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How UVA Data Science Helped Me Invest in My Professional Growth
I am Finn Mokrzycki, a master’s candidate in the M.S. in Data Science (MSDS) program at the University of Virginia (UVA).
This year, a Professional Development Fund from the School of Data Science Student Affairs provided me the opportunity to attend a national data science conference, earn an AWS Cloud Practitioner certification, and stay engaged with the latest industry trends through a Medium.com subscription. Each experience has enriched my learning and shaped my professional development.
Expanding My Perspective at a Data Science Conference
The first use of my funds covered the registration fee for the Academic Data Science Alliance conference in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This conference focused on education and training in data science, making it directly relevant to my work as a tutor for students learning programming and analytics. Most of my 25+ students are international, representing countries like Brazil, Hungary, Armenia, and Malaysia. Many are learning data science from different starting points, so attending sessions on pedagogy and accessibility helped me refine my teaching approach.
Attending workshops and professor talks exposed me to role models in the field. I participated in a workshop led by Doug Hague, a Professor of Practice from the UNC Charlotte School of Data Science, that focused on presentation skills. There, I improved my communication skills geared toward professionals and learned what business-oriented people expect.
From my own University, I learned about the “Virginia Model of Data Science” and its interdisciplinary domains. UVA professors Rafael Alvarado and Peter Alonzi walked through the linguistic history of the term “data science,” then derived–similar to mathematic proofs–approaches to data science education. This session deepened my appreciation for the thoughtfulness behind UVA’s data science curriculum. I was inspired by the ways these professors utilized data science and how I could integrate their ideas into my work.
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On the technical side, I participated in a U.S. Census Bureau workshop led by Tyson Weister, where I learned hands-on methods for working with government demographic and social survey data. This applied workshop was the perfect complement to the theoretical frameworks which other speakers provided.
Building Cloud Computing Skills with AWS Certification
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With winter break approaching, I sought to expand my technical expertise in an area increasingly important to data science: cloud computing. Thanks to the fund, I was able to take and pass the Amazon Web Services Cloud Practitioner certification exam, giving me a strong foundation in cloud infrastructure, security, and services.
This certification boosted my confidence in working with cloud-based tools, essential for handling large-scale data projects. Having this certification also demonstrates my ability to work with cloud technologies, making me a more competitive candidate in the job market.
Staying Engaged with the Field Through Medium
With the final portion of my fund, I created a Medium.com subscription, which has been instrumental in both my reading and writing about data science.
Through Medium, I stay updated on emerging trends, best practices, and new tools in the field. As a writer, I use the platform to break down complex data science concepts for broader audiences, improving my ability to communicate technical ideas clearly. While tutoring has strengthened my verbal communication skills, Medium has been my space to refine technical writing—a crucial skill for any data professional.
Encouraging Other Students to Apply
I am grateful to Student Affairs for providing funding opportunities like this. The Professional Development Fund allows students to invest in themselves, whether through conferences, certifications, or industry engagement. I encourage other students to apply for it and explore ways to advance their own learning. Thanks to this support, I’ve grown as a data scientist, educator, and communicator. I look forward to applying these new skills in my coursework and future career.
The School of Data Science Professional Development Fund is administered by the Office of Student Affairs. The fund offers up to $300 for professional development to students throughout their time in the program. Students can apply through the Office of Student Affairs Portal in Canvas. For more information, email Student Affairs.
