Big Data Bowl Mentorship Program

Application

The application for the 2024 Big Data Bowl Mentoring program is now closed. 

Mentors and Mentees

Mentors for the 2022 Big Data Bowl program were selected based on their analytics backgrounds and commitment to advise mentees as they start their analytics journeys. Mentors include former/current NFL team data analysts and front-office representatives as well as staff members from NFL analytics partners. Mentors will provide technical and non-technical advice throughout the duration of the program.

Mentees will learn from an industry professional on how to use the 2022 Big Data Bowl data while expanding their knowledge of how data science, statistics or a related discipline can contribute to the NFL’s continuing evolution in the use of advanced analytics. No background in analytics is required — only a willingness to code.

The program

Individual mentorship

Mentors and mentees are matched by the NFL Football Operations team based on their knowledge, skills and location. Mentors are expected to provide encouragement and advice, both in and around data science. Mentors and mentees will virtually meet at least once a month during the program that runs from September 2023 through February 2024. It is expected that all mentees will complete a public submission to the 2024 Big Data Bowl.

Group training seminars

The program includes both individual meetings and monthly group training sessions. These seminars will cover football analytics topics, including:

• Life with an NFL team
• Working as a league vendor in data science
• Media or business analytics
• Graduate school

Each training session will consist of a presentation, Q&A and an open forum.

Final presentation

All mentees will have the opportunity to present at a virtual forum open to analysts from all 32 NFL teams. This event will be held in January or February.

Participants in the 2024 Big Data Bowl Mentorship Program are required to abide by the following rules:

• Conversations should remain productive and respect personal and professional boundaries
• Comments or actions that are offensive, sexual in nature, or intimidating are prohibited in any form
• Mentees are instructed not to solicit confidential information
• Mentors and mentees will not publicize their relationship unless both parties consent
• Monthly meetings are a minimum commitment for both mentors and mentees. If this cadence is not sustained, participants may be removed from the program
• Anyone in violation of the above is subject to removal from the program