Pronouns: She/Her
Home Country: India
Field of Study: MS Statistical Practice
Vajinder Kaur, from India is expected to complete her master’s in Statistical Practice in August 2025. We sat down with Vajinder 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 come from a pure mathematics background, and my mother is a mathematics tutor. You could say that the environment influenced me, but I have always been a “math person” when it came to academics. However, during my final semester as an undergraduate, I decided not to pursue pure mathematics further, despite my passion for it. This was because I wanted to explore the practical aspects of mathematics—those that I could apply and see making an impact in real life. This decision led me to study data science for a while before transitioning to machine learning and, eventually, statistics.
Could you describe a time where you encountered a significant academic challenge in your graduate studies? How did you approach this obstacle and what did you learn from the experience?
A significant obstacle for me (even now) has been transitioning from the pure to the applied side of mathematics. During the bootcamp in MSSP, while studying probability theory, I realized that the bridge between pure and applied mathematics is linear algebra. Because I never studied linear algebra from the perspective of applied mathematics, it was initially challenging to visualize certain concepts. I have been improving—and am now transitioning more smoothly—by connecting with people who have had similar journeys and successfully made the shift into applied fields.
What is one thing you believe is crucial for academic/professional success but is overlooked by many?
Having been a studious person throughout high school and deeply involved in extracurricular activities during my undergraduate years, I came to realize several important lessons that I and many of my peers had overlooked. One of the key insights was that many people have a narrow, “horse-blinders” perspective—focusing too much on one aspect while neglecting others. I, for instance, underestimated the power of communication and networking.
Networking, in particular, has been transformative for me. It provides not just constructive criticism but also motivation, especially when engaging with experts who are actively applying what we learn in the classroom to solve real-world problems. I’ve noticed that many people, not just students, hesitate to reach out to others, which holds them back.
As one of my MSSP professors aptly put it, “Skills matter, but what will get you the job is people.” This perspective has been instrumental in shaping my journey and helping me reach where I am today.
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 benefit them in the future too?
I am part of the Data Science Mentoring Circles Program, which has been an incredible resource for connecting with industry professionals who serve as mentors. They provide valuable guidance on understanding industry expectations, including resume optimization, interview preparation, salary negotiation, and more.
Another excellent resource is GWISE (Graduate Women in Science and Engineering). The activities they organize offer fantastic opportunities to network and connect with like-minded individuals. As a first-generation student, I have also greatly benefited from the First Gen Newbury Center at BU, which provides support for students like me who might feel a bit uncertain about navigating certain aspects of academia and beyond.
Beyond these, my department’s support has been invaluable—whether it’s arranging rides or providing funding to attend conferences at other universities. Lastly, cultural communities like the BU India Club, BU SUNO, and the Hindu Cultural Association have been a wonderful source of support and connection throughout my time here.
How did graduate school at BU prepare you for professional life?
With class presentations, meetings with alumni, client consultations for projects, partner project discussions, and tight deadlines—all while studying new concepts in class—I can’t imagine a better way to prepare for professional life. Balancing learning with real-world implementation is a skill many lack, but it’s something that MSSP students are developing, little by little, every day.
One of our alumni once said, “Learn to enjoy being busy because it’s not going to get better even later.” Hearing such words of motivation has been one of the best parts of my week.
Could you share a strategy or a technique you implemented that helps you achieve an efficient work life balance during graduate school?
I would recommend the same advice that was given to me—and countless others—by our program administrator, Ronan: create a sheet or document listing your daily tasks, prioritized by importance. It might sound simple, even silly, but trust me, using colors and checking off items as you complete them provides a sense of motivation that’s hard to beat.
Additionally, break down the tasks on your list into the smallest possible steps that you can realistically complete. The goal is to feel the thrill of accomplishment, which encourages you to keep going, rather than the frustration of seeing unfinished tasks lingering on the list for too long and eventually giving up. Remember, bite off only as much as you can chew.
Did you have a mentor, professor, or colleague who significantly impacted your success? How did their guidance shape your path?
I have been fortunate to have several influential figures in my life who have greatly impacted where I am today. One of them is Prof. Anand Prabha from Kanya Maha Vidyalaya, who encouraged me to pursue my undergraduate studies. She recognized my potential early on and helped shape me into a confident version of myself over those three years. Whether it was by praising me, critiquing even the smallest details like margins or page alignment, or pushing me to step into the spotlight, she constantly motivated me to improve.
During the Mathematics Talent Search and Training Programme, I met Professor Satya, who left a lasting impression on me. By the end of the program, he told me, “I don’t know what happened in your life, but remember, you are stronger than you imagine. If you can’t enjoy life, you can’t enjoy anything, including mathematics, and you won’t make significant progress in it.”
Another key figure is Ronan, the Program Administrator of MSSP, who taught me the importance of networking and LinkedIn. He often said, “Ask for what you want without hesitation,” a lesson that has guided me ever since.
There are so many other professors and colleagues who have had a profound impact on me that I can’t possibly list them all. But to each of them, I am deeply grateful.
A supportive network is crucial for success. How did you build your support network during your studies or professional life? What advice do you have for other students in building theirs?
Talking—something I’m really good at, maybe even too good at. I’ve often been told to channel the energy I spend on talking into something more “productive.” But guess what? Talking is one of my strengths—I can strike up a conversation with just about anyone.
You don’t need to be an extrovert to talk or build a network. Yes, you read that right. Even an introvert can be professionally extroverted. Here’s the difference: in your professional life, you already have the subject matter knowledge, and the key is getting to know the right people. In your personal life, you already know the people, and the subject matter is often the challenge to understand.
To make this transition smoother, start small. Practice talking with your classmates, then move on to professors, and eventually step outside the university. Networking is a skill that grows with practice, and it’s worth cultivating.
What were some of the research or internship opportunities you experienced while at BU that helped shape your future career?
I am currently working on a Partner Project with Fidelity Investments, which aligns closely with my career aspirations to study quantitative methods in the future. In addition to this, while not a traditional research opportunity, our consulting project at BU allows us to serve as student statistical consultants.
These projects involve conducting literature reviews and delving into the subject matter before performing statistical analysis. This process has been invaluable, as it has exposed me to topics and concepts I might not have encountered otherwise.
What would you say to people who are currently in their graduate school journey?
I shared this with one of my classmates recently and would like to share it here as well: Build strong bonds with your classmates, especially through extracurricular activities outside the classroom. Make it a point to attend classes unless you’re pursuing an opportunity that could potentially change your life.
Engage with your classmates and professors. This advice is particularly relevant to those who feel they can get an A without attending class. Sure, you might achieve that grade, but remember—the relationships you form through academia can support you throughout your life. Your classmates may become your first customers, collaborators, or even mentors down the road.
At the same time, don’t be too rigid about grades or class attendance. Strive for a balance: gain skills, build connections, and aim for decent grades. This approach is far more valuable than having straight A’s but no practical skills or meaningful connections.
About the Author:
Doğa Sevgi
Marketing & Communication Assistant, GRS
Bachelor of Science, Psychology