INFORMS is the world’s largest professional society for analytics and operations research, providing resources ranging from career fairs, conference resources, as well as mentorship and speaker events spanning across healthcare, transportation, supply chain, AI/ML, and sustainability etc. As the SCU Chapter, we are dedicated to putting theory into practice through workshops, speaker panels, and hackathons that incorporate both business strategies and technical skills. Our goal is for every member to leave with something tangible, whether that be a finished project to showcase on GitHub, a certification to strengthen their LinkedIn, or a clearer sense of where analytics can take them.
After I joined the Possible Tech Accelerator Program and the Bay Area Immersion with our Career Center and spending over 6 weeks talking to industry professionals about their roles and career paths, a thought quickly arised. What if more students could be involved in Tech programs like this on a regular basis? At SCU, there is a wide range of majors that incorporate data analysis. What if we can bridge the gap between all majors and connect everyone in a supportive community? What if we can have a platform where people can build something together outside of their classes? What if we can tap into a wider network even beyond SCU and our alumni basis? INFORMS was born under that vision, and I wanted to invite everyone to join our journey!
The best part about INFORMS is it pushes me to explore different tools out there, meet people of various majors, and learn more about the university’s opportunities (such as the imaginarium, HCI lab and other interdisciplinary programs) along the way! I love getting to know my team more and being around with people who are incredibly supportive and just as inspiring.