Student Support Services
One of the hallmarks of the Institute for Advanced Analytics is its holistic approach to fostering well-rounded data science practitioners. Beyond developing expertise in technical subject matter, MSA students learn to effectively collaborate with others through intensive team environments. Part of that process, for students, is centered on self-awareness: understanding yourself, the strengths you bring to the table, and how others perceive you.
We provide a variety of resources to support MSA students’ personal and professional growth and well-being. These include (but are not limited to):
- Self-awareness tools and frameworks, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®, Gallup CliftonStrengths®, and Tilt365®
- Structured self- and peer-feedback exchange every 5 weeks
- Tools for goal setting, action planning, and building resilience skills
Professional Development Coaching
In addition to the aforementioned resources, all MSA students engage in monthly 1:1 professional development coaching with trained Institute staff members. The Institute’s coaching team embraces the International Coaching Federation definition of coaching: “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.”
Coaching is a collaborative relationship wherein a student partners with their coach to:
- Understand your work environment
- Establish priorities
- Hold yourself accountable
- Change behaviors / break unwanted habits
- See other perspectives
- Plan an appropriate course of action
- Improve your decision-making skills
- Leverage your strengths
- Move beyond self‐imposed limitations
- Develop your leadership abilities
- Achieve your goals
Hear from Brandon Barbour, one of the Institute’s professional development coaches:
Wellness Counseling
The Institute was among the first departments at NC State to have an embedded counselor — a licensed member of the university’s Counseling Center staff whose office is located in the Institute, and whose counseling services are focused on the needs of our students.
Dr. Bates offers individualized counseling by appointment, drop-in services, and periodic workshops on topics related to mental health and well-being; and can connect our students with many other resources facilitated by the Counseling Center, Prevention Services, and the larger campus community.
Meet the Institute’s counselor, Dr. Shacoya Bates:
Career Services
Career services are an integral part of the MSA experience, including assistance with resume writing, interview and presentation skills, and professional networking. All career services are staffed and coordinated by the Institute exclusively for MSA students. Dozens of employers engage the Institute each year with the sole purpose of interviewing our students. Most job interviews are arranged with the assistance of the Institute. Read the latest Employment Report.
Meet the Institute’s head of career services, April Wilson:
