Mekhala Kumar

Full Name: Mekhala Kumar

Degree & Graduation Year: MS in DACSS, 2023

Title: Research Analyst

Current Employer: Trendency Research

Job Summary: I am part of the research team, analyzing public opinion data for clients in politics, management, and marketing. Using tools such as R, DataWrapper, and MS Office, I process data, create visualizations, and help prepare presentations and memos that offer recommendations. I work closely with the client success team to ensure our analyses address clients’ needs.

How did you find your current position: I connected with a UMass alum working at Trendency Research through LinkedIn. When a position became available, they informed me and provided a referral.

Favorite part of your job: I am happy that a significant portion of my work is social science research, allowing me to deepen my knowledge of political and social justice issues.

Are there any skills or lessons learned while in your program that you use often: I often use text analysis skills that I learned from my Text as Data course and concepts from the Public Opinion in Politics course.

How did your program/degree prepare you for this role and career: DACSS provided a foundation in statistical analysis and effective data communication to diverse audiences. Additionally, the professional development course helped me learn networking skills and prepare for interviews.

What advice would you give to current or future students: Reaching out to people who work in organizations or in roles you are interested is very helpful but also be prepared for many to not respond. In addition to having a strong skillset, make sure you can explain your work well and in a cohesive manner to employers.