Students learn about career opportunities in statistics and data science.
Each statistician and data scientist has had a unique career journey. At one point, however, most found themselves in a common position—students learning about their future field and wondering how they can have the kind of career they dream about. Many benefitted from interacting with other students and professionals with similar interests. While initiating those interactions may seem daunting, StatFest aims to provide a forum in which students are able to do just that.
StatFest 2022 is a free conference aimed at encouraging undergraduates who are Black, indigenous, or people of color and have quantitative interests to pursue careers or graduate studies in the statistical and data sciences. StatFest is in its 22nd year and will be held virtually for the third year in a row due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s event will take place on September 17.
During StatFest 2022, students will learn about career opportunities in statistics and data science. Panel discussions will illuminate career paths spanning industry, academic, government, and nonprofit sectors. A keynote address highlighting the speaker’s career trajectory will demonstrate in detail the impacts statisticians and data scientists make at various points in their careers.
Students will also engage in a candid Q&A with a panel of graduate students to learn about navigating the application process and the steps to thriving as an aspiring researcher. At the same time, professionals will have the opportunity to collaborate on issues related to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in statistics and data science.
Finally, StatFest will feature opportunities for attendees to network with others and connect with institutions from the academic, industry, and nonprofit sectors.
StatFest 2021 attendees appreciated “the diversity of voices present,” the opportunity to “gain a more informed perspective” for preparing for graduate school, and the way everyone at StatFest “wants to help each other,” based on feedback from the post-event survey. Attendees also appreciated the “continuation of a quality program in a remote setting.”
StatFest is an ongoing initiative of the American Statistical Association through its Committee on Minorities in Statistics. The committee seeks to foster participation in statistics and data science by historically under-represented minorities. It focuses much of its effort on two key programs: StatFest, a pathway program, and the Diversity Mentoring Program, an early-career success program.
While the conference is free, registration is required. Visit the StatFest website to register.
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