Handshake is proud to elevate the voices of top creators on our feed! Meet Giles Nitunga, a rising senior at Portland State University studying Business Tech and Analytics by day—and building a standout personal brand as a content creator outside of class.
Below, read his full interview and follow him on Handshake to see more.
Handshake: Giles, give us a TL;DR on you!
Giles: My name is Giles Nitunga. I am a rising senior here at Portland State University on the Men’s Track and Field team, pursuing a bachelor of science in both data analytics and supply chain management. I currently live in Portland,Oregon, but was raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In my spare time I enjoy having fun conversations with friends.
How did you decide what to study, and what's your dream job?
Choosing what to study was never a difficult decision for me because data analysis and decision-making have been integral to my life, even before I knew what to call them. As a child, I would play video games where every choice unlocked new storylines, and I quickly realized that by studying the game’s algorithm, I could consistently progress. That experience sparked my fascination with how decisions drive success, both in games and in real life. This realization led me to pursue a career in data, where my goal is to uncover the right answers and help others make informed decisions. Whether for myself or others, being a data analyst/scientist is my dream job.
How have you used Handshake in your job search and/or academic journey?
I have used Handshake specifically to get me qualified. By “qualify”, I mean gaining the necessary skills and experience to bring me closer to my career goals. While Academia provides a solid foundation, it can only move so fast. Rapid advancements call for an increase in adaptation and practical knowledge. For me, gaining hands on real world experience where my skills are directly applied is crucial for my career development. I believe Handshake will be instrumental in achieving that.
What's your biggest advice/tip/hack for an aspiring creator who's hoping to build their personal brand on Handshake?
My advice for aspiring creators is to have more aspiration than ambition. While they both may be important, take note that you don’t treat your creations as tasks that need to be done; treat them as opportunities for growth and reflection. This way your videos can get you more insight on yourself while sharing insight and knowledge to the community as a whole.
Give us two truths and a lie about you!
- Data Analysis was my first major.
- I have once done homework for 14 hours straight.
- In my spare time I enjoy having fun conversations with my friends.
To find out the lie—connect with Giles on Handshake.