About Me

My name is Zachary Wright. I am a student in the Bachelor of Science in Information Systems (BSIS) program at USF. I discovered my interest in how data, technology, and information systems shape decision-making while moving my way through various companies. Seeing how they have adopted new technology and AI to expand and perform more difficult tasks. As I observe technology becoming increasingly crucial to business operations, I decided that I wanted to develop both the technical and analytical skills to allow me transform my knowledge into meaningful business decisions. 

My primary areas of interest with data include data analysis, predictive analytics, information behavior, and data-driven decision-making. Through my coursework, I have gained exposure to how organizations collect, manage, analyze, and interpret data to support business goals. My Internship in particular drilled down on how businesses conduct information gathering and how to form dashboards of information. These show how structured and unstructured data can be explored to identify patterns and predict outcomes. My USF coursework combined the technical foundations and has drilled analytical perspectives . Throughout the classes I have taken and the internship I worked at , I learned a wide range of topics related to information systems and data analytics. These include data management concepts, data mining processes, predictive modeling, information behavior theories, and ethical considerations in information use. In addition, my coursework has emphasized the importance of understanding user information needs and how information is sought, organized, and applied in different contexts. These concepts have strengthened my ability to think critically about how data is generated and how it should be interpreted responsibly. 

In terms of technical skills, I have developed hands-on experience with R and RStudio from my coursework and internship opportunity . I am comfortable working with datasets, creating vectors and subsets, writing custom functions, and interpreting statistical outputs. I also have experience working with CSV files, managing working directories, and documenting code through blogs or repositories such as GitHub and Blogger. In addition to R, I have obtained Advanced certifications with spreadsheet tools, basic data visualization techniques, and foundational concepts in databases and information systems. These skills allow me to approach information in any format and translate and interpret anything in a concise and proper manner. Beyond technical skills, my coursework has helped me obtain and improve on important skills that are essential in the information systems field. These include problem-solving, analytical thinking, an eye for detail, and solid teamwork skills. Many of my assignments have required clear documentation and needed to be understandable at a glance. This works with the skills I gained as an Operations Manager, a warehouse manager, and a verification specialist, has all benefitted from my time in school. 

I am currently exploring career opportunities on Handshake and LinkedIn. My search has led me to looking for roles related to data analysis, business analytics, and information systems support. The current job market shows a demand for professionals who can analyze data, manage information systems, and databases. I have found many listings with both an Excel and SQL experience in the skills wanted section. Therefore my Certifications in data analytics along with my degree should strengthen my chances of getting hired at these positions. A single role at any of these companies could cascade into more advanced positions such as senior analyst, data scientist, or IT manager. According to Indeed (n.d.) , the average salary of a data analyst should be around $84,742. As more of these roles transition to using AI, having a jump-start with all the AI training I have will give me a leg up over the competition. 

In summary, my academic experience at USF has equipped me with a solid understanding of information systems, data analysis, and information behavior. I have developed both technical and professional skills that prepare me for both entry-level and higher roles in the data and information systems field. My future career goal is to work in a position where I can apply what I know about data analytics to support and grow a company, my own actions making a noticeable difference. I am confident that my interests, skills, and a continual drive to learn will allow me to contribute meaningfully to organizations in the future.

Indeed. (n.d.). Data analyst salaries. https://www.indeed.com/career/data-analyst/salaries