
Jake Jarrard is a data analytics educator and business intelligence professional with a career that bridges public service, corporate analytics, and technical education. After serving in the U.S. Military, and later as a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State, he transitioned into the private sector, where he led analytics initiatives supporting executive decision-making through cloud data platforms, business intelligence, forecasting, and market analysis for companies such as Skullcandy and Coca-Cola. His diverse professional background gives him a unique perspective on how data can be used to solve real-world problems across industries.
Passionate about helping others build meaningful careers in analytics, Jake specializes in teaching SQL, Python, R, data visualization, cloud analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. His instructional philosophy centers on practical, hands-on learning that mirrors the challenges analysts face in today's workplace. Rather than focusing solely on software or coding syntax, he emphasizes critical thinking, problem solving, and the ability to communicate analytical findings in ways that drive better business decisions. He is also a strong advocate for the responsible use of AI, helping students learn how to leverage emerging technologies as collaborative tools while maintaining analytical rigor and professional integrity.
Jake holds a Master of Science in Business Analytics from the University of Utah and a B.A. in Arabic Language, Literature, and Linguistics from Georgetown University. He brings a blend of technical expertise, leadership experience, and a genuine enthusiasm for teaching. Whether working with students who are just beginning their careers or professionals looking to expand their analytical skill set, he is committed to creating an engaging learning environment that builds confidence, curiosity, and practical skills that translate directly to success in the modern workplace.