Yifei Liu

"My Bachelor of Computer Science here first led me towards a data-driven graduate role at a Kiwi company, where I got first-hand experience of how important big data will be in the next decade. Combining this experience with the University of Auckland, the birthplace of 'R,' the globally recognised data science programming language, I knew I had to return to equip myself with the knowledge and skills to thrive in a data-driven world.

"I loved the fact that the design of the programme left all your options open with a good balance of academic and theory components and practical and applied components. For the dissertation, you can choose an area of interest to do pure research or collaborate with local industry on a project to apply your theoretical learnings to the real world. This arrangement has a ton of flexibility, and either option leaves the door open for further study or transition to industry.

"I opted for the industry project, and it opened up many doors for graduate employment options – with a postgraduate offer of employment secured five months before I even graduated due to the alignment of my project to the direction of the industry - the Cloud, AI, and Machine Learning.

"My number one tip is to say 'Yes' to every opportunity presented to you, as this will open up more doors for you than you can possibly imagine. After applying this mindset shift during my Masters, I saw projects, internships, and other opportunities naturally gravitate my way. An easy start is by volunteering to be the Class Representative for one of your papers and putting in the effort to produce the best outcomes for your cohort.
 

"Definitely join and participate in social and academic societies like the Data Science Club! I joined as a regular member three weeks into my degree and worked my way up to vice president by the time I graduated. It has opened up incredible opportunities to network with the local data science community and was an experience that also developed my soft skills immensely. Two years go by in the flash of an eye, but the friendships and connections you build while studying will stay with you for a lifetime!"