Hello there! I’m Vincent. I’m a rising senior majoring in Data Science and Economics on the University of Michigan — Ann Arbor. Although I’m recent to the world of blogging, I figured that capturing my academic and skilled journey in writing could be an amazing option to start. As I approach the ultimate 12 months as an undergraduate student, there may be much to reflect upon and share.

So… why this topic to begin?

The sector of knowledge science is experiencing rapid growth and is poised to shape quite a few industries and sectors in the approaching years. By sharing my journey as a school student in data science, I hope that I can provide helpful insights to fellow students who’re considering or pursuing an identical path.

One thing to notice before we start — I do NOT claim to be an authority on this field. There continues to be a lot for me to find out about. My ultimate goal is to supply a singular perspective through the lens of an undergraduate student and offer fresh viewpoints through which others can navigate their very own data science aspirations.

This world is actually driven by data… and I mean ALOT of knowledge. Data science, in easy terms, is the sector of study that involves extracting insights and knowledge from data. It encompasses various concentrations similar to data analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and far more.

Data scientists utilize their skills and expertise to uncover patterns, trends, and meaningful information from data that will be used to make informed decisions, solve problems, and drive modern solutions.

How is it different from ?

While data science and computer science share commonalities of their foundations of utilizing programming and computational knowledge to unravel complex problems, there are also plenty of key differences. Simply put, neither is a subset of the opposite, but just two fields which have as many similarities as there are distinctions.

Data science distinguishes itself by emphasizing the extraction of meaningful insights from data, utilizing statistical techniques, visualizing model results, and leveraging machine learning algorithms.

As increasingly more corporations recognize the worth of knowledge in gaining a competitive edge, the necessity for expert data scientists is on the rise. Despite its remarkable growth, data science continues to be a comparatively young and evolving field. Its potential stays largely untapped, with continuous advancements in technology and the ever-increasing volume of knowledge generated every day. I firmly consider that this dynamic nature makes it an exciting field to explore!

Early Interest

Growing up, my vivid imagination has at all times led me to ascertain a futuristic world crammed with magical powers and extraordinary phenomena. This curiosity fueled a burning query inside me: How can I bring this imaginative realm to life?

And my answer was… .

In class, my favorite subjects were at all times science and arithmetic. Other than the very fact they were the themes that I used to be best at, I really enjoyed the problem-solving nature that it necessitated. Whether it was learning concerning the intricate molecular makeup of isotopes or unraveling the complexities of calculus through differential equations, I absolutely loved absorbing knowledge and dissecting the basic truths behind the world during which we live in.

Unfortunately, my highschool didn’t offer any computer science classes and I had zero programming experience before college. Nevertheless, I still had the chance to take many AP classes in various disciplines that built the foundations of my reasoning skills and equipped me for the challenges of upper education.

Recent Years

I initially began college with the goal of pursuing pre-med with the top goal of attending medical school. Nevertheless, that’s a story for an additional time, one which deserves its own thorough explanation. With that said, I plan on writing a blog post about my relationship with pre-med and the way that ultimately took an unexpected turn.

In any case, let’s get back to the story.

I took my first-ever programming class within the winter semester of my freshmen 12 months. I could be lying if I said that I cruised through it. Despite the high difficulty of STEM classes that the University of Michigan exhibited, I told myself that I can learn anything, so long as I put the work in. Nevertheless, I used to be still relatively unaccustomed to the cognitive adjustments I needed to make to think like a pc science student. So what did I do to beat this obstacle?

I simply approached it day-to-day and trusted I used to be on an exponential learning curve. — somewhere across the midpoint of my sophomore 12 months, all the things clicked.

From there, I continued to take classes and my skills became sharper and sharper. A number of the topics included: Data Structures & Algorithms, Machine Learning, Database Management, and Statistics & Data Evaluation (simply to name just a few).

Most of those classes required a high-level understanding of mathematics and deductive reasoning. It was definitely not a simple curriculum to navigate through, but one thing was at all times consistent: .

Moreover, I also gained hands-on experience as a Data Science intern with two corporations — one throughout the summer after my sophomore 12 months and the opposite throughout the winter semester of my junior 12 months. These invaluable experiences allowed me to place my knowledge into practice and refine my skills in real-world scenarios. By bridging the gap between theory and application, I gained a deeper understanding of how Data Science can drive tangible results and make a meaningful impact in various industries.

These experiences reignited my curiosity and before I knew it, I used to be re-exploring the interests that I had cherished during my childhood. It was during these moments that I really realized the boundless potential of technology, particularly the transformative power of a data-driven world.

As mentioned earlier, I’m repeatedly learning and evolving as a student. I feel extremely lucky to have discovered a field that I gravitated toward so naturally. A recipe that completely mixes my mental strengths with my childhood aspirations.

While I even have a protracted option to go in acquiring the obligatory knowledge and skills, I take pride in reflecting on my progress and the dedication I even have dedicated to my craft thus far.

By putting my journey in words and sharing it with the world, I hope that my perspectives and insights might help others in any way possible.

Future Projects

I plan on writing a blog series going through annually of school intimately. From the very begin to now, I’ll share the highs, lows, and transformative experiences that helped shape my path.

Thanks for reading!