Careers in Public Informatics, Data Analytics and AI Panel

Returned to the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University as a panelist for a career-focused discussion on public informatics, data analytics, and artificial intelligence. The panel, hosted by Bloustein Career Services and the Public Informatics Student Group (PISG), brought together four Bloustein alumni working across government, technology, and startup sectors to share career insights with current students.

Event Overview

The panel provided students with perspectives on diverse career paths available to graduates of Bloustein’s planning, public policy, and public informatics programs. Held on the College Avenue Campus in New Brunswick, the event included a networking session before the formal panel discussion, allowing students to connect directly with panelists and peers.

Panel Discussion

The discussion covered topics relevant to students exploring careers in data-driven fields:

• Career Pathways: How each panelist navigated from Bloustein programs to their current roles
• Skills in Demand: Technical and soft skills most valuable in public informatics, data science, and AI
• Government vs. Private Sector: Comparing work environments, impact, and opportunities across sectors
• AI and Data Analytics: How emerging technologies are shaping career opportunities
• Graduate Program Value: How Bloustein’s curriculum prepared panelists for professional success

Fellow Panelists

Jonathan Internicola (MCRP) COO at Fleet Former NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission Executive and Coding it Forward Mentor. Jonathan brings experience bridging transportation policy and technology startups.

Yingchen Zhang (MPP/MPI) Data Scientist at Meta Combines public policy training with data science expertise at one of the world’s largest technology companies.

Fedak Arashi (BS, Health Administration) Sales Operations Business Partner at Huntress Applies analytical skills in the cybersecurity sector, demonstrating the versatility of Bloustein training across industries.

Connection to Bloustein

This panel continues a relationship with the Bloustein School spanning both my time as a student and professional career:

• Master of Public Informatics Program: Graduated from the inaugural cohort of the MPI program, which combines public policy with data science and technology
• RUCI Lab: Served as Research Computing Specialist at the Rutgers Urban and Civic Informatics Lab, supporting faculty and student research
• Prior Workshops: Previously led the Introduction to the Power of GitHub for Analytics workshop as part of the Intelligent Informatics @ Bloustein series

Career Insights

From my perspective as Director of Data Center Administration at the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, I shared insights on:

• Government Technology Careers: Opportunities to build impactful data systems serving millions of residents
• Data Infrastructure: The importance of foundational data systems for policy analysis and service delivery
• Public Sector Innovation: How state government is adopting modern technologies including AI, cloud computing, and data visualization
• Mission-Driven Work: The unique rewards of applying technical skills to housing, homelessness prevention, and community development challenges

For Current Students

The panel emphasized that Bloustein graduates possess a valuable combination of:

1. Technical Competence: Data analysis, programming, and systems thinking
2. Policy Understanding: Knowledge of how government and institutions operate
3. Communication Skills: Ability to translate complex data into actionable insights
4. Ethical Framework: Commitment to equity, transparency, and public service

These skills are increasingly sought across all sectors as organizations prioritize data-driven decision-making and responsible AI deployment.

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This event was organized by Bloustein Career Services in collaboration with the Public Informatics Student Group (PISG).