New data visualization competition to equip future business leaders with analytical storytelling skills

The College of Business Administration is inviting students to look beyond the numbers this fall with the launch of the Central Michigan University Data Visualization Competition 2025. 

Open exclusively to current College of Business Administration students, the competition challenges participants to transform real-world data into visual stories that reveal trends, relationships, and insights within the U.S. housing market. 

“We are excited to launch this competition as a strategic initiative to strengthen students’ data analytics competencies, with a particular focus on data visualization and narrative-driven insights,” said faculty member Shirley Xuemei Huang from the Department of Business Information Systems. “In today’s digital era—where data is not only abundant but essential—our goal is to empower future business leaders with the analytical skills and storytelling abilities required to make impactful, data-informed decisions.” 

Why was the competition created? 

The Data Visualization Competition was developed to help students bridge the gap between data and decision-making, a skill set increasingly central to business success. By engaging with real-world data through visualization, students learn to transform raw information into persuasive stories that support strategic thinking—skills that are highly valued across every business discipline. 

Each participant will design an original Tableau dashboard highlighting key trends in the U.S. housing market, using the dataset provided through the competition’s Blackboard shell. The platform also houses Tableau licenses, training videos, and visualization resources, offering guidance for students at every experience level. 

“Data visualization brings clarity to complexity,” said Huang. “When students can translate information into insight, they’re already thinking like professionals.” 

Who should participate? 

The competition is open to all current undergraduate and graduate students in the College of Business Administration—no prior experience required. Students from all majors are encouraged to join, whether their focus is accounting, marketing, information systems, finance, or management. 

Participants will not only strengthen their analytical skills but also develop confidence in communicating insights visually—an essential ability for internships, client presentations, and leadership roles. 

“Even if you’re new to analytics, this competition is the perfect place to start,” said Huang. “It’s designed to be accessible while still challenging students to think critically and creatively.” 

Among those already taking part is Sahithi Byrapureddy, a graduate student in Information Systems from Tirupati, India. 

“I joined the CMU Data Visualization Competition because it provides a meaningful platform to apply data analytics and visualization concepts to real-world datasets,” Byrapureddy said. “I am particularly interested in how visual storytelling can influence decision-making by compellingly simplifying complex information. It’s a great opportunity to apply what I’ve learned, be creative, and learn from others’ perspectives.” 

How do you get started?

Students can self-enroll in the Blackboard shell titled “CMU Data Visualization Competition in 2025” to access competition materials, updates, and resources. 

This dedicated hub provides everything participants need to succeed—from Tableau licenses to tutorials and datasets—creating a structured yet flexible learning experience. 

The CMU Data Visualization Competition represents more than a single event—it’s part of a broader effort within the College of Business to enhance career readiness, digital literacy, and strategic communication among students. 

By equipping students with the ability to not only analyze data but also communicate its meaning, the CBA continues to prepare graduates who can lead in an increasingly data-driven world. 

“This competition reflects the future of business education,” Huang said. “We’re helping students see that data is not just information—it’s a story waiting to be told.”