Abstract: 

Given the proliferation of options for education in data analytics and data science, it is not easy to choose the right program to help one achieve his/her goals. Credit vs. non-credit; degree vs. non-degree; online vs. face-to-face vs. hybrid; quick vs. protracted are all questions facing those that want to further their education. In this session, I will help you learn what questions to ask of different programs in order to determine the best fit for YOU.

When it comes to education there is no one answer to fit all. Masters program makes the most sense for one person, while a bootcamp might better fit another. What are some questions you should ask yourself before exploring different options, and what are some questions you should ask program staff before enrolling? Which programs fit which learning style? How do your objectives inform your choice? What about the cost?

In addition to professional goals, how do your personal circumstances shape your decisions? Can you afford to put your career on hold to pursue education? If not, what are your options, and who provides options for you? If you are looking to enter the workforce, how you can stand out in the sea of applicants?

Finally, you need to look beyond education/content. What services should your institution/education provider make available to you during the program and after you finish (and how long after you finish)? Which of the services would you actually need?

All in all, this session will help you clarify options available to you and help you as you think about which opportunities to pursue.

Bio: 

Dr. Aleksandar (Sasha) Tomic is Associate Dean for Strategy, Innovation, & Technology, and Program Director of Master of Science in Applied Economics at the Boston College’s Woods College of Advancing Studies. He also holds appointments as Associate Professor of Practice in Economics department of Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences and Operations Management Department of Carroll School of Management. In addition to managing the MS in Applied Economics, Dr. Tomic leads strategic initiatives at the College, especially in areas of online education. Prior to joining BC, Dr. Tomic was Associate Professor at Mercer University, Professor at the Jack Welch Management Institute in Herndon, Virginia; Principal in Econometrics with HENDYPLAN, S.A. in Luxembourg; Associate Professor of Economics and Director of Graduate Programs in Business at Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia; and Assistant Professor of Economics and co-founder and Director of the Center for Economic Analysis at Middle Georgia State University in Macon, Georgia.
In his career, Dr. Tomic has developed, grown, and turned around academic and research programs. He has written scholarly papers published in international journals and refereed books addressing topics such as EMU, the behavior of political agents, racial disparities in policing and sentencing, and impact of college athletics on universities reputation. He is a frequent lecturer and commentator on economic issues at local/regional/national/international level.
In addition to his academic endeavors, Dr. Tomic has managed and participated in Eurostat-sponsored, complex, multi-year, multinational projects in economic statistics, business cycle forecasting, and macroeconometrics. In these projects, Dr. Tomic provided the bridge between subject-matter experts and software developers to provide tools used in both research and production environment at the client organizations.
He earned his MA and PhD in Applied Economics from Clemson University.