This morning, I focused on data ingestion, preprocessing, and curation for over 1 billion training/testing pairs, ensuring high-quality data availability. This involved pulling in training sets from multiple open-source datasets exposed through APIs. After a quick lunch break, I dived into researching Low-Rank Adaptors (LoRA) and Single Value Decomposition (SVD) to improve rank estimation. This was mostly reading and testing different small model weights to validate my hypothesis.

In the evening, I spent some time reading and exploring concepts from the Deep Learning with Python book by François Chollet, which I often use to deepen my understanding and spark new ideas for my ongoing projects.

Q: What did you learn in the M.S. in Data Science (MSDS) program that you have found most useful in your career so far? And what do you wish you had learned?

Before joining the MSDS Online program, I didn't have a clear understanding of how models were trained or how they could be fine-tuned to achieve state-of-the-art performance. I was a net consumer of the amazing products in the world. My passion for data science and its applications was the driving force behind my decision to join the MSDS Online program. The MSDS program transformed me from a consumer to a builder, which is an incredible superpower to have in this day and age.

I was able to directly apply what I learned to my job, extracting insights from unstructured data to enable upper management to make informed decisions and training models to predict and forecast future sales, among other tasks. The most valuable lessons came from courses in Deep Learning, Big Data Systems, Bayesian Machine Learning, Statistical Learning, and overall research required in every course work.

However, I wish the program had included an entrepreneurship component to broaden the landscape for students to consider the business ownership route. As a former small business owner, I highly value entrepreneurship and believe it would have been beneficial for students to explore this avenue.

Q: How did the MSDS Capstone project prepare you for your current work?

The MSDS Capstone project provided me with hands-on experience in the real-world application of data science, demonstrating how to approach and solve problems using the tools and skill set gained throughout the program. The project was up-to-date and aligned with the latest cutting-edge technologies, making it easier for me to understand and keep up with the fast-changing AI landscape.

The human interaction and weekly meetups were particularly invaluable, as the capstone senior engineers shared best practices, great approaches, and career advice. This widened my knowledge significantly and provided me with guidance that is crucial for my career going forward.

Q: Were there specific classes, projects, or professors that you found particularly influential in preparing you for your career?

All the courses were amazing; I enjoyed every class within the program from start to finish. It was such a great experience. The most influential professor was Sodiq Opeyemi Adewole, Ph.D., who taught us the Deep Learning course. He broke down every complex concept into small, understandable bite-size chunks, allowing us to grasp each detail from the root. He also gave us ample time to discuss our ideas and encouraged us to try out new things and explore on our own.

My relationship with Professor Sodiq has continued well beyond graduation. I often reach out to him for advice, both technically and career-wise.

Q: What networking opportunities or alumni resources played a role in securing your current position or aiding your professional development?

I credit the one-on-one office hour interactions with professors and the capstone project for connecting me with exceptional individuals who have opened doors to great opportunities. The job board on Airtable and Handshake, curated by UVA career advisors was instrumental in connecting me with relevant career opportunities.

I have also built extraordinary relationships with my classmates, with whom I still keep in touch, discussing potential job opportunities and professional growth. The University of Virginia E-Library's partnership with O'Reilly provided valuable access to resources that continuously enhanced my skills.

Q: How do you perceive the impact of your MSDS degree on your career advancement and opportunities?

My MSDS degree has had a profound impact on my career advancement and opportunities. It equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge in data science and machine learning, allowing me to confidently tackle complex problems and deliver impactful solutions in my roles.

The rigorous curriculum and hands-on projects provided practical experience that directly translated to real-world scenarios, enhancing my credibility and effectiveness as a professional. The network of professors, alumni, and industry connections fostered during my time at the University of Virginia continues to open doors to new opportunities and collaborations. I successfully transitioned from a software engineer to a data scientist, leveraging my newfound expertise and connections in the field.

Q: Was there a student experience or classmate/cohort interaction during your time at School of Data Science that stands out as particularly memorable or transformative for you?

During my time at the School of Data Science, the most memorable and transformative experiences were the lively discussions and brainstorming sessions with my classmates. Whether in class, breakout sessions, or casual chats, we engaged deeply in fascinating ideas and real-world challenges, sharing insights from our daily work lives.

These interactions were not only enriching academically but also incredibly fun, creating a dynamic environment where learning was collaborative and engaging. They shaped my approach to problem-solving and reinforced the importance of teamwork in achieving meaningful outcomes in data science.

Q: As you look ahead, where do you envision yourself professionally in the next 5-10 years? Are there specific career goals, projects, or milestones you aspire to achieve in the coming years?

After graduating, I have been actively involved in establishing the Ethiopian Data Science Association (EDSA) alongside friends from my bachelor's degree studies and work colleagues. This effort led to my election as the President for the first term. In the next 5 to 10 years, I envision leading the EDSA to become a catalyst for driving data science technology applications and awareness within our country. I aim to foster increased collaboration with international companies across the globe.

On an individual career level, I aspire to contribute research papers to the field of data science, helping advance the development of safe Artificial General Intelligence technologies. I am passionate about making impactful contributions to transforming machine learning and artificial intelligence from a "black box" into a more transparent, explainable, and equitable field.