A Message from Master-in-the-Making: Sree Govindaprasad
Sree Govindaprasad is beginning her second year in the Masters in Data Science program at NYU’s Center for Data Science. After completing year one, Sree shares a recap of the benefits and challenges of her experience so far, hoping to inform and inspire incoming students.
This interview has been lightly edited & condensed for clarity.
What led you to apply to CDS’s Masters program?
When I graduated from Penn State in 2015 with a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, I wanted to apply math and statistics to my career but didn’t know exactly how. I also wanted to be a well-rounded professional and felt it was important to understand both the technical and the business side of things. That’s what led me to start my career in consulting. With three years in consulting, I developed a firm grasp on how businesses operate. I also discovered that I loved working with data. That’s when I applied to NYU’s Masters in Data Science program.
NYU’s program is highly technical and grounded in mathematics and statistics. I was out of touch with proof-based math and statistics for three years, and had to work really really hard to catch up. It was worth the effort as a good mathematical foundation helps you think through concepts intuitively.
What has been the most rewarding part of your experience so far?
I don’t want to create a fairytale experience of grad school because it has been nothing short of challenging for me, given that I am making a 360 degree career shift. It’s all worth it if this is what you’re really interested in and for me, it is. I want to learn, understand, and appreciate Data Science concepts at a deeper level. At the end of the day, these experiences will make me a data scientist who can think critically.
How do you manage the difficulties and stress of the program?
It’s important to find people with similar interests. You are constantly bombarded with others’ accomplishments and can sometimes begin to doubt your own, but finding these connections can make you feel at home. I have a few friends in the program who genuinely care about learning and are a joy to collaborate with. Finding people like that is life changing, you build great relationships, and also deal better with stress.
Did you learn any non-technical, non-math lessons in your first year?
This past year has been about realizing that Data Science is the right career choice and that I’m good at it, but it took time to get there. Also, I have something to learn from everyone in the program. My biggest lesson is to learn to trust myself through ups and downs and believe that things will get better when it’s not all that great.
What has the job search experience been like?
There are several opportunities out there; getting your resume to match what companies want to see can initially be challenging.
The biggest challenge with job hunting is trying to stay on top of everything. You have to get through assignments, projects, datathons, go to class, and take care of yourself as you apply for jobs and interview.
Interview prep can sometimes be quite rigorous. Data Science can mean different things in different companies, and every company is looking for something slightly different. Sometimes you might want to take online courses in specific things they’re looking for. Even so, rejections can be demoralizing.
How do you deal with rejection?
My way of coping is to let myself feel it and let it pass. I’ve tried to ignore it and it’s never worked. It can get overwhelming, but it’s important to process and recuperate from rejections or setbacks, to take the time and space you need to rebuild confidence in yourself.
What is it like to be a female in the field of Data Science?
I am thankful that there are great female role models in the field, both at NYU and outside who have paved the way for me and other women.
My advice to other women considering Data Science: Don’t let coding/computer science/math scare you. It’s all about getting familiar with the concepts and applying them every day.
Any advice for someone now entering NYU’s program?
This sounds cliche, but don’t be afraid to ask questions! It can be hard because sometimes other people might know more than you. It’s okay to feel a little vulnerable.
Sree’s parting message to incoming students:
It’s really important that people who are starting in the program hear this: Even if you think you’re not good enough, know that you are smart and you can do it. You have to feel confident inside because it affects your state of mind and everything you do. People with different backgrounds tend to be better at certain things, so you may have a different experience than I did. But remember that I went through it, and you can do it too!
By Mary Oliver
