# Data Analysis & Storytelling Course Canonical URL: ## Overview Don't just show the numbers. Let us prepare you to communicate the story behind the data. Data storytelling is an emerging field that is frequently associated with analytics and data science. It offers a structured approach to communicating data findings in a way that significantly improves audience understanding. Participants in this hands-on workshop analyze data, construct narratives, and design visuals that help decision makers connect the dots. ## What you'll learn - Describe six key steps in an analytical study. - Develop appropriate questions for data analysis. - Apply descriptive statistics to analyze data. - Communicate data findings with a story narrative. - Create and edit charts to enhance data visualization. - Develop a presentation using data visualization and storytelling techniques. ## Prerequisites Students must complete [Descriptive Statistics for Data Analysis (PGMT8200)](/courses/descriptive-statistics-for-data-analysis) and [Designing an Analytical Study (PGMT8005)](/courses/designing-an-analytical-study) before enrolling in this course. ## Curriculum #### Module 1: The Role of a Management Analyst - Understand the responsibilities and functions of a management analyst. - Recognize how analysts contribute to decision-making through data insights. - Identify key skills required for effective data analysis and communication. #### Module 2: Storytelling with Data - Learn how to frame data within a compelling narrative to engage audiences. - Identify the elements of an effective data story, including context, message, and takeaway. - Apply storytelling techniques to make data-driven recommendations more persuasive. #### Module 3: Effective Data Visualization - Understand principles of clear, accurate, and impactful data visualization. - Select the appropriate chart or graph type for different data sets and messages. - Design visuals that enhance comprehension and avoid common pitfalls. #### Module 4: Analyzing an Organizational Data Set - Apply analytical methods to real-world organizational data. - Identify trends, patterns, and outliers that inform decision-making. - Use analysis results to shape strategic recommendations. #### Module 5: Presenting Data with Visuals and a Narrative - Integrate data visualization with storytelling for maximum impact. - Craft presentations that connect with both technical and non-technical audiences. - Ensure that visuals and narrative work together to deliver a clear, actionable message. ## Schedule - Jun 15, 2026 – Jun 16, 2026 — Live Online - Jul 22, 2026 – Jul 23, 2026 — Live Online - Aug 6, 2026 – Aug 7, 2026 — Live Online - Oct 22, 2026 – Oct 23, 2026 — Live Online ## Instructors ### Bruce Gay — Instructor Bruce is an engaging trainers and program manager who brings 25+ years practical experience to deliver effective and experiential training to students. Able to engage adult learners with a range of backgrounds and professional experiences. Successful at building effective stakeholder relationships and coordinating multi-disciplinary teams for solution delivery. Bruce has over 25 years of project and program management experience across multiple industries. He has a Masters degree from The George Washington University and a B.A. from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Bruce currently runs his own freelance training and consulting business, helping project managers and team leaders improve their business skills, become better leaders, and achieve professional greatness. Bruce is a well-received speaker in the areas of design thinking, project management, cross-team collaboration, and AI tools for projects, and has presented at regional and international conferences. ### Steve Pesklo — Instructor Steve is an energetic trainer who focuses on applying technical concepts to everyday work practices. He is the founder and president of SoftLake Solutions, a company that specializes in providing data and AI applications to identify fraud for Internal Audit, Criminal Investigations, Forensic Accounting, Privacy, and Compliance. Steve brings a large amount of experience across multiple industries and government agencies. He is an expert in implementing large data analysis projects across the world, including Inland Revenue in the UK and Argentina, New Zealand, Africa and across Europe. Previously, he was the manager of Data Architecture and Data Services for a large mortgage company. He is a frequent speaker on data analytics and project management topics and speaks fluent German. He has been teaching at the Graduate School for over 10 years. Steve has an M.B.A. from the University of St. Thomas and a B.S. in Computer Science from California Lutheran University and the Universität Salzburg in Austria. He is certified as a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Project Management Professional (PMP), and a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM). ### Joe Mlakar — Instructor Joe has over 27 years of Federal Government and military service and has been a part-time instructor with Graduate School USA since 2023. He enjoys using his technical knowledge in Operations Research to teach his students to provide organization and structure to complex processes, and apply advanced analytical techniques to help leaders make better decisions. Joe is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. ## Pricing **Tuition:** $1249