The Analyst Experience
Every HDAG project is different — from “how can we reduce carbon emissions for HUDS” to “how do we optimize your betting algorithm”, our case work spans across many big questions in governments, non-profit and for-profits.
But we always focus on real data, meaningful consulting and making a tangible impact.
-
![]()
Data Science Education
At HDAG, analysts get to learn how to leverage data science skills in a professional setting, combining classroom data science knowledge with real impact and real businesses.
We believe that data is the future and data is everywhere, and we welcome a variety of technical backgrounds. So whether you’re just getting started in computer science, statistics, and the general data science scene, or if you’re already passionate about data science, we have a case team for you where you can polish your technical skills that you will inevitably carry on beyond HDAG into the age of Big Data.
-
![]()
Professional Development
As a pre-professional organization, we are dedicated to providing our members’ with networking and professional development opportunities. Internally, we hold regular workshops on topics such as resume building, LinkedIn networking, professional photo shoot day for LinkedIn and resume profiles, as well as case interview prep.
Based on our members’ career trajectories, we also connect our members with 1:1 mentorship and informative talks from industry professionals. Our mentors and speakers include professionals from Google, Facebook, McKinsey, BCG, Harvard Business School, the World Bank, and more!
-
![]()
Soft Skills Practice
The work we do is uniquely different from the work you encounter in the classroom at Harvard. You are exposed to opportunities where you get to directly interact with the leading professionals of many different industries and learn to work and communicate with them.
We believe that building soft skills is just as important if not more than simply being able to complete a problem set to perfection or write a grammar-free essay. As a part of a case team—whether as an analyst, associate, or CTL—you will have many opportunities to learn how to communicate with clients, sharpen your presentation and public speaking skills, and learn to communicate effectively as a team member. These skills are critical to a flourishing career anywhere.
-
![]()
Community & Socials
Above all, we value our HDAG community greatly and go great lengths to try and provide plenty of socials for all of our members. Ranging from intimate study breaks with free food to apple picking trips in the fall to enjoy the New England autumn to our elegant midpoint dinners and formals, we do our best to host a wide variety of events. Through these events, we hope to foster an environment where everyone feels welcome, where friendships can start and flourish beyond HDAG, and create tight-knit communities within their teams.
An Analyst’s Week @ HDAG
Monday:
Meet with your team to talk about the project and plan through the work for that week, and then join your team in a work session afterwards.
Tuesday - Thursday:
Begin working on the assigned tasks and reading up on the client and their expectations.
Meet with other members of the team to go over data sets and strategies, and talk through any difficulties with engagement managers or board members.
Friday:
Attend an HDAG social, such as a wine and cheese night or board game night. Or go to an HDAG outing such as a concert or sporting event.
Saturday - Sunday:
Make sure all of your work is complete for the week so that you can prepare to present to your CTL and EM at the next meeting.
Every HDAG project is different, so your week might look very different from the one above. We take a lot of pride in our work and commitment to our clients, but we also strive to form an HDAG community full of passionate people interested in using data to make a difference. We try to have socials at least twice a month in order to foster community and help form real relationships.
HDAG Alumni
Our alumni (students like yourself!) have wide-ranging and illustrious careers in a variety of different industries and disciplines.
Consulting
Trading
Tech
Finance
Hear Directly From Our Members
-
![]()
Justin Liu
“Although I have only spent one semester in HDAG, my experience has been incredible so far. Not only does this club give me the opportunity to exercise my technical data science skills and learn about the industry, but it is a great community where I can meet other driven individuals and form close bonds with them. The work that I do for my case is also very rewarding, and I am looking forward to the upcoming semesters with HDAG!”
Class of 2025, Computer Science -
![]()
Salena Prakah-Asante
“HDAG has given me the opportunity to develop my skills and understanding of data analytics in a way that prepares you for leveraging data to make tangible impact. Through case work, I’ve been able to learn new techniques and mature my coding practices in Python.
However, I’ve gained the most by developing skills that cannot be taught: creative thinking and leadership abilities in tech related projects. When I first joined HDAG, I was comfortable using Python & R for data science on small scale projects, but I had never gotten the chance to integrate these insights in a more meaningful way. In case teams, I got the chance to interpret data to directly provide insights to our client that would impact their finances, consumer experience, and overall branding. Working with such a large client, I learned how to consider data from a more strategic view point and effectively work with a team to weigh the cost and benefits of particular findings.
HDAG has also helped me consider data science from a more creative standpoint. I have gotten to work to implement Python scripts to work with data or visuals from industry tools like Tableau and Infegy Atlas. In addition, as an analyst working to meet client’s needs, I got the opportunity to write code from a standpoint I had not before. Rather than just writing code, so that it would “just run.” I had to design my code in a way that it could be forward compatible and used with ease.”
Class of 2023, Joint Concentration in Biomedical Engineering & Computer Science
-
![]()
Ahmad Abdel-Azim
“HDAG has given me the opportunity to work on real-world projects across a variety of different fields and industries. My background is primarily in computational biology, but through HDAG, I am able to bring my data analytics skills and apply them to impactful projects across several other fields. The case team structure has allowed me to hone my skills and learn new data science techniques from talented peers. The club environment is largely welcoming, and I have made close friends with other case team members. HDAG has been a positive part of my Harvard experience so far, and I am excited to continue working with the organization.”
Class of 2024, Joint Concentration in Statistics and Molecular Cellular Biology, Secondary in Computer Science
-
![]()
David Aley
“My experience with HDAG has been absolutely phenomenal so far! The resources and guidance I’ve been given to develop my skills as an improving data scientist have been incredible. I’ve been able to do everything from attend informative talks with high-performing professionals in the field, take part in a variety of data-driven programming projects, and participate in numerous mentorship programs that have provided me with new insights into what I want to do with my career. The community in the organization has also pushed me to become a more inquisitive, collaborative, and creative individual. The atmosphere in the organization is one of pure ambition and excitement and I’m grateful to be a part of it!”
Class of 2024, Concentration in Computational Neuroscience
-
![]()
Jeffrey Xu
“HDAG gave me the opportunity to learn more NLP and ML frameworks and apply it to a super cool project! Our case team was able to benefit teachers by furthering the automated student essay grading platform at ThinkCERCA. Not only did I learn a lot as an analyst about creating useful NLP and ML software in a team setting, it landed me a full-time internship opportunity this summer! The CEO at ThinkCERCA liked our work at HDAG so much that she extended paid offers to all of us for the summer. I’m thankful for the opportunity this semester to meet the other talented students on my case team. I can’t wait to meet the greater HDAG community next fall in-person and contribute more as an associate!”
Class of 2024, Joint Concentration in Computer Science and Statistics
