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A Week in the Life: Residential MSDS Student Marissa Burton
Marissa Burton’s love of coding began long before she set foot on grounds. She first discovered data science in a psychology course during her first year at the University of Richmond. Inspired to improve her qualitative data analysis skills, Burton decided to minor in data science. But the coursework only scratched the surface of what data science could offer. Burton was determined to find a robust curriculum to help her launch a career in data, and she found exactly what she was looking for at the University of Virginia’s M.S. in Data Science (MSDS) in-person, residential program.
In fact, Burton will be starting her career later this year at Axtria - Ingenious Insights in Berkeley Heights, N.J. as a decision science associate. In this blog, Burton shares details about her weekly schedule, including how she makes connections in and out of the School.
TL;DR
- Federal-work study opportunities on-grounds
- Networking events (there’s always something going on)
- Cohort fun and free time
Weekly Schedule
While maintaining a work-life balance in grad school seems daunting, I came into the MSDS program knowing I wanted to make the most out of my short time in Charlottesville. My favorite part about having such a small cohort is the tight-knit friendships you will form; by the second week of class, I already felt like I made lifelong friends.
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Working On-Grounds
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Coming from a smaller college, a core value I hold is feeling a strong sense of belonging to my university. I previously worked at the music library at my undergraduate institution, which inspired me to seek out the same opportunity here at UVA.
As a circulation assistant at the Music Library, I am responsible for helping patrons and managing library inventory. Moreover, I get to meet more UVA students and work through my schoolwork in a quiet environment.
Networking Opportunities
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At UVA and also within the School of Data Science itself, there are so many opportunities to network. Often, I’ll walk down to the first floor of the data science building after class and see an event happening in the Capital One Hub (most of the time they serve food from a local vendor!).
The data science staff are always planning new and exciting events (that are posted on Handshake!), and they’re more than receptive to feedback. I’m additionally honored to be part of the DOAR Dinner Series, a year-long program led by professor Prince Afriyie where we discuss current events and specific topics in the realm of data science.
Free Time
Although MSDS is an intensive program, I still find myself having free time to catch up on my favorite TV shows, go for a run, and spend a weekend with friends after my work is done. I’ve even gotten the chance to play the guitar with other cohort members. I think it’s so important to have those bonding activities with other students, separate from being in class and doing schoolwork together. We even have a Graduate Data Science Council that plans formal cohort events, which I serve on as the vice president.
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This program will prepare you for the “real world” (still a scary concept to me) by building up your time management skills. I’m grateful for this opportunity to dip my toes in the waters of working life.
Learn more about the full-time, in-person Residential MSDS at the University of Virginia. Request more information, connect with Admissions, or start your application today.
