Graduate Teaching Assistant - Math Shop Lamar University September 2024 – PresentIn my role as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Lamar University's Math Shop, I support students in various mathematics courses, providing one-on-one assistance and group guidance. My responsibilities include clarifying complex mathematical concepts, facilitating problem-solving sessions, and promoting an engaging learning environment. This position allows me to apply my expertise in computational and quantitative methods, enhancing students' understanding and confidence in math. This experience not only strengthens my teaching skills but also deepens my knowledge in applied mathematics, positioning me well for future roles in data analysis and quantitative research.

After completing my Bachelor’s in Mathematics, I joined my family’s wholesale and retail cutlery business. My role gave me hands-on experience in managing operations, inventory, finances, and customer relations, allowing me to apply my analytical skills in a practical setting.Operations Management: I took charge of daily tasks, optimizing workflows for efficiency. By addressing bottlenecks and refining processes, I was able to improve productivity and streamline operations.Inventory Management: I developed a system to track stock levels and anticipate demand, ensuring our inventory met customer needs without overstocking. This experience sparked my interest in data-driven decision-making.Financial Management: I managed budgeting and expense tracking, identifying cost-saving opportunities. This taught me the importance of balancing income and expenses for sustainable growth.Customer Service: I focused on understanding customer preferences, gathering feedback, and adjusting our offerings. This strengthened my communication skills and showed me how customer insights can drive business improvements.Marketing & Promotions: I helped create targeted campaigns by analyzing sales trends, like promoting cutlery sets during peak wedding seasons. This approach boosted sales and customer engagement.Staff Management: Training and guiding team members, I introduced structured processes that improved consistency and fostered a positive work environment.Strategic Planning: Using data on sales trends and demand, I contributed to long-term planning, helping the business adapt to changing markets.This experience in the cutlery business taught me how data, combined with practical insights, supports better decision-making. It motivated me to pursue my Master’s in Computational and Quantitative Methods, where I’m now developing advanced skills to apply in future analytical roles.

Recognizing the shift toward online shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic, I saw a chance to expand our family cutlery business by launching an Etsy store. This entrepreneurial venture provided valuable insights into e-commerce and digital marketing, requiring swift adaptation to a rapidly changing landscape. Within six months, I achieved $7,000 in revenue with a 40% Net profit margin, using digital platforms to drive business growth and foster a data-driven approach to decision-making.With consumer behavior changing significantly during the pandemic, I identified and designed product listings that aligned with the surge in online demand. I optimized descriptions with high-conversion keywords, improving visibility and customer engagement, which was key in a competitive digital marketplace.Implementing SEO tactics and crafting customer-centered product descriptions, I was able to enhance our store’s reach within Etsy’s platform. Utilizing promotional tools and adapting to algorithm changes, I steadily increased product views, ultimately boosting sales despite the unique challenges posed by the pandemic.Through tracking buying trends and analyzing customer feedback, I adjusted our listings and promotions based on real-time data. This hands-on approach to data analysis highlighted the importance of adaptability and quick response, skills that is the foundation of data-driven strategies.Over six months, I achieved $7,000 in revenue with a 50% Net profit margin, balancing pricing strategies with effective cost control. This achievement underscored the viability of digital sales channels and the role data plays in maintaining profitability.This venture taught me the importance of adaptability sparked my interest in further exploring the impact of data-driven strategies.