Building a Career in People Analytics: Lessons From the Field
On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, the Society for People Analytics (SPA) hosted an inspiring session titled Building a Career in People Analytics: Lessons From the Field. This webinar brought together accomplished professionals who shared their unique paths into the field, the skills that helped them rise, and firsthand advice for early-career practitioners.
Meet the Panelists & Their Journeys
Sophie Kay – People Research Scientist, Meta
Sophie earned her Ph.D. in psychology from Georgia Tech, where she conducted applied research in workplace emotion and team dynamics. She interned at Facebook (now Meta) during graduate school and moved into a full-time role as a People Analytics Research Scientist upon graduation. Sophie brings a deep academic background in experimentation and statistics into corporate HR decision‑making and mentors students thinking about the transition from academia to industry.
Smaran Mandala – Senior Manager, People Analytics, GoodRx
With over a decade of experience in analytics and HR, Smaran helps lead the people analytics strategy at GoodRx. He focuses on raising data maturity, implementing modern analytics platforms, and integrating AI to support workforce insights. Throughout his career, he has emphasized intentionality and curiosity, particularly around deploying generative AI responsibly in HR contexts.
Sonali Kumar – Senior Data Analyst & Consultant, Talent Acquisition
Sonali began her career with a degree in criminal justice. She pivoted into people analytics by leveraging her analytical mindset to explore HR and engagement data, eventually joining Nike’s HR analytics team. She now blends quantitative analysis, internal consultancy, and content creation including hosting a podcast and speaking publicly while guiding others through unconventional career transitions.
Jordan Baker – Strategy & Operations Lead, People Insights, HP
Jordan built her career bridging data analytics and organizational strategy within large global enterprises. She rose through roles that require synthesizing complex HR data and translating it into strategic planning and operational insight. At HP, she now leads cross-functional programs that inform executive decisions and elevate the role of people analytics as a strategic business partner.
Alysia Thind – Senior Analyst, People Analytics, Yext (Moderator)
As moderator, Alysia drew from her journey through HR operations into analytics. Her current role at Yext includes supporting analytics projects across talent acquisition and insights, reflecting the transition many take from HR generalist roles into specialist analytics functions.
Key Themes from the Conversation
Many Paths, One Destination
There is no single background that leads to people analytics. The panelists came from psychology, criminal justice, HR operations, and data science. What united them was curiosity, cross-disciplinary learning, and a willingness to take initiative in new domains.
Skills That Go Beyond the Data
All agreed that technical competence alone isn’t enough. Storytelling, business insight, and relationship‑building are equally critical. Jordan stressed that translating analysis into ideas leaders care about is where real impact lives. Sonali noted that without audience‑centered communication, even sophisticated work may go unnoticed.
The Power of Networking and Mentorship
Panelists emphasized the role that networking and mentorship play in building a sustainable career. Sophie credited mentors for helping her transition from academia into industry. Smaran encouraged professionals to engage in communities like SPA, noting that relationships often open doors that technical skills alone cannot. Sonali highlighted the importance of paying it forward by mentoring those coming behind you.
Advice for Aspiring Professionals
Build your toolkit: Combine analytics skills with HR and business strategy knowledge.
Be proactive: Volunteer analytical support in your current role to demonstrate value.
Network and learn: Join communities like SPA, connect with peers or mentors, and continuously upskill.
Embrace ambiguity: Some of the best insights come from exploring messy questions and iterating your approach.
Key Takeaways
This session underscored a powerful truth: people analytics is more than technical rigor, it’s human-centered impact. As Sophie summarized, “Our work isn’t just about analysis; it’s about the human impact behind every data point.”
Whether you're a student, HR professional, or data enthusiast, these stories highlight how diverse experiences, proactive skill building, and empathy can guide you toward a rewarding career in people analytics.
Get Involved with SPA
SPA is actively seeking members to contribute to its various initiatives. If you're passionate about people analytics and want to make a difference, visit societyforpeopleanalytics.org to learn more about how you can get involved.
