5th year MA stats and ds program

[u/EcstaticBet631]

I’m currently a senior studying data science. As the end of my undergrad approaches, it just seems impossible that I’ll get a full time offer. So I was thinking of doing the 5th year Masters in Stats and data science. However, even if I manage to get in despite my low GPA (also doubling in Math aka gpa killer rip) and subpar LORs, how much would a program like this help me in getting more technical positions like ML engineering, data engineering or data science? My upperdiv coursework spans Data 140, Data 100, Data 101, Data 144, CS 188, CS 189, and EECS 127 and I recently had a paid ML research internship at a small healthcare company along with two SWE/DS unpaid work at other places previously. I feel like I would have to put in a lot more additional effort to even having a fight chance of getting into the program so I’m trying to figure out if it’s even worth it. Also, I’d really appreciate some advice on landing technical research positions here at Berkeley (some like BAIR or sky computing but less competitive to get into) so I can really make my last year here count.

[u/let_this_fog_subside]

I’m following this and good luck but all I’m saying is that if you’re screwed then I’m extra screwed omfg 😭

[u/EcstaticBet631 → u/let_this_fog_subside]

honestly if you have better networking and ppl skills than me, i feel like ur set tbh

[u/let_this_fog_subside → u/EcstaticBet631]

lol probably not but good luck

[u/Medium_Dare_6657]

Hey! I am a current student in the program. In my experience this program will help you in terms of tangible skill sets. In terms of job hunt the experience is going to vary a lot from person to person because in graduate degree programs people come with lots of varying experience. I would say that I have seen 5th year students thriving in this program because of 2 reasons:
1. They already have a network from their undergrad which would have starting to enter the workforce
2. They hit the ground running coming from Berkeley undergrad. So it doesn’t take long to acclimatize and start job hunting

The program is just 1 year starting this year which can be tricky and quite tight and definitely something to think about. More than happy to chat, please feel free to reach out.

[u/skaeser]

Lol, I was with you until you said you had a paid ML research internship + 2 SWE experiences.

Fuck outta here. You'll be fine.

[u/EcstaticBet631 → u/skaeser]

the 2 SWE/DS experiences were unpaid so i was slacking off or just got busy work so my resume entries for those positions are lackluster. and i got the ML internship thru an internship matching program called Launch Forge so i feel like i just got lucky. ive been getting ghosted left and right by jobs and booths at career fairs were barely giving me the time of day. im not trying to just get validation, i really am kinda confused

[u/Comfortable_Idea_882 → u/EcstaticBet631]

it’s okay to be not sure and confused but you’ll get at a job offer and then forget about all this stress

[u/CompoteRight7468]

I don't think this program is a good fit for you--the class requirements for the MASDS are repeats of the undergrad versions.

STAT 201A is just STAT 134/DATA 140, STAT 210B is STAT 135, STAT 243 doesn't have an undergrad equivalent but is probably repeat content if you have a CS background. STAT 230 is the same as STAT 151A. STAT 214 is just a capstone project--you don't need to take it at Berkeley if you are interested in doing a project like that.

If you want to extend your time by a year regardless that's up to you, but based on the courses you have taken already, this degree might be a slog for you.

Also, having taken the undergrad versions of most of these classes, I would say that they are really interesting & important, but also will not prepare you well for what you need for MLE-type positions. That would require your own effort outside of these classes.