William Gushurst

William Gushurst knew that pivoting from physics to data analytics required practical, marketable skills, and Cal Poly’s MSBA program was the perfect fit. Originally from Pleasanton, CA, William earned his bachelor’s degree in Physics from UC Davis before joining Cal Poly’s one-year program to prepare for a career in analytics.

“Knowing that I needed to pivot and gain skills that would make me valuable in the current job market, Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing approach and high placement rate made it an easy choice,” he explained.

During the program, William’s favorite experience was the Northrop Grumman industry project. His team developed a web scraper to analyze Reddit user sentiment using natural language processing for emotion analysis. The project uncovered connections between user emotions and company bankruptcies, earning praise from Northrop Grumman as the best work of the quarter. “It was a great way to use all the skills I’d learned, and working with friends made it a fantastic conclusion to my time at Cal Poly,” he shared.

Outside of academics, William enjoyed SLO’s vibrant outdoor lifestyle. He participated in the Super Smash Bros Club, played Disc Golf on local courses, and explored hiking spots like Bishop Peak and Montana de Oro. A unique highlight was harvesting mussels and uni in Morro Bay with friends, creating meals he remembers fondly.

The program also prepared William to excel in professional settings. “The team projects helped me collaborate with diverse groups, and the presentations taught me how to effectively communicate findings to stakeholders,” he said. These experiences gave him the confidence to succeed in his current role as a Data Scientist at Arete Associates.

His advice to new students? “Make friends and take advantage of every opportunity. The program is short, so enjoy your time in SLO while putting effort into your work. Your classmates and professors are invaluable resources—don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

Looking ahead, William plans to continue growing at Arete, tackling challenging problems and honing his skills in the field of data analytics.

This profile was published in the Winter of 2024.