My Pursue for a Master Degree in Data Science at Columbia University

The present world of data-focused decision making is revolutionizing the way companies operate. Apart from collecting vast information regarding customers, sales, supplies, among others, making meaning out of the same is paramount. Summarizing, analyzing, and presentation of data helps the management to make informed plans, that takes the business forward. My interest in simplifying complex problems started long since I was young, but the energy was rekindled after registering for a computer science course at Purdue University. The course opened another realm, of learning technical subjects such as Algorithms and Data Structures, machine learning algorithms, e.g., K-mean, clustering, bagging, and boosti ng. The rigidity of the courses equipped me with the modelling and analytical skills, which are so demanded in a Master in Data Science. While writing this Columbia supplemental application, I give examples ow my unique perspectives align with Columbia's commitment to academic rigor and global engagement. Also I eagerly expressed my intellectual curiosity, passion for learning Data Science, and deep appreciation for the dynamic Columbia community.

I aspire to study at Columbia University as it offers a wide variety of opportunities for research in different fields with their research centers. Also, the program teaches the courses such as statistical inference and modelling, computer systems for data science, among others, that will supplement my curiosity for data analysis, for making informed decisions. Moreover, the Data Science Institute’s active support and encouragement of entrepreneurship and innovation allow students to pursue entrepreneurship while focusing on data science, gaining knowledge and practical experience first-hand.

While still in the undergraduate level, I focused on refining my technical skills. This knowledge was instrumental, to transition me into the real world, to solve ideal business problems. To start my career, I worked as a research assistant with the Agriculture and Biological Engineering Department at Purdue University, where I gained research skills. I got acquainted with several technologies such as HTML, Angular JS, Google Fusion Table, which improved my computational skills. Besides, I worked as a Software Developer Intern for Delphi-Delco Electronics. I developed new functionalities for their new Chevrolet car simulators, and with S&S Programming, I developed an alpha version of their Herdsman software. To accomplish these tasks, I had to use data extracting tools such as Oracle SQL and combined it with programming languages- C# and Java. Through these projects, I learned that computational skills are intertwined with data skills for quality output. During my senior year, I was a teaching assistant for a junior/senior-level class, Introduction to Database System. I worked with Dr Walid Aref and Dr Bharat Bhargava to manage lab sessions to guide students through weekly programming exercises and projects, as well as design exercises to introduce students to Big Data tools such as HDFS, MapReduce, Spark, and Hive. This experience helped me strengthen and deepen my grasp on Big Data and database system. Also, it helped me learn what it means to be a successful student by putting genuine effort into completing assignments and going above expectations to study more about the concepts taught in class.

Currently, I work as a Software Engineer at Hughes Networks Systems with Network Management Systems team to design and implement critical features and applications to provide satellite internet connectivity around the world. I had developed a framework to collect and analyze satellite upload and download throughput data to display aggregate data, as well as an application that allows terminals to move around various satellite beams to provide consistent connectivity. In addition to application development, I worked extensively on a database schema design for our Network Management System based on normalization to allow backward compatibility between our various releases. My experience working at Hughes made me realize that there are a lot of opportunities to apply machine learning and data science techniques to solve existing problems we face. Therefore, with the knowledge that I would gain through a Masters in Data Science, I would be able to tackle such issues and make meaningful contributions to the advancement of technology.

Over the years, I realized that there are a multitude of data-related problems, such as traffic and weather prediction and automated translation. If these problems are solved, by adopting human-centered data, it would drastically improve the lives of people. As an aspiring data scientist, I want to be able to use my technical skills and knowledge of algorithmic concepts to excel in machine learning, significant data handling and predictive modelling, to solve these real-world problems and make meaningful impacts to society. I believe that the Data Science Institute's eight research centers with their specializations will give me the platform to learn and apply my skills to the technology industry. Specifically, I would be able to participate in cross-disciplinary research at the Research Center for Smart Cities to learn analytical skills. I believe this will provide me with extensive exposure to a large variety of data sets and problems, which will help me gain a broad knowledge of data science. In addition, by utilizing Columbia’s various startup resources, such as Application Development Initiative and Columbia Engineering Entrepreneurship resources, I will be able to apply the knowledge gained from different fields of industry to start building ideas for new businesses and products, to cater to both research and business industry. To finish my Columbia application essay, pursuing my masters at Columbia University is a big step towards achieving my academic and career goals

Upon completion of this course, I hope to scale up my skills in data science, and use my programming and modelling abilities, to design different ways of averting business risks. Later in life, I aim to be the Chief Technology Officer of my own consulting company and improve the way data is being handled in our society and contribute to the ever-changing field of data science. A Master's of Science in Data Science from Columbia University guarantees me this aspiration of mine.