Welcome to our Global Community

Pronouns:
She/Her/Hers

About me:
Hi! I’m NagaVyjayanthi Polapragada and I am pursuing a Master of Analytics (MAnalytx) from the IEOR department at UC Berkeley. I come from India and I completed my undergraduate degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering at SASTRA University. My passion for data science was ignited during the pandemic when I understood the significance of connecting data points to provide valuable insights and the impact of data-driven decisions on crucial problems.

Contact me: nagavyjayanthi_p@berkeley.edu

Pronouns:
He/Him/His

About me:
My name is Veer Arora and I’m from Toronto, Canada! I hold a Bachelor’s in Engineering in Industrial Engineering with a Minor in Computer Science from Toronto Metropolitan University. I hope to use the Master of Analytics degree to kickstart a career in Machine Learning focusing on deploying ready to use models for practical applications. My favourite IEOR class is INDENG240, Optimization Analytics. I love sports (particularly baseball – go Jays!), I’m an avid runner, I enjoy spending time outdoors and trying out all the great food in the Bay!

Contact me: veerarora@berkeley.edu

Pronouns:
He/Him/His

Undergraduate Degree & University:
Bachelor of Business Administration, Global Supply Chain and Logistics Management Stream, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen

What are your hobbies or interests outside of your studies?
Cooking, Swimming, Guitar

What motivated you to choose the UC Berkeley Master of Analytics program?

During my undergraduate studies, I developed a strong interest in data analytics, such as data visualization and machine learning. The Master of Analytics program at UC Berkeley, with its major emphasis on analytics-related skills and a comprehensive range of technical courses, aligns perfectly with my interests. Additionally, I am highly attracted to UC Berkeley’s prestigious reputation and its esteemed College of Engineering. After careful consideration, I decided to pursue the Master of Analytics program at UC Berkeley.

What has been the most surprising aspect of your journey so far?

Our program and the university as a whole offer a great deal of flexibility, allowing students to handle projects and research independently. We have numerous course projects to complete, and through these experiences, I discovered many topics I had previously overlooked. This has been quite inspiring, particularly in terms of how to propose and conduct data analytics practices.

Can you share a moment when you felt most at home at Berkeley Analytics?

At the end of the spring term, we are required to participate in an analytics lab event. Invitations are extended to students and faculty from outside our program. Engaging with individuals from other majors and departments makes me feel like I am part of a large and diverse academic family.

Have you joined any clubs or student organizations? If so, which ones and what has your experience been like?

Although I did not participate in the analytics lab event, I engaged extensively with the Berkeley Open Computing Facility (OCF). The OCF provided numerous computing resources and valuable instructions. With their support, I successfully completed two computation-intensive tasks.

What are your career plans after graduation? Does this match what you had hoped/envisioned when applying to the program?

I will be joining Amazon as a Business Intelligence Engineer, focusing on the supply chain and quality control sector. This position will enable me to provide data insights for decision-making and optimize quality control processes through automation and simulation. This role aligns perfectly with my goals and expectations when I applied to the Master of Analytics program.

What advice would you give to prospective students considering Berkeley Analytics?

Since you are applying for an analytics-related program, try to be quantitative. List all decision factors so that you can decompose your decision process into small pieces focusing on different aspects. Our program has advantages in location, reputation, course workload and many others. Finding the things that you care about the most can help you choose the most suitable one.

What tips do you have for newly admitted students?

Enjoy connecting with your alumni and peers under this vast Berkeley alumni network.

Pronouns:
He/Him

Undergraduate Degree & University:
UC Berkeley Economics and Data Science

What are your hobbies or interests outside of your studies?
Rowing, Cooking, Reading

What motivated you to choose the UC Berkeley Master of Analytics program?
The ability to take courses in Machine Learning and Financial Engineering with an accelerated program. Additionally, I wanted to study for another year at Berkeley with some of the best professors.

What has been the most surprising aspect of your journey so far?
The most surprising thing about my journey was how many interesting projects I took part in during my courses. I wasn’t expecting to learn so many things by building a project from scratch.

