Malcolm Zhao

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.