Career Path of a Performance Data Analyst at Boston Bruins
Peter's career trajectory began with a strength conditioning internship during undergrad, followed by roles combining coaching and sports science, culminating in a sports science director position at Arizona State University's football team. After a brief entrepreneurial detour, a fellowship with the Boston Bruins led to Peter's current role as a Performance Data Analyst, showcasing a seamless transition from athletic involvement to a data-driven performance analysis career within the sports industry.
Sports Science, Data Analysis, Career Transition, Performance Analysis, Higher Education
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Peter Nelson
Performance Data Analyst
Boston Bruins
Pennsylvania State University
N/A
Biology & Related Sciences
Sports & Fitness
Data and Analytics
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Peter's passion for sports influenced his career path, leading him to pursue internships and roles related to athletic performance.
2. His career progression demonstrates the value of internships and networking; his initial internship led to a full-time role and subsequent opportunities.
3. Peter's experience includes diverse roles such as strength conditioning, coaching, sports science, and data analysis, showcasing the multifaceted nature of a career in sports performance.
Transcript
Could you walk me through your career path, starting with your experiences in college? Any internships or jobs you've had before your current role?
I was an athlete, a hockey player growing up and always loved sports. I knew I wanted to work in something adjacent to that.
When I was in undergrad, I started working with the men's hockey team as a strength conditioning intern. I then took a couple of internships thereafter.
One was in a private facility, also coaching. Another was with UMass Amherst, which was coaching and then turned into a little bit of sports science. They also asked me to do some analytical analysis.
My boss from that internship took over as the head performance coach for Arizona State University's football team and hired me as their sports science director. That was my first full-time role in the industry.
I stayed there for about four seasons. Then, I moved back and took a little interlude. I took a couple of years away from team sport to start a couple of startup companies with some colleagues.
I got back into team sport last season with the Boston Bruins in a fellowship role. I was then elevated to a performance data analyst for the coming season, which is where I am now.