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Meet Amanda Coffey: Bringing Global Perspective and Industry Experience to UVA’s Online MSDS
Amanda Coffey
Education
M.S. in Data Science 2027, University of Virginia
B.S. in Computer Science, Minor in Mathematics 2014, Iona University
Hometown
Staten Island, NY
For Amanda Coffey, the path to data science has been a journey shaped by curiosity, career insight, and global life experience. A Staten Island native and proud military spouse currently living abroad in Lisbon, Portugal, Coffey is pursuing her M.S. in Data Science (MSDS) online at the University of Virginia (UVA) while continuing to build her professional expertise.
Before joining the program, Coffey spent nearly a decade in the financial sector, including serving as a Senior Associate at Morgan Stanley where she saw firsthand how strong data practices can accelerate decision-making and innovation. Those experiences sparked a drive to take the lead in shaping data quality and insights, ultimately inspiring her return to graduate study.
Today, she’s leveraging the flexibility of UVA’s cohort-based online MSDS program to deepen her technical skills, connect with peers from diverse backgrounds, and prepare for a future where she can make a meaningful impact across industries. Read on to learn more about Coffey’s journey into data science and her experience in the program so far.
Q: Tell us about your path to data science.
As an undecided undergraduate, I honestly stumbled into computer science. My core courses landed me in an intro to programming class – and I immediately loved it! From there I was hooked, with my fantastic professors really nurturing that interest and curiosity. Taking database-related classes really made a lot of technical concepts “click” for me, so I am not at all surprised to find myself reigniting my education in data science.
As my undergrad was winding down, I wasn’t quite ready to jump into a master’s program because I wanted to get some real-world work experience; then I would decide how to further my education in a way that was most beneficial. About 10 years later, I firmly settled on data science.
During my career, I was in so many strategic conversations that practically halted because “the data wasn’t good.” I had many opportunities to observe the impact – both good and bad – that data had on business and decision-making. With these observations, I wanted to become the person who could affirm “the data is good,” or at least have the skill set to get it there.
Q: What do you hope to do with an M.S. in Data Science degree?
With data being a core, foundational building block in almost every professional conversation, business, and industry, I truly look forward to having the opportunity to solve problems across varying landscapes. I’m excited to gain efficiency and add skills to my toolkit while finding a role that really engages me and allows me to make a lasting impact.
Q: What has surprised you about the MSDS program so far?
I’ve been most surprised with how genuinely the professors take feedback on their courses and how quickly they try to improve based on it. They all clearly aim to make this program the best possible experience for all students. In this first semester alone, I can see how dedicated the faculty and staff are to its students.
Q: What class do you look forward to taking?
Data Engineering II: Big Data Systems.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering a Master’s in Data Science?
Don’t let fear of not knowing enough stop you from diving in. My cohort has a mix of people with so many different backgrounds and skill sets, but everyone’s goal truly is to learn. We have been able to support each other by sharing our own unique strengths. On top of this, the professors have also been so understanding and accommodating.
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Q: What are some fun facts about yourself?
I love to go to the beach, travel and explore, and immerse myself in local cultures with a good food tour. Probably the most fun fact is that I am completing this MSDS program from Lisbon, Portugal! Another reason I truly appreciated this program from UVA is that I’m still able to work through my master’s program and pursue my goals, even as my husband’s job in the military brought us overseas.
Learn more about the part-time, 100% online M.S. in Data Science at the University of Virginia. Request more information, connect with Admissions, or start your application today.
