CDS Alumni Council: Fostering Connections in the Data Science Community
Data science professionals face an ever-evolving job market. The CDS Alumni Council is proactively equipping its graduates with the tools and connections to thrive in this dynamic landscape.
Founded just a year and a half ago, the council aims to build community and enhance alumni engagement through social events and career development programs. Member of the Alumni Council Seda Bilaloglu explained their mission: “We’re focused on increasing awareness of our initiatives, particularly regarding career opportunities. Our goal is to support alumni in their professional growth and help them leverage the full potential of their CDS network.”
“Alongside a world-class education in a cutting-edge field, the most valuable takeaways from our time at CDS were the professional connections and friendships made,” stated Alumni Council President Elliot Silva. “The Alumni Council’s mission is to ensure those relationships don’t stop at graduation. Through a mix of both social and professionally-oriented events, our primary endeavor is to reinvigorate those connections by providing a platform for the NYU Data Science community to come together.”
Yash Deshpande, the Alumni Council Vice President, emphasized, “What the council is trying to do is to make the CDS alumni network more visible, and encourage alumni to make full use of the network, both socially and professionally.”
The council has organized a diverse array of events to foster networking and professional development. These include:
- Speed Data-ing: An innovative twist on speed dating for professional networking. This event allows alumni to form quick connections and expand their professional circles efficiently.
- Alumni Coffee Chats: One-on-one connections to share experiences and insights. These informal meetings provide a platform for in-depth discussions and mentorship opportunities.
- CDS Alumni Discord Server: A virtual space to recreate office social interactions, especially beneficial for remote workers. This digital community helps maintain connections regardless of geographical distance.
- Interview Experience Database: A comprehensive resource to help alumni excel in interviews and secure desirable roles. This database collects and shares valuable insights from successful job seekers.
- Alumni Mentorship Program: Connecting experienced professionals with those seeking guidance, fostering a culture of continuous learning and support within the CDS community.
- Alumni Jobs Board: Sharing open positions within the CDS network, creating a direct pipeline for job opportunities.
While the council’s activities have been primarily centered in New York, there’s a concerted effort to expand its reach. Recent events have taken place in San Francisco, Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Bilaloglu, who currently works as a Senior Data Scientist at Cogitativo, shared their vision for growth: “We’re excited about the opportunity to connect with alumni across different states. While we’re currently more active in New York, we’re working with other council members to engage our global alumni network more effectively.”
Yash added, “We are also super excited about extending our efforts beyond New York City. While NYC has long been the location for CDS alumni, our outreach efforts over the last two years have helped us see that our alumni have a presence in most major cities.”
The council’s efforts extend beyond networking, delving into practical skill development. They’re exploring innovative ways to prepare alumni for the evolving demands of the job market. “We’re developing a series of targeted presentations to keep our alumni at the forefront of industry trends,” Bilaloglu explained.
These initiatives are not just about landing jobs, but about fostering long-term career success. The council aims to create a community where knowledge sharing becomes second nature. “By facilitating these connections and learning opportunities, we’re building a robust support system that extends well beyond graduation,” Bilaloglu added.
For current students, Bilaloglu emphasized the importance of early engagement with the alumni network: “We strongly encourage students to start building their professional network during their time at CDS. The connections made here can open doors and provide valuable insights throughout one’s career.”
Looking ahead, the council has ambitious plans. They’re considering expanding their event repertoire to include more diverse activities, from technical workshops to social outings like hikes, sport shows, and bowling, aiming to cater to a wide range of interests within the alumni community.
The CDS Alumni Council operates on an annual cycle, with new council elections held each November. This system ensures a constant influx of fresh ideas and perspectives. “We encourage all alumni to consider applying for council membership,” Bilaloglu said. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to give back to the community and shape the future of CDS alumni relations.”
“The Alumni Council has only been hosting events since Spring 2023,” explained President Silva. “In that time, we’ve already seen hundreds of alumni come together at events in New York, the San Francisco Bay Area, and other US cities. It’s been fantastic to see the level of interest from our alumni in being part of a data science community, and we believe having regular opportunities for alumni to come together gives our graduates a key advantage — both socially and professionally.”
For CDS graduates looking to stay informed about council activities, watch your inbox for updates from the CDS alumni mailing list, which is the best way to receive event announcements and updates. The council is also exploring additional communication channels to enhance engagement. For more information or to get involved with the CDS Alumni Council, contact cds-alumni-council@nyu.edu. Your journey with CDS doesn’t end at graduation — it’s just the beginning of a lifelong connection to a vibrant and supportive professional community.
By Stephen Thomas
