In this CSE Connect original blog post Brandeis International Business School Captain, Salman Haider, MSBA’25, shares his experience this past summer as a People Analytics Intern at Formlabs.
This summer, I had the opportunity to step into the world of 3D printing at Formlabs as a People Analytics Intern. This was an exciting and learning filled experience that connected my passion for analytics with a hands-on appreciation for cutting-edge technology in the People/HR domain.
About Formlabs
Based in Somerville, MA, Formlabs is a Hardware and Electronics company that is at the forefront of innovation in the 3D printing industry, with a focus on making high-quality, accessible 3D printing solutions for professionals across various industries. Whether it’s revolutionizing healthcare with dental implants or pushing the boundaries in engineering and design, Formlabs is changing the landscape when it comes to additive manufacturing. Their cutting-edge SLS and SLA printers are trusted by engineers, designers, and creators worldwide.
What is People Analytics?
People Analytics is a field that combines data analysis and human resource management to improve employee performance and satisfaction. It involves using data to make informed decisions about workforce management, recruitment, and retention strategies. It’s about understanding the people behind the data, ensuring that decisions help both the employees and the company thrive.
I find People Analytics to be especially gratifying because it combines my passion for helping others with my technical and creative skills in data analysis and visualization. I’m drawn to this field as it utilizes my natural ability to intuitively understand people, allowing me to see the real impact of my work in enhancing employee experiences and engagement. It’s genuinely rewarding to use technical acumen and empathy to help colleagues succeed in their roles, creating a supportive and effective workplace for everyone.
Discovering a Passion for People Analytics on an Industry Trek
I first learned about People Analytics in Fall 2023 when I attended a Career Strategies and Engagement (CSE) Industry trek to Wayfair. The trek covered several interesting topics and job roles, but it was the discussion regarding the potential of data-driven human resource strategies that really caught my attention. Inspired, I turned to LinkedIn to connect with professionals in the field. I reached out to Brandeis alumni and others experienced in People Analytics, setting up coffee chats and informational interviews to learn more about the industry.
During this process, I found out about an internship opportunity at Formlabs. I applied, focused on highlighting my skills in Python and SQL, and made sure I was well-prepared for the interviews. I was thrilled to be offered a position after the interview process.
My Role at Formlabs
At Formlabs, I was part of the People Team, focusing on projects that included ad-hoc analyses and debugging SQL queries. I built an HR dashboard that improved visibility into important employee data, helping HR and leadership make informed decisions about our workforce. Working on this dashboard allowed me to practice and enhance my skills in SQL, Excel, and Looker Studio while learning about the impact of data on company decisions and strategies.
Every day brought different tasks. I often used Excel and SQL to conduct quick analyses needed for urgent HR questions, such as analyzing department-specific data.
Alongside these tasks, I regularly met with my manager to discuss and solve complex SQL queries through “brainstorming sessions” using a whiteboard. These meetings were pivotal for developing my technical skills and understanding how to apply them to solve real-world problems.
I also took part in various intern cohort activities, such as group lunches and events, which helped me connect with other interns. To better understand the broader context of my work, I arranged coffee chats with HR business partners and recruitment team members. These discussions gave me insight into their challenges and how my projects could help address them, keeping me engaged with the wider team and company goals.
The Perk of Unlimited 3D Printing
One of the coolest perks of my internship was unlimited access to 3D printing. I had the chance to get hands-on with Formlabs’ advanced printers, like the Form 4 and the Fuse 1+. This allowed me to explore their capabilities deeply.
I printed everything from Pokémon characters in Clear V5 Resin, which looks just like glass, to custom-designed friendship bracelets using Rigid10K resin, a material known for its strength and durability. I even ventured into more complex projects like a beautifully articulated dragon and a Tyrannosaur skull model using the Fuse 1+, which utilizes a laser sintering process to create detailed figures without the need for support structures.
Intern Life Beyond the Data
Formlabs values not just the work but also the community. I participated in the company’s yearly hackathon, a creative event where everyone from interns to seasoned engineers came together to build everything from robots to pancake-making machines. We also enjoyed plenty of intern events, like a tour of the Boston Freedom Trail and ice cream socials, which were great for building friendships and connections across teams and relaxing after a busy week.
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on my summer, I see how People Analytics is vital in shaping productive, happy and effective workplace environments. This internship was not just a job; it was a pivotal step in my career path. For those curious about entering this field, don’t hesitate to reach out, learn, and engage.
Advice for Students Seeking General Data Analytics Internships
Finally, as I look back on my internship at Formlabs, I’m excited to share some strategies that helped me land and succeed in my data analytics internship. Here’s how you can enhance your chances of success in this competitive field:
Start Networking Early: Utilize platforms like LinkedIn and Handshake to connect with recruiters, industry professionals and hiring managers. Coffee chats and informational interviews help you learn new things, think about things in new ways and open up unexpected opportunities. And these interactions help you build lasting professional relationships.
Focus on Your Education: Solidify your foundational knowledge in key areas such as statistics, data cleaning, and programming languages like SQL and tools like Excel/Google Sheets. Also, become comfortable with at least one visualization tool, such as Tableau or Looker Studio. This skill set was essential during my internship when I needed to quickly adapt to using Looker Studio. You don’t have to be an expert or have advanced knowledge but knowing foundational concepts and having intermediate skills will go a long way. For e.g. I knew how to use Tableau so the learning curve to pick up Looker Studio was not too steep.
Prepare for Interviews Rigorously: Thorough preparation can make a significant difference in your performance during interviews. Practice common behavioral questions and consider using resources like BigInterview for practice. Conducting mock interviews with friends or mentors can also be highly helpful. Try to practice multiple times before your actual interview and you will see that you will do much better in your interviews!
Research Companies Thoroughly: Before interviews, take some time to understand the company’s mission, values, and product offerings. This knowledge will allow you to demonstrate how your skills and goals align with the company’s needs, demonstrating your preparation, enthusiasm and fit for the role.
Wishing you all the best of luck throughout your journey at Brandeis International Business School!
