Experiential Learning in Data Science

Our Applied Data Science Master’s program provides a range of opportunities for experiential learning, where students can complement the conceptual concepts that are taught in the classroom.

Internships

Many students in our Applied Data Science graduate program do an internship. Students can optionally do an internship for credit. Most students are paid for their internships, but some students do an internship where it is not paid. See student write-ups on their internship, offering reflections on what they learnt as well as suggestions for students looking to get an internship.

Data Science Day

Each fall the iSchool hosts Data Science Day – an on-campus and virtual event for prospective and current students, faculty and alumni to convene, share best practices and research updates, hear from industry experts, and learn about advances in the field and career opportunities.

Poster Day

Engaging in project-based learning is a key aspect of our experiential education approach, and the majority of our courses include a significant project component. Many of these projects involve presenting results through information visualizations.

To share our information visualizations, twice a year, we hold a “Poster Day” where students showcase their posters to the iSchool community. Below, you can find examples of posters presented at previous sessions.

Student-Faculty Research

Doing research with a faculty member is another way for students in the iSchool’s Applied Data Science graduate program to gain experience “doing data science in the real world”.

One way students do research with our faculty is via our Faculty Assistant Program. Via this program you get to team up with iSchool faculty to work on research projects (explore our Research Centers and Labs to get an idea of faculty research).

Explore student write-ups of their research experience, and how their research efforts influenced their path going forward.

Earning a Dream Job Can Start at the iSchool – Jay Kachhadia

Jay shares how his decision to work as an iSchool research assistant helped him secure his dream role in the entertainment industry.

Personalizing the iSchool Experience with Electives and Faculty Assistantships – Raj Desai G’21

Raj found the practical experience he was looking for at the iSchool through hands-on experience and research projects.

Student-led consulting projects

Our iConsult Collaborative provides an opportunity for students to work with clients and corporate partners in this University-wide program that assembles cross-functional teams for client-facing Data and IT projects you can add to your professional portfolio.

Profession-focused Student Groups

Another way to gain experience “doing data science” is via one of our many data science related student groups, such as:

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
We can help you build your knowledge and connections in the field of information technology

Black and LatinX Information Science and Technology Support (BLISTS)
BLISTS helps educate Black and Latinx students on all facets of information studies and networking.

Data Science Club
Explore the possible career paths in data science via projects, talks and other events.

Women in Technology
We help women enter and build successful careers in technology-related fields.

Worldwide Innovation Technology (WiTec)
Collaborate with other universities and professional organizations on a variety of business and tech projects.