Real-World Career Guidance for Practice-Oriented Early-Career Professionals

The Early Career Professionals’ Network (ECPN) is a group designed to help recent graduates, soon to be graduates, or anyone newly entering the field of analytics/O.R. to build their professional networks and learn the practicalities of working in the field from experienced practitioners. The ECPN Workshop was created to reflect the fact that analytics work in the real world is challenging in ways that aren’t always taught in analytics and O.R. degree programs. The Workshop is held annually at the INFORMS Business Analytics Conference with a carefully selected cohort of attendees. Highlights from the program include how to land your first job, a panel of analytics executives giving perspective on their career and the marketplace, and a role-playing exercise working with “clients.”

2025 marks the 20th Anniversary of ECPN, originating from the INFORMS Professional Colloquium (IPC) in 2005. As we reach this significant milestone, we recognize and thank the many volunteers and participants who have strengthened the program over the past two decades. We are excited to honor the legacy of ECPN and look forward to the next chapter in shaping the future of the profession!

All participants will be eligible to request a modest stipend to assist with travel and attendance costs. The actual amount will vary based on sponsorships and amount listed as needed on nomination form but in the past, it has been as much as a few hundred dollars.

We encourage everyone to also submit to present a poster at the conference. This is a great way to participate and network at the conference. Poster participants will also receive the presenter rate for attending the conference.