Can you share a moment when you felt most at home at Berkeley Analytics?
I felt most at home during the monthly cookie hours as I felt like the IEOR department really cared about the student body.

Have you joined any clubs or student organizations? If so, which ones and what has your experience been like?
I was on the Men’s Rowing Team at Cal already before the program. Wouldn’t pass this experience up for anything.

I was a VP of Corporate Relations for the Analytics at Berkeley Club. I enjoyed making new friends and working on making the MAnalytics community a better place.

What are your career plans after graduation? Does this match what you had hoped/envisioned when applying to the program?
My plans are to keep working at Amazon as an Economist Apprentice. Not exactly what I was looking for after the program, but I really enjoy economic research with a focus in machine learning. Couldn’t have asked for a better fitting position.

What advice would you give to prospective students considering Berkeley Analytics?
The Berkeley name carries some weight with jobs and the IEOR department allows for great flexibility in courses of study compared to other programs.

What tips do you have for newly admitted students?
Take advantage of the Berkeley name to reach out to people you normally would not. People such as professors or professionals.

Pronouns: She/Her

Undergraduate Degree and University:
Electronics & Communication Engineering at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar

What are your hobbies or interests outside of your studies?
Working out, Cooking, Reading, and exploring new activities.

What motivated you to choose the UC Berkeley Master of Analytics program?
I chose the UC Berkeley Master of Analytics program because it offered a
comprehensive curriculum that aligned perfectly with my interests and career goals. Working in KPMG’s analytics department motivated me to seek a program that would refine my analytical skills and broaden my knowledge base. The Berkeley program’s reputation for academic excellence, vibrant campus culture, and prime location in the Bay Area made it the ideal platform to further develop my analytical capabilities and appreciate the transformative potential of analytics in addressing complex challenges.

What has been the most surprising aspect of your journey so far?
The most surprising aspect of my journey so far has been the flexibility Berkeley
Analytics provides, allowing students to gain a deep understanding across various domains through a wide range of electives, tech events and projects. Alongside the rigorous academic curriculum, the extensive student support, including career counseling and industry networking, has been instrumental in helping students achieve success beyond the classroom

Can you share a moment when you felt most at home at Berkeley Analytics?
I felt most at home at Berkeley Analytics thanks to the warm and welcoming atmosphere created by the IEOR department. Their monthly cookie hour events, tech events like analytics lab and other small gatherings foster a sense of community, helping everyone connect on a personal level.

Have you joined any clubs or student organizations? If so, which ones and what has your experience been like?
I was part of the Student Analytics Ambassador group, where I had the opportunity to connect with incoming students and help address their doubts and concerns. Working closely with the Berkeley Analytics advisors has been an amazing experience, allowing me to engage with diverse individuals and learn a lot through the various responsibilities and interactions. This role has been incredibly rewarding, as it has given me the chance to support others while also expanding my own knowledge and network.

What are your career plans after graduation? Does this match what you had hoped/envisioned when applying to the program?
After graduation, I plan to continue growing in my current role as an Information Architecture and Business Intelligence Engineer at Rambus. My goal is to deepen my expertise in domain knowledge, particularly in areas like finance and supply chain etc. to become a stronger and more effective professional in the field.This aligns with what I had hoped for when applying to the program, as I sought to build a solid foundation that would enable me to excel in my career and contribute meaningfully to my industry.

What advice would you give to prospective students considering Berkeley Analytics?
To prospective students considering Berkeley Analytics: fully engage with the program’s diverse opportunities, including electives, tech events, and projects. Take advantage of the extensive support offered, like career counseling and industry networking, and connect with peers and faculty to build a strong network. Leverage Berkeley’s reputation while staying true to yourself, and you’ll find the experience both academically enriching and personally rewarding.

What tips do you have for newly admitted students?
Enjoy your time and journey at Berkeley. Take full advantage of all the opportunities available, connect with peers and faculty, and make the most of your experience both academically and personally.