<p><span class="p-body">Amar Vajjhala’s journey into the world of People Analytics began with his background in computer science and applied statistics. After earning his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a Master’s in Applied Statistics from IIT-Bombay, he joined Lehman Brothers as an Equity Research analyst, later leading an Equity Strategy team at Nomura. During this time, he discovered his passion for building high-performing teams. “I applied the best practices in hiring the right talent, giving them opportunities to learn and grow, creating a positive culture within the team, and aligning the team goals with the organization’s goals,” he explains.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">An inclination toward leadership led Vajjhala to pursue a Master’s in Organizational Effectiveness at NYU SPS, where he embraced the principles of Organizational Behavior and Human Capital Management. As a student, he often helped his peers understand the value of analytics in HR, even conducting free training sessions on data analytics. Recognizing his talent and vision, Dr. Anna Tavis, Chair of the Human Capital Management department, invited Vajjhala to design and launch the People Analytics Certificate Program in 2020.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Vajjhala believes that data analytics is essential for every industry and job function.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">His People Analytics program at NYU SPS equips students with these skills, empowering them to transform workforce data into actionable insights.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">The Certificate in People Analytics offers a hands-on learning experience, starting with the Fundamentals of People Analytics using MS Excel before advancing to tools like R and Python. Students also learn advanced visualization and database management techniques, ensuring they graduate with real-world, in-demand skills. “We are seeing an exponential rise in the adoption of People Analytics and demand for data-driven HR decision-making in workforce planning,” Vajjhala notes, highlighting the growing need for analytically skilled HR professionals.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Vajjhala’s teaching philosophy is grounded in his professional experiences and his commitment to empowering others. His ultimate goal is to prepare his students to become strategic business partners who use data to drive organizational success. “This program requires no prior knowledge or experience in People Analytics. The only thing required from students is a passion to learn and a commitment to work hard,” Vajjhala shares, inviting the next generation of HR leaders to step into the world of data-driven decision-making. Take your first step when you pursue a <a href="/content/sps-nyu/certificates/people-analytics.html" target="_blank">Certificate in People Analytics</a> at NYU SPS.</span></p>