When I started at the University of Illinois, double majoring in Information Science (IS) and Data Science (DS) was not part of my plan. I initially chose IS because it offered a balance between technical and non-technical fields, but I wasn’t sure where it would lead me. Coding wasn’t my passion, and I wanted a career that combined technical skills with communication, leadership, and collaboration.
As I progressed through my coursework, I realized the importance of complementing IS's non-technical focus with technical skills. The introduction of the DS major during my junior year felt like the perfect opportunity to bridge that gap and build a well-rounded academic foundation. Combining IS with DS allowed me to explore statistical analysis and data interpretation while maintaining flexibility to pursue interdisciplinary opportunities.
Outside of classes, my time at Illinois was filled with incredible opportunities that helped shape who I am today. Quad Day was one of my favorite events—it showcased the diversity of student organizations on campus. There were clubs for everything, even beekeeping. But what had the biggest impact on me were professional organizations like the Illinois Data Science Club, which I co-founded in 2021, and fully launched in 2022. We organized hackathons where teams worked on complete data science pipelines, from analyzing datasets to presenting solutions. Seeing students grow their skills and confidence through these events was one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career.
I also served as an iSchool Ambassador for three years, which gave me the chance to work closely with faculty and contribute to improving the student experience at Illinois. On top of that, cultural organizations like Hindu Yuva helped me stay connected to my roots while giving me a sense of community on campus. Both professional and non-professional student organizations were invaluable. Professional student organizations helped me develop career skills, while non-professional ones provided fresh perspectives on personal and professional environments.
Reflecting on my time at Illinois, I’m grateful for the experiences that shaped me both personally and professionally. The faculty and resources at Illinois were instrumental in guiding me toward my passions and future goals. My advisors were incredibly supportive—they helped me identify my interests, connect with resources, and develop the skills necessary for success.
My journey to becoming a Risk Analyst at Amazon was far from straightforward. Initially, I planned to graduate in December 2023, but due to challenges in a course, I had to extend my graduation to May 2024. While this was unexpected, it gave me time to refine my skills and explore more opportunities. During this time, I encountered setbacks in my job search despite persistent applications and networking.
My internship at a pharmaceutical company provided invaluable experience in applying data science to the healthcare industry. While their program did not offer return positions, it gave me the opportunity to develop industry skills and expand my professional network. In summer 2024, I received an offer from Amazon after completing their rigorous interview process. I chose Amazon because of its emphasis on leadership principles and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, which align with my long-term career goals. What stands out most about Amazon is how its leadership principles shape teamwork and individual growth, making it easier to adapt to the fast-paced environment. The company encourages exploring new teams and projects while providing strong support and learning resources.
Looking ahead, I see myself in a leadership role within business intelligence (BI) over the next five years. BI is the perfect blend of technical and non-technical work, which aligns with my strengths and interests. To achieve this goal, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in finance or financial engineering within the next 2–3 years. My experience at Amazon has shown me the importance of financial acumen in driving business success, inspiring me to gain higher education in finance to complement my technical skills and prepare for advanced roles.
If there’s one piece of advice I’d give current students, it’s this: don’t shy away from opportunities just because they seem daunting at first glance. Take small steps toward your goals—you’ll be surprised by how much you can achieve once you get started. And don’t compare yourself to others; everyone’s journey is different. Focus on what makes you happy and pursue it wholeheartedly.