Where is This Advice Coming From?

Much of what you read in this guide will come as advice from me, the author, Heather Whiteman. It is a compilation built slowly over decades of learning, working, leading, and teaching in People Analytics. I culled information from education – a Bachelors in Communication, Bachelors in Psychology, Masters in Industrial Organizational Psychology, and PhD in Human Capital Management. Much of the advice comes from my many years as a practitioner in People Analytics, especially my time as an HR executive with General Electric (GE) where I was fortunate enough to learn and lead People Analytics, HR Operations, HR Technology, Integrated Talent Management, Learning & Development, and Strategic Workforce Planning. I also pull from years consulting for and working within organizations of varying sizes (small & large companies) and statuses (government, private, public, global, matrixed, etc) and my roles as an advisor to multiple organizations. As a professor teaching People Analytics today, I incorporate what is being taught in the field and what I have learned from the experiences of my many former students who have started a new career in People Analytics. I also include input, thoughts, and experiences from multiple People Analytics (and adjacent) experts whose wisdom and experience can guide you on your journey. These experts come from a range of backgrounds, both academically and personally. The lessons I and others have learned are translated into simplified steps to make the guide easier to read.

The career possibilities with People Analytics can be extremely varied and depend on you, your role, and the organizations with which you choose to pursue your career. No one can give you a perfect path to follow; your journey will be your own. The aim of this book is not to tell you what to do but to provide possible frameworks and steps if you are looking for some guidance and ideas on where to start. So take from this guide what is useful and makes sense for where you are, where you want to be, and what excites you.

I am excited to share with you a deeper understanding of People Analytics as a career field and some advice I wish I had when I was just starting out.

Enjoy!

Heather Whiteman