I am set to enroll in the MDS program at UBC, and I’m seeking feedback from anyone working in the data science field. Based on my research, it seems like UBC’s MDS program offers practical skills and content directly applicable in the workplace. If anyone has thoughts or experiences to share, I’d love to hear them!
I’m currently enrolled in the Computational Linguistics specialization. Wow, the workload is really intense, especially if you don’t have a strong background in programming and statistics. It can be quite challenging! I find that an in-person bootcamp tends to be more demanding compared to an online one. The level of motivation to succeed is also higher due to the strict grading policies, where failing even one class can result in dismissal. After just one block, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge. One of the challenges I’ve encountered is that, with the amount of information I’m absorbing at such a rapid pace, it becomes difficult to retain all of the material. I don’t have any personal experience with job prospects, but I am aware that MDS-V offers a mentorship program. Feel free to send me a private message if you have any further questions.
Though the programme appears to be well-designed, its cost seems high given that all of the material can be found online, for instance on websites like DataCamp. However, I don’t see why you shouldn’t acquire a master’s degree if you don’t already have one and you know you want to. Many positions in data science require a PhD or master’s degree.
The UBC MDS program offers practical skills useful in data science, but its one year duration might be a concern. Students from non-CS backgrounds may struggle with programming basics, and the program’s assignment-heavy nature and intense teaching style can be challenging. Despite these issues, many students successfully complete it and progress in their careers.
Based on reviews I have obtained from students enrolled on the UBC MDS program, the university has expert teachers therefore students are ensured to learn the newest things in data science.