Today

An is currently a Business Analyst at Google, working within the ad sales department.  As a member of the ad sales team, she works with multiple databases and sales reporting tools in order provide valuable data driven input to her clients.  This can help companies determine what products best fit their needs and what type of future activity they can expect.  In other words, An is a “storyteller with data” and uses that data to help people envision new ways to grow.

One of the main reasons why An decided to join the Google team was because she really appreciated the learning environment that Google supported.  The company provides ample room for professional growth, and allows new employees to work side-by-side with highly experienced analysts.  Being a very data driven company, Google knows that everyone’s input matters, which really allows for younger employees to have their voices heard.  One way in which An has already made her voice heard is through her recent female training program initiative.  An knows that being a female tech analyst makes her a member of an underrepresented group, and she wants to combat this gender gap by training women to become more analytical within their work.  The program is all about empowering women and creating a diverse and inclusive environment so that women can thrive in such a data and tech driven industry.  After presenting the idea to Senior Department Management, An gained approval and is set to roll out this program in 2018!

While at BU

As a member of the Honors Program, An became one of the first chairs on the Advisory Board.  From the very beginning, An knew that she wanted to become as involved in the program as possible, especially through community service and social initiatives.  If you’ve ever wondered who was responsible for our annual apple picking trips, look no further.  An thought that going apple picking would be a great way to interact with other HP members, communicate with HP faculty, and of course enjoy a great New England tradition!  She also enjoyed organizing many HP community service initiatives, believing that volunteering not only made you feel good, but was also one of the best ways to gain valuable leadership experience.  Outside of the Honors Program, An was a member of both BizTech and Global App Initiative, which both helped her discover her love for technology and data.

Advice

An really feels that the best way for somebody to gain applicable leadership skills is through volunteering.  Too often students get fixated on this idea that we have to land the best and most prestigious internship, but the reality is that many of the skills you gain through volunteering can actually put you in position for these great future opportunities.  Volunteering not only shows that you care about helping others and can be a good teammate, but it also shows that you are somebody who likes to take initiative and help people find solutions to their problems.

Additionally, An suggests that current HP students should really take advantage of the different seminars that are offered.  The experience of having such a conversation based class helps you build on skills that you will need for the rest of your life.  Being able to talk with fellow classmates and build the conversation around each other’s arguments helps develop your critical thinking skills, and those skills will be extremely valuable once you enter the workforce.  Also, the seminars are taught by some pretty cool faculty!  Getting to know the HP faculty and staying connected with them during both your time at BU and afterwards can really make for some amazing conversations and opportunities.

Connect with An

An’s LinkedIn Profile

AnNguyen@bu.edu