“Comprehensive” and “Well-Rounded” MSCIS Curriculum Prepared MET Alum for Success as a Data Analyst

What motivated you to earn your master’s degree at this point? Why did you choose to fulfill your goal at Metropolitan College?
I began my path as a graduate student at BU’s College of Communication, majoring in Media Science: Marketing Communication Research. Our program offered an opportunity to earn a data analyst certificate from the MET Computer Science Department. When I took courses like Foundations of Analytics and Data Visualization (MET CS 544) and Foundations of Machine Learning (MET CS 555), I found this area quite interesting and not as difficult as I had expected. This sparked the idea of pursuing a second master’s degree in a related area.

What’s more, during my job search for a marketing analyst position, most of the companies required advanced data analytical skills like Python, Java and other system processing skills in which I felt I needed improvement. After discussing the options with my parents (the program didn’t offer scholarships for international student so it could have been a burden for my parents), Computer Science Program Manager Ronette Lyle, Professor of the Practice Farshid Alizadeh-Shabdiz, and College of Communications Professor Michael Elasmar, I decided to apply for my second master’s degree. After reviewing the course offerings, I chose to study Computer Information Systems.

What do you find most fascinating about the discipline of Computer Information
Systems? Do you have a particular focus within the broader field?
Since I had already completed the four core courses of Applied Data Analytics, I chose the MS in Computer Information Systems program because it encompasses all the essential skills I sought as a data analyst while also delving into areas like enterprise management, which I found particularly fascinating. Although the CIS program offers several concentrations, after careful discussion with Ronette, I decided not to select a specific concentration to avoid limiting my future career options.

Additionally, the CIS program includes elective courses that, although requiring consent from the Computer Science Department advisor, were quite convenient to enroll in. These electives proved to be very beneficial once I entered the industry, as they provided a deeper understanding of company structures and operations. Overall, I believe this program offers a well-rounded training opportunity, preparing students broadly rather than focusing on a single area.

Congratulations on your high achievement in the Computer Information Systems program and your Award for Excellence in your studies! Looking back, what do you consider to be the main ingredients of your success?
I believe the main ingredients of my success are my motivation to pursue a deeper understanding of unfamiliar areas and my mindset of never giving up, regardless of what others say, and continuously pushing myself. Initially, the study schedule was quite challenging because I wanted to graduate faster, so I chose to take four computer science courses per semester. There was even a time when my back hurt so much that I could attend class only via Zoom while lying on the ground because I couldn’t sit or stand. That was the most difficult period, and my lack of background in programming required me to devote more time to the courses compared to my classmates. However, I didn’t want to give up or regret my choices in the future, so I always gave my best effort.

How were you able to successfully balance your studies with your commitments outside the classroom?
Balancing my studies with my commitments outside the classroom was challenging, especially since I was also job hunting and working as a research assistant. However, my personality made me well-suited for this demanding schedule. I enjoy staying indoors and spending time alone, which allowed me to be highly productive and efficient in my studies. This preference for solitary work made it easier for me to balance my academic responsibilities with other aspects of my life.

Is there a particular course or project that enhanced your experience in the Computer Information Systems program?
Looking back, the course Database Design and Implementation for Business (MET CS 669) left a lasting impression on me. We engaged in numerous group discussions and projects, which provided valuable experiences in cooperation and collaboration. This course covered a comprehensive range of SQL applications, from SQL coding to ERD (Entity-Relationship Diagram) creation, use cases, and more. I found the content extremely fascinating, and collaborating with classmates from different concentrations broadened my horizons as well.

Can you share any examples of skills, principles, or practices learned in the program that you were concurrently able to apply to your job?
The skills I acquired in SQL, Python, R, and other programming languages have been fundamental in my daily work. One particularly memorable experience happened weeks ago, when I participated in a forum where the keynote address combined business and AI. Many of my colleagues, who had backgrounds solely in media or data, found it challenging to grasp the concepts. However, thanks to the Enterprise Risk Management (MET AD 610) course, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I understood all the theories and principles being discussed. This course, along with others, provided me with a comprehensive understanding that bridged the gap between business and technology, allowing me to apply these concepts effectively in my job.

What’s next for you? If you are changing roles, moving on to a new career, or receiving any promotion, we would love to hear about it. Would you say your program helped prepare you for the next phase of your life/career/education?
I believe this program has provided an excellent foundation for pursuing a wide range of careers, from data analyst to system manager or software engineer. With its diverse curriculum, individuals from various backgrounds can find a place where they fit and thrive. I don’t want to limit my career path because we live in a century characterized by rapid change, and I believe in continuously challenging and improving myself on a lifelong journey to stay competitive.

You were recognized by faculty and peers for your hard work and dedication to the Computer Information Systems program. What “words of advice” or encouragement have served as a guiding principle, or simply inspiration, for you? Any words of wisdom you would like to pass along to students starting in the program?
First and foremost, I am deeply grateful to the professors and my peers for their unwavering support and encouragement. Their assistance has been invaluable to my journey. To all students, especially female students like me, my advice is to believe in yourself and not be limited by others’ words. Embrace your own path and live your own life.

Published September 2024

Connect with Us