Pronouns: She/Her
Home Country: New York, United States
Field of Study: MS Statistical Practice
Annika Balk, from New York, United States is expected to complete her master’s in Statistical Practice in May 2025. We sat down with Annika to take a deep dive into her journey and give her advice to fellow GRS students in this exclusive Q&A session.
What initially drew you to this field? How did your experiences (academic or professional) solidify your passion for this area of study?
“I’ve always loved how data and statistics can apply to any field. Every company, job, and industry ultimately revolves around data and what it reveals. During my undergrad, I took a statistical inference class and worked on a project using NHL data. That experience sparked my passion for learning more about statistics.
What are your career goals after completing this program, and how do you think this degree will help you achieve them?
“My goal is to work as a statistical consultant or as a biostatistician in the Biopharma industry, and I believe the MSSP program is the perfect fit. One of the standout features is its consulting firm, where I get hands-on experience as a student consultant for various departments. Right now, I’m helping analyze data from a neurodegenerative disease study—how cool! These experiences not only strengthen my statistical abilities but also enhance my communication skills, helping me effectively convey technical information to non-technical or non-statistical audiences. The frequent presentations we’re required to do have greatly improved my public speaking skills and boosted my confidence in explaining statistical methodologies.
How do you think BU helped you to achieve success so far and how do you think it’s going to contribute to your future?
“In just a few months, I’ve already felt the power of BU’s network. MSSP really delivers if you’re willing to put in the work and invest in your future. The mentorship I’ve received from the professors of practice has been huge. I regularly stop by Professor Haviland Wright’s office to chat about job opportunities, get life advice, or go over technical questions for interviews. I’ve felt supported through every part of my academic and career journey.
It’s not just Haviland, both Masanao Yajima and Fotios Kokkotos have also been really helpful, sharing advice from their own experiences and giving me tools to grow my network and expand my knowledge. I know that even after MSSP, my mentors won’t disappear—they stay connected with alumni, even those who graduated more than five years ago. Knowing that I’ll have that continued support has been invaluable.”
What are some opportunities and resources at BU that you’ve utilized and would recommend others to leverage during their time at BU that will significantly benefit them?
“For anyone looking to break into tech or a data-related field, BU offers a program called the “Data Science Mentorship Circles,” which you can apply to in late summer. If accepted, you get to connect with established data scientists who graduated from BU and now work in technical roles. This year alone, at least four data scientists from Google participated. It’s been a great resource for me, providing mentorship from someone who knows the interview process and the steps needed to succeed after graduation.
On top of that, BU regularly hosts math and stats talks featuring professors from top schools like Harvard, MIT, and UCLA. These talks expose you to new research and give you a chance to expand your network within academia. Plus, BU offers plenty of opportunities to attend career fairs, where you can connect with top companies from Boston and across the country, increasing your chances of landing a job after you graduate.”
Could you share a strategy or a technique you implemented that helps you achieve an efficient work life balance during graduate school?
“I won’t lie—grad school for me mostly means spending hours on the fourth floor of the Center for Data Science and Computing. Between attending class, homework, networking, and job hunting, there’s little downtime. I chose an accelerated one-year track for the MSSP program, so things are probably a little more intense for me than for some of my peers who opted for the year-and-a-half route. But no matter the track, we’re all incredibly busy. Entering a STEM grad program with the expectation that it’s going to be a challenge is key, as most of your time will be spent focusing on your academic and professional growth.
That said, I’ve learned that to avoid burnout, it’s essential to take care of yourself. For me, that means two things: getting enough sleep every night and making time to exercise at least 3-4 times a week. Dedicating just a few extra hours each day to rest and physical activity has made a significant difference, helping me stay focused and energized when it’s time to dive into my work. Those small adjustments have allowed me to be more productive and stay sharp throughout this fast-paced program.”
Did you have a mentor, professor, or a peer who significantly impacted your success? How did their guidance shape your path?
“I didn’t fully appreciate the value of having a mentor during my undergraduate years. Most of my success came from an intrinsic motivation to make myself proud and to excel academically. Now that my focus has shifted from just academics to building a career, I find myself looking to individuals with much more life experience, and that’s where MSSP really stands out, as I mentioned before. My academic drive has definitely carried over from my previous school, but now I feel guided as I step into this first truly unknown phase of my life. Having mentors to lean on makes a huge difference, helping me navigate this new territory with more confidence.”
Looking back on your journey so far, what do you consider your biggest accomplishment in this program?
“I think it’s pretty exciting that I’m only a month and a half into this program and have already made enough of an impact to be asked to do an interview about my experience. I feel honored to represent MSSP and to share what I see as the strengths of this program. “
What advice would you give to someone considering a Master’s in Statistical Practice?
“I believe MSSP is an excellent program for anyone driven to learn how to make informed decisions with data, improve their communication skills, and enter the workforce after graduation. However, one thing I must emphasize is that graduate degrees are designed for those who are eager to learn, curious, and willing to go above and beyond the coursework to fully understand the concepts.
MSSP is what you make of it. It’s essential not only to focus on your coursework but also to invest in your personal growth. This program offers a year’s worth of personal development, encouraging you to stumble, explore new areas, and even fail. In this program, your setbacks become stepping stones to a successful and fulfilling career.”
About the Author:
Doğa Sevgi
Marketing & Communication Assistant, GRS
Bachelor of Science, Psychology