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MSDS Residential Student Profile: Hilde Younce
Hilde Younce
Education
M.S. in Data Science 2025, University of Virginia
B.A. in Mathematics, Concentration in Probability and Statistics 2024, University of Virginia
Hometown
Centreville, VA
Q: Tell us about your path to data science.
When I first came to UVA as an undergraduate, I had no idea what I wanted to major in or what career I wanted to pursue. Throughout my first year, I took some math, statistics, and computer science classes and found that I enjoyed different aspects of each. For a short time, I considered transferring to the Engineering School but eventually decided to pursue a Mathematics major, possibly double majoring in Statistics or Computer Science.
In the fall of my second year, I took my first introductory data science class and fell in love. I pictured myself working on a team to present concrete solutions and applications based on our data science work. From there, I researched UVA’s Master's in Data Science (MSDS) program and was immediately drawn to the prospect of learning and practicing valuable data science skills within a tight cohort.
Q: What do you hope to do with a data science master's degree?
I hope to use my degree to land my first real job! I still need to do some self-reflection to determine the positions and industries that interest me most, but I have always had a passion for national security, environmental protection, and equitable healthcare. I hope to derive ethical solutions for prominent issues in one or more of these fields. Additionally, down the road, I would like to give back and teach math or data science to a new generation of bright minds.
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Q: What has surprised you about the MSDS program so far?
Coming off three years of undergrad at UVA, I’ve been pleasantly surprised at the diverse community of students who started this program with me. I’ve had the opportunity to meet students from all over the world, with different levels of experience and backgrounds. Connecting with such a varied cohort has been incredibly rewarding.
I was also surprised by the amount of resources readily available for MSDS students. The School of Data Science has resources for mentorship, career services, student well-being, and everything in between. It’s been easy for me to adjust and feel welcome here.
Q: What are you involved in outside the class?
Outside of my time in the brand new School of Data Science building, I serve as a Resident Advisor to first-year students, working at North Grounds Recreation Center, and playing pickleball with friends.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering a master’s in data science?
Data science is constantly evolving and growing as a field, so I would suggest researching to discover which areas most appeal to you and some of the recent developments there. In addition, being willing to learn and practice both outside and beyond the classroom is essential.
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Q: What are some fun facts about yourself?
Some fun facts about me are that I love to watch movies and attend film festivals Downtown, I lived in England for four years, and UVA in October is my favorite time/place of the year.
