Get to Know Our Community: Arun Sharma
Name: Arun Sharma
Title: Reporting and Systems Manager
Organization: Lynch School of Education and Human Development, Boston College
Can you describe your current role in institutional research and how it supports your institution’s mission?
I work at the Boston College Lynch School of Education and Human Development as the Reporting and Systems Manager. I help our community make data-driven decisions including implementing new technological infrastructure and data projects through the Office of Assessment and Accreditation. We support enrollment analytics, financial analysis and reporting, business intelligence, assessment, accreditation and manage a broad range of data and technology projects. This ranges from Database Design and Development, ETL projects, Systems Analysis, Data Governance, Security Oversight along with training and stakeholder collaboration to Technology Project Management etc. to name a few interesting tasks that my role allows me to do. Including managing both internal and external Data reporting and working across various university teams and offices. This role allows me to collaborate and work on various exciting projects with our Boston College community including working with our incredible Faculty, Staff, Students and Leadership.
What sparked your interest in institutional research, and how has your career evolved since then?
I have always been interested in Data, Technology and helping make Data Driven and Data Informed Decisions. This resulted in me taking on work/jobs that involved working with vast amounts of Data (Big Data). Having previously worked at UVA as a Data Analyst and then at Rutgers University as a Senior Data Analyst and now at Boston College, I have hands on experience in using Data to bring positive change, help drive impactful decisions and build technology infrastructure at organizations. As a Data Scientist, in many ways this role is a natural match where my specialized Data Engineering and analytical skills help me deliver results and positively contribute to some very important areas of the Lynch School and university along with some amazing colleagues and fellow professionals.
What’s one project or accomplishment in your IR work that you’re especially proud of—and why?
One accomplishment that I am very proud of is the collaborative work that we do together as a team across various units and departments. This allows us to help implement projects and make sure that our community is benefiting from my and our department's expertise be it data or technology.
What do you find most rewarding (or enjoyable) about working in IR?
I like that we get to provide accurate data and help our community make Data Driven decisions. I also enjoy the technical aspects of my work and helping ensure that our School is not only on par with others but is leading when it comes to implementing new technological projects successfully.
When you’re not working with data, how do you like to spend your time?
I like trying new foods, going to museums and traveling when I can. I am very positive and a person with a can-do attitude, so I think my hobbies align neatly with my personality. I like learning new things, so books are my jam and so are Museums. Being in Boston is definitely a perk when it comes to all of this.
What’s something about you—personal or professional—that might surprise your colleagues?
Something that may surprise my colleagues is how outdoorsy I am. When I first moved to Boston, I saw everyone was just running outside and it showed me how to appreciate being outdoors. Over the years, I have picked up that habit and now I can be seen cycling, running, taking long walks, etc. on evenings and weekends. I also enjoy cooking food quite a lot. Another perk of living in Boston is that Italian food is quite great here. So, I thoroughly enjoy living in this great city. Professionally I like learning new things, be it a new technology or a new interesting topic. I derive joy from learning new things along with sharing my expertise.