Navigating the Job Market with UVA’s School of Data Science Career Services 

Elisabeth Waldron
June 21, 2024
Three Data Science graduates celebrate at 2024 ceremony at UVA
Elisabeth Waldron, middle, celebrates with fellow Master's of Data Science 2024 graduates.

Entering the job market can be daunting, especially for graduate students navigating a new career path. Thankfully, my experience with the School of Data Science career services team made the process significantly smoother and more insightful. 

I initially met with Hannah Pede, Assistant Director of Career and Professional Development, which proved to be invaluable. She expertly guided me toward relevant avenues, starting with the Fall All Majors Fair. Hannah’s knowledge about Handshake's tagging system helped me target companies actively seeking graduate data science talent. The fair proved eye-opening, showcasing the diverse industries offering data science opportunities. 

Beyond individual guidance, the School of Data Science's dedicated Career Launchpad website provided a wealth of resources. Modules on interview skills, resume polishing, LinkedIn optimization, and more equipped me with essential tools for self-presentation. Additionally, the website features a regularly updated job board catering to all career levels, ensuring consistent access to relevant opportunities. 

However, the support didn't stop there. Through the combined efforts of Student Affairs, with notable help from Jess Beverly and Daphne Provance, a centralized Canvas page was created. This streamlined platform made accessing various resources incredibly convenient, saving valuable time and energy. 

The career services team, with the help of Program Director Prince Afriyie, continues to innovate. In collaboration with the Graduate Data Science Club (GDSC) and its Professional Development Chair, Sunidhi Goyal, they hosted helpful and engaging Zoom meetings with alumni. These sessions offered valuable insights into technical interviews, focusing on key areas like SQL. 
 
Overall, my experience with UVA's School of Data Science career services was exceptional. From personalized guidance to readily available resources and industry exposure, the team played a crucial role in preparing me for the job market. 

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Elisabeth Waldron and Dean Philip Bourne at 2024 Diploma Ceremony for MSDS degree at UVA
Elisabeth Waldron shakes hands with Dean Philip Bourne.

This article reflects my gratitude and aims to inform fellow and prospective students about the comprehensive support available at the School of Data Science, encouraging them to utilize it throughout their journey in the program. 

For more information, visit the Student Success page to learn about the Office of Student Affairs, career and academic support, health and wellness, life in Charlottesville and more.