dQ&A is an internationally recognized diabetes insights partner. With a steadfast commitment to truth, dQ&A partners closely with executives, market researchers, and leaders to make change – from presenting insights to stakeholders to co-authoring groundbreaking studies.
Joining us for this edition of Casual Fridays is Alan Beltran (SC ‘23), Swarthmore alum and Senior Research Analyst at dQ&A.
Kelly Dougherty: Thanks for being here Alan! What can you tell our students about dQ&A and the work they do?
Alan Beltran: dQ&A is a market research firm specializing in diabetes technology, therapy, and the patient experience. We provide quantitative and qualitative insights to help answer key business questions, develop better products, services, policies, hopefully improve health outcomes for all patients with diabetes. For us, this is a personal mission. Over half the company either has Type 1 diabetes themselves or has a direct family member with it. We are trusted by clients in the medical device and therapy industries because of our 15 years of experience, our global capabilities, and our dedicated team. We’re also a very small, collaborative team, and it’s our goal to learn from each other and build each other up.
KD: That sounds like an amazing organization. What would you say is your favorite part about working at the organization?
AB: Even as someone who travels a lot to visit family and loved ones, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed having an in-person office. The analyst class is made up of essentially all new graduates, so we get to explore postgrad life together. Cooking at the office, grabbing lunch with our CEO, and simply chatting about our interests all add up to make the office a fun, enjoyable environment; so much so that when I work remotely, I end up missing that comradery.
KD: Can you talk a little bit about how professional development is supported within the organization and any inclusion initiatives you want to highlight?
AB: Analysts get dedicated professional development resources, such as a stipend that can be used for things like test prep and career coaching, and a dedicated private medical school advisor. Additionally, as a small team, we allow people to be flexible and to learn from everybody. Many analysts come to work for us because they are exploring different career paths, and even if they aren’t interested in market research itself, they’re interested in health and/or public health. While we certainly have primary responsibilities, we also have the flexibility to go to nearly anyone at the company and ask to learn from them and their career path. Finally, our work inherently touches upon topics of representation in medicine/health. Health access and health equity are topics that are always at top of mind for us in our research, and our clients are increasingly implementing these themes in their objectives.
KD: What types of opportunities are available for students looking for full-time and/or internship work?
AB: We’re looking for Quantitative Research Analysts to join our 2025 class at our in-person San Francisco office. Analysts (such as myself) handle nearly all aspects of our research process, from question design to collection and analysis. First-year analysts gain near-immediate responsibility and exposure to our world. Second-year analysts gain deeper ownership of their research projects, and because we’re a growing company, there is always opportunity for more involvement. Most analysts end up going to medical school, graduate school (e.g., MBAs or MPHs), or continue working in the industry. As such, we offer through professional development like a stipend for professional expenses (such as test prep) and the opportunity to present research at conferences or even with bodies like FDA Advisory Committees. This opportunity would be for new (soon-to-be) graduates or those currently working on grad degrees.
KD: What does the recruiting timeline look like for that position?
AB: We recruit in analyst “classes” from October to February for a June start
KD: What is one take-away you want our students to have about dQ&A?
AB: Don’t underestimate the value of a small, mission-driven team! As an analyst, I have had unparalleled exposure to opportunities within my company and beyond. Our CEO and other executives regularly communicate with us, my manager has become one of my biggest mentors, and my co-workers are amazing people with amazing ideas.
KD: And for those currently in the process of searching for full-time jobs and/or internships, what advice do you have for them?
AB: Know who the role is for and how you fit that! The job description is a good start, but knowing the company’s values and who is on their team can help you position your experience and your answers well.
KD: Great advice! Who can students contact if they have more questions?
AB: They can contact me (alan.beltran@d-qa.com) for questions about life as an analyst or our team manager (Tracy Bristow, tracy.bristow@d-qa.com) for application questions
Want to learn more? Alan will be on campus next Wednesday, 11/13 hosting an info session at 6:30pm.
