Adjunct Lecturer, Solving Real World Problems with Analytics (ONLINE - Summer/Fall '25)

As an Adjunct Lecturer at Columbia University for the Solving Real World Problems with Analytics course, you will have a diverse set of responsibilities. You will attend all class sessions held weekly, serve as a mentor and coach to students, and act as a liaison with corporate sponsors. Your role will include conducting meetings with both students and sponsors, addressing student concerns during office hours, and evaluating student assessments. This holistic approach ensures that students receive substantial academic and practical guidance throughout their Capstone experience.

To qualify for the Adjunct Lecturer position at Columbia University, you need a doctoral degree in a field related to data analytics, coupled with at least seven years of professional experience in roles connected to data analytics. Strong technical skills, particularly in R and Python programming, are crucial. Additionally, while not mandatory, having two years of teaching experience at the graduate level is highly preferred, as we operate under a scholar-practitioner faculty model that emphasizes academic and practical expertise.

The Capstone course, Solving Real World Problems with Analytics, serves as a vital component for students in the Applied Analytics Master of Science program at Columbia University. It allows students to apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges by working directly on projects sponsored by leading organizations across various sectors. This hands-on exposure not only enriches their learning experience but also enhances their employability by providing practical insights into the complexities of data analytics in different industries.

Applicants for the Adjunct Lecturer position at Columbia University are required to submit a resume that includes details about their university teaching experience. It's essential to highlight relevant qualifications, experience in data analytics, and any consulting roles. The hiring committee will review these applications carefully, considering the candidate's alignment with our scholar-practitioner faculty model. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply while adhering to our EEO guidelines for confidentiality.

At Columbia University, the salary for an Adjunct Lecturer engaging in a semester-length course such as Solving Real World Problems with Analytics is approximately $12,985.42. This compensation reflects the value placed on instructors who bring both academic and practical expertise to the academic environment, further enhancing the quality of education provided to our students.

To effectively mentor graduate students in the Capstone course, I would implement a collaborative approach that encourages open communication and feedback. I plan to set clear expectations at the start and frequently check in with students to assess their understanding of the project scope. Offering real-time assistance through office hours and fostering a supportive environment will be key components of my strategy.

Integrating theory with practice is essential for this course. I plan to use case studies and real project data that reflect the types of challenges students will face post-graduation. By connecting classroom learning to tangible outcomes, students will gain a deeper understanding of data analytics and its applications in various sectors.

I possess over seven years of professional experience in data analytics, encompassing roles where I have applied various analytical methods to solve complex business problems. In addition to my technical skills in R and Python, I have a proven record of successfully consulting for clients, which has equipped me with the necessary insights to prepare students for real-world challenges.

In my previous role, I led a data analytics team during a high-stakes financial project. I implemented structured weekly check-ins to monitor progress and foster collaboration. This approach ensured that team members remained accountable and encouraged the open exchange of ideas, ultimately leading to the successful completion of the project on time and under budget.

I am proficient in various tools and software critical to data analytics, including R, Python, SQL, and visualization tools like Tableau. These tools will aid in demonstrating real-time data analysis and allow students to gain hands-on experience throughout the course, bridging the gap between classroom theory and practical execution.

I believe in proactively addressing student concerns by fostering an approachable and supportive classroom environment. I encourage students to express their questions during class and ensure that I am available during office hours for any additional support they may need. It's important to listen actively and provide thoughtful, individualized feedback.

I plan to incorporate a variety of instructional methods, including lectures, hands-on workshops, case study discussions, and group projects. This multi-faceted approach is designed to accommodate different learning styles and foster engagement while ensuring that students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

I would evaluate student performance through a combination of group project assessments, individual reflections, and peer evaluations. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are held accountable for both their contributions and collaborative efforts while providing a well-rounded understanding of their learning outcomes.

My teaching philosophy revolves around the idea that knowledge is best acquired through experiential learning. I strive to create an interactive learning environment where students can engage with real-world problems and develop their own analytical skills through hands-on projects and critical discussions.

I am drawn to the opportunity at Columbia University because of its strong commitment to academic excellence and its emphasis on integrating theory with practice. I am excited about the prospect of contributing to a program that empowers students to tackle complex analytics challenges and prepare for impactful careers in various industries.