Student Spotlight – Linh Nguyen
How did you become interested in Data Science?
I discovered my interest in data/ data science after graduating from UGA. I worked as a fellow for the CDC and had some project opportunities to work with some large datasets. However, I was working in excel which was a huge pain and the insight I gained from the datasets was limited. As a result, I enrolled myself into a coding bootcamp program which helped build my foundation in the necessary tools for data analysis & data science (R, Python, SQL, Tableau, etc). After completion of the program, I wanted to further my education in this area which led me to the Data Science program at Vanderbilt!
Why did you choose Vanderbilt’s DS MS program?
I chose Vanderbilt because I resonated with the approach of the curriculum as well as the program goals: to yield graduates who have a well-rounded foundation and have the technical skills and knowledge to understand, implement, and communicate statistical models and ML algorithms. In addition, I think that it is vital that the program highlights the importance of the ethical, policy, and privacy implications of data science which is integrated into the curriculum.
Additionally, my significant other was a 2nd year PhD student in the Epidemiology program at Vanderbilt during the time I was searching for graduate programs, so she might have had an influence on where I wanted to be!
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in the program so far, and why?
Take some breaks!!! I think this is more important now than ever because of the pandemic and many universities using a hybrid approach for classes. It is quite easy to get lost in the mountain of work and projects for the program since transitioning to a hybrid online learning model. Take a step back to do something fun. The time you take to recharge will definitely be worth it.
How did you spend your summer?
My internship opportunity this summer was at Tractor Supply Company (TSC) as a Database & Marketing Analytics Intern. TSC is a retail business focused on selling products to individuals with a rural lifestyle. The internship was a really great opportunity as I had a unique experience learning how to manipulate large retail data in Snowflake to gain insights of how TSC was performing during the pandemic. My internship was invaluable to preparing me for the job market because I was able to gain new skills, reinforce knowledge I learned from class, and provided me insights as to how a business leverages their data to make business decisions.
How are you adapting to the new virtual learning/work lifestyle?
There has been a shift it my lifestyle habits due to the pandemic and the transitioning to virtual learning. I am able to save a lot of time by not having to commute to class every day and I can rewatch lectures if needed which has been quite helpful. Surprisingly, I have been running more as a result of the pandemic because if I don’t, I get cabin fever!