When I applied to the MASDS program, I had just begun working as a Junior Data Scientist at Ipsos. In this role, I was expected to execute new products, models, visualizations, and analytics that were outside the scope of what I learned during my undergraduate education. The data science industry moves fast, and I quickly realized that the MASDS program would help me stay up-to-date and keep my mind sharp on the newest analyses and techniques.
Overall, the MASDS program has made me feel more confident as a data scientist and a better critical thinker. While the industry moves fast with LLMs and AI tools, data scientists and statisticians have a role in understanding how these tools were built and the flaws in them. Additionally, I was able to easily apply what I learned in my MASDS classes to the projects I do at work. The program also opened up special opportunities for me to work on ad-hoc research studies for clients.
UCLA’s Department of Statistic and Data Science has great faculty and staff who are knowledgeable, compassionate, and supportive. What I enjoyed most is all the friendships I formed with my classmates and being able to connect with others through the Society of Women in Statistics, STAND mentorship, and DataFest.
In the future, I would like the MASDS program to offer more opportunities in SQL, Python, Google Cloud tools and Tableau. The MASDS is a great option for working students and those who prefer flexible, in-person instruction. I’m grateful to have been a part of this program and be given this opportunity to expand my education.
-Kristine Vo, MASDS Student