, she values the close-knit community and faculty support she has found on campus.
“Now I think it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” she said.
She credits Professor Sergey Lapin, director of WSU’s data analytics program, with helping students find networking events and career opportunities.
“He actually really cares about the success of students,” she said.
Looking ahead, Bogush says she’s still exploring her options. Her professional future could involve books, business, technology, infrastructure, or other industries altogether. Wherever she ends up, she looks forward to using data to find answers and ideas that lead to better outcomes and — hopefully — a storybook ending for the businesses she works with.
For now, her own next chapter is just beginning.