Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Operations Analysts
Entry-level positions in operations growth and strategy are often general, with some companies even assigning roles after hiring, as Makai experienced. Data analyst roles are a strong entry point, requiring strong analytical skills to "create stories from that data" and drive operational improvements.
Data Analysis, Operations, Entry-Level Positions, Analyst Roles, Generalist Roles
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Makai Cartman
Operations Growth & Strategy Manager
Happy Returns by PayPal
MIT 2015
UCLA Anderson MBA
Engineering - Mechanical
Technology, Transit, Transportation, Warehousing & Storage
Operations and Project Management
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Many entry-level roles in operations are general and allow you to explore different areas before specializing.
2. Analyst roles are a good entry point, focusing on data analysis to support operational improvements.
3. Companies sometimes hire without assigning a specific role initially, placing individuals based on their skills and the company's needs after they start working
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider pursuing?
I'd say that from what I've seen, typically in these roles, it's not something you necessarily learn in college. Getting into these roles can be pretty general.
Once you're in, you can focus more on what you might have a particular interest in or be passionate about. So, I'd say look for roles where you can expect them to be pretty general.
At my last company, they didn't tell you what role you'd have. They'd just say, "You've been hired." Once you showed up, they'd see where to place you within the operation.
I've also seen that analyst roles are good entry-level positions into this kind of work. It's about being able to really understand data. As an operation becomes more complex, you have many more data points to look at.
People who are good at analyzing data and understanding how it works can create stories from that data. This helps support operational changes or efficiencies you might be looking for.