MDS Spotlight: Meet Vimaljeet Singh, MDS Okanagan, Class of 2023
During his pursuit of a Post Baccalaureate Diploma in International Business in 2019, Vimaljeet Singh delved into the field of statistics for business and economics. Additionally, Singh participated in a workshop focused on Arduino programming, where he had the opportunity to create a line-following robot. All of these experiences revealed his profound interest in both statistics and programming.
“Through further exploration, I discovered that data science seamlessly merged the domains of mathematics, statistics, and programming, igniting my passion for this interdisciplinary field,” Singh noted.
Singh was already residing in the Okanagan region and found it fortuitous that the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan (UBCO) campus offered a master’s in data science, the Master of Data Science (MDS) program.
“This unique combination of factors not only fulfilled my aspiration to live in the Okanagan region but also provided the perfect platform to further my academic and professional goals in the realm of data science,” he explained.
Aside from learning data science in the Okanagan, Singh was attracted to the MDS program because of its accelerated format, professional degree offering, and small cohort size.
“The accelerated nature of the program appealed to me as it would allow for an efficient and concentrated learning experience. Additionally, the professional degree aligned with my career goals and would provide a competitive edge in the job market. The small cohort size promised a more intimate learning environment, fostering opportunities for personalized attention and collaborative learning,” said Singh.
As well, studying MDS in the Okanagan has been an incredible experience for Singh.
“The region's natural beauty offers a refreshing break, allowing me to find balance and recharge amidst intense studies. The thriving tech ecosystem provides ample networking, internship, and job opportunities in data science,” he added.
Singh also praised MDS Okanagan’s faculty in particular Jeff Andrews, MDS Okanagan’s Principal Co-Director and Assistant Professor.
“His teaching approach is remarkably effective, making even the challenging topic of machine learning feel accessible and understandable,” he explained. “Jeff's expertise in machine learning is evident through his depth of knowledge and ability to convey complex ideas in a clear and concise manner.”
As well, Singh found being amongst a diverse cohort as crucial to his learning during the program. “Interacting with classmates from different backgrounds exposed me to fresh perspectives, unique ideas, and alternative problem-solving approaches. I learned new ways of thinking and expanded my knowledge beyond my expertise,”
In terms of his capstone project, Singh said it provided a valuable opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout the program to a real-world problem.
“The practical nature of the capstone project allowed me to experience the challenges and intricacies that arise when working with actual data and collaborating with a real company,” he noted.
And the most important takeaway from the capstone, for Singh, was the realization of the importance of effective communication and sharing of findings. “While technical expertise and sound methodologies are crucial, being able to convey the results and insights of our work to a diverse audience is equally vital.”
In the end, the MDS Okanagan program has facilitated Singh’s transition to a data science career.
He noted that the comprehensive curriculum that covered a wide range of data science topics, provided him with a solid foundation in both theory and practical skills. Moreover, the program’s emphasis on practical experience through hands-on projects and industry collaborations provided Singh with real-world exposure and the opportunity to apply his skills to solve complex problems.
As Singh enters his data science career, he hopes to use his MDS degree for roles as a Junior Data Analyst, Junior Data Scientist, or Junior Machine Learning Engineer.
“These career paths resonate with my deep interest in leveraging data-driven techniques to solve complex problems and uncover valuable insight,” he added.
Vimaljeet’s Top 3 Tips on Succeeding in the MDS Okanagan Program:
- Seek Support and Form Study Groups: Don't hesitate to ask for help when needed. Form study groups with your peers to review challenging concepts, discuss problem-solving strategies, and share resources. Utilize the expertise of faculty members and teaching assistants to clarify doubts and gain deeper insights. You will be surprised how having a study group can help you with a lot of things you did not even see coming.
- Prioritize Time Management: The program is intensive, so effective time management is crucial. Create a schedule that balances coursework, assignments, and personal commitments. Break down tasks into manageable chunks and allocate dedicated time for studying, project work, and relaxation. Taking frequent breaks from the curriculum is highly recommended. Do something totally unrelated to data science occasionally, to keep yourself motivated and focused on the program.
- Keep your work documented and nicely organized: Maintaining well-documented and organized work is essential for successful progression in the program. It is imperative to store assignments and lab work systematically, ensuring proper documentation for easy reference. As courses often build upon prior knowledge, having accessible records becomes crucial. Additionally, maintaining well-structured repositories on platforms like GitHub serves as a valuable portfolio for future use. By adhering to these practices, one can effectively track progress, facilitate knowledge retention, and present a professional profile of their work.