Some Greater Des Moines organizations will be partnering with Drake University to provide real-world experience for students in its data analytics courses beginning in 2017. 

During Drake’s three-week “J-term” in January, data analytics professionals from EMC Insurance Cos. will help teach one of the courses, and in the spring semester, a “cases” course will use analytics case studies provided by Hy-Vee Inc. and the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. 

“We really want this program to be responsive to industry needs,” said Brad Meyer, chair of the Department of Management and International Business at Drake and co-director of the data analytics program that began a year ago. “And I think we need to stay close to industry, especially because it’s so new and dynamic as a field.” 

Aaron Larson, senior vice president of strategic analytics at EMC, said “We’re excited about this new analytics course,” he said. “This is a great pipeline for future talent.”