Helena Chew '14

Data Analytics Manager, Nike, Inc. 

Majors: Operations & Technology Management, Finance

After graduation, I was very fortunate to land my first job at Nike. It was on the same team that I interned the prior year! As a data governance analyst, I quickly learned how to focus and deliver high quality results all while knowing that priorities could change in an instant. One of the unique skills that I’ve gained from this role is the ability to understand and comprehend the needs from both the business and technology sides.

The Pamplin School of Business’ internship requirement gave me the push I needed to land my internship and first full-time role. Without that requirement, I don’t know if I would be working for one of the top companies in the world. The countless business classes and mock interviews helped me get comfortable with what to expect from the “real” world. I was involved in the UPOMA club at the time, which provided me with more insight on OTM related careers. Alumni would visit and share their experiences – it gave me a confidence boost to meet others in my shoes who had successfully “made it”.

Informational interviews are really overlooked, but they should not be. These interviews allow you to understand a role or career path from the actual person doing the job. And as a bonus, you make a networking connection!

Still at Nike, I am now a Data Analytics Manager within Global Sourcing and Manufacturing. Data alone does not make sense without context. It is my job to not only find the right level of data, but to also provide analysis and context so that the business can use my work to make impactful business decisions.

The best career advice I’ve ever received was “Don’t talk the talk. Walk the walk.” Working for companies, you come across many people who make extravagant claims, but they don’t always follow through. Sometimes it is just as important to demonstrate through your actions.