In his role with the University of Illinois Alumni Association, Sid Patil (MSIM '24) turns data into connections with alumni and students. Patil developed this human-centered thinking through his studies at the iSchool.
Where do you work, and what is your role?
I work at the University of Illinois Alumni Association as the director of data strategy & alumni insights. My role is multifaceted: I ensure our data pipelines operate smoothly, our Tableau reports reflect accurate and timely information, and our analytics guide strategic decision-making across the organization. I'm also focused on optimizing our tech stack, systems, and data processes to make them more efficient and ensure future readiness.
What do you like best about your job?
What I enjoy most is being able to connect data with real human outcomes. Every analysis, insight, or improvement to our data infrastructure directly impacts how we support alumni and strengthen their lifelong connection to Illinois. I also value the collaborative environment—working with colleagues across departments to solve problems and create meaningful innovations. And, of course, I love the opportunity to continuously learn new things while making a tangible impact on the organization and our community of more than 500,000 alumni.
What do you see as the most important impact of your work?
The most important impact of my work is helping the organization make informed, strategic decisions. Whether it's improving alumni engagement, guiding outreach efforts, or identifying ways to better support students and graduates, data ensures that our resources are used effectively and that our initiatives reflect the needs of our community.
How did the iSchool at Illinois help you get to where you are today?
The iSchool gave me a strong foundation in information management and human-centered thinking. Beyond technical skills, it taught me how to approach information problems with curiosity, creativity, and rigor. The interdisciplinary nature of the program helped me see how data can drive impact across many fields and ultimately shaped the way I solve challenges today.
What advice would you like to share with iSchool students?
Be open to exploring different domains—you never know where your skills might take you. Prioritize learning how to learn, because tools and technologies evolve quickly. Don't be afraid to ask the hard questions; even a simple "Why?" can spark data-driven, tested, and iterative solutions. And most importantly, build relationships. The iSchool community is full of talented people, and the connections you make will be just as valuable as the coursework.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
In my spare time, I enjoy staying active in the gym, hosting game nights, meeting new people, and vibing with my friends.