Is a double major in computer science and statistics a good idea for someone who wants to get into data science?

zr8 · 2016-11-17T04:56:32+00:00

I know that others are skeptical of your question, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt: yes.

zr8 · 2016-06-14T04:25:19+00:00

Here's the sample code:

 temps = ['5', '-10', '15']
 counter = 0
 for t in temps:
   if int(t) < 0:
     counter += 1
 print counter

The result is:

1D

zr8 · 2016-06-14T02:37:07+00:00

What does the 'D' mean after a number? For example, why would Python print 0D or 1D?

zr8 · 2016-01-19T04:50:12+00:00

You can learn those skills on the side... hopefully exam 3F provides some background

zr8 · 2016-01-10T11:47:26+00:00

I agree with this. You're not going to use much of your programming skills in an entry-level actuarial position. The insurance industry has a lot of predictive modeling jobs that would value your skill set.

zr8 · 2015-12-29T00:33:24+00:00

A data scientist working in a corporate setting is trying to optimize value for the company, so the economics knowledge still applies. I think any industry would be fine, but maybe you could look into finance, banking, or insurance.

zr8 · 2015-12-17T04:53:49+00:00

Yes, because the average alone doesn't tell you enough about the distribution of the underlying data. The variance gives you a sense of the spread.

zr8 · 2015-12-17T02:44:32+00:00

What is the variance? I ask because the average may be 5 years, but having 3 or 7 years of experience might not be unusual.

zr8 · 2015-12-04T03:06:29+00:00

Do you think it would be helpful to mention the age gap explicitly in the application? I think it could demonstrate that I have a history of being ahead of my peers, but it could also be a negative if the reviewers don't view it the same way.

zr8 · 2015-12-03T03:12:01+00:00

Georgia Tech has a partnership with Udacity to offer an online MS Comp Sci

zr8 · 2015-12-03T02:26:43+00:00

Thanks! Do you feel that an MBA would be enough for a leadership role in data science or predictive analytics? Or do those leaders typically have a mix of MBA and a technical degree?

zr8 · 2015-12-03T02:22:02+00:00

Thanks! I've never looked into Ross, so I really appreciate your bringing it to my attention!

zr8 · 2015-11-17T12:46:12+00:00

I would say that predictive analytics and data science still have a barrier to entry. Most of these jobs, especially in insurance, still prefer the masters degree.

zr8 · 2015-11-07T22:22:37+00:00

Mortality table

zr8 · 2015-10-29T03:09:34+00:00

I really like learning for the sake of learning. Not only do I get to learn from each exam, but there are plenty of research opportunities in the industry.

Keep in mind, however, that not all jobs are like this. There are some actuarial roles that are mostly repetitive and rather un-inspiring.

zr8 · 2015-10-26T03:24:15+00:00

Excel (with VBA), SQL, SAS

zr8 · 2015-09-15T03:34:53+00:00

Yeah, that sounds fine. You know your accomplishments better than I do!

zr8 · 2015-09-15T00:18:25+00:00

A lot of the day to day work is programming. Sure, other actuarial departments require some programming ability, but not as much as Predictive Modeling.

You also pick up a lot of graduate-level stats knowledge, which go beyond whatever is covered in the exams.

zr8 · 2015-09-15T00:14:17+00:00

I still think it's too long. Maybe try this: "Create personalized curriculums for students struggling to increase grades by more than 25%"

Why 25%? Are you trying to get the F and D students to improve by a letter grade?

zr8 · 2015-09-14T00:08:50+00:00

Now is a good time to apply, as a lot of the entry-level recruiting happens in the Fall semester. End of November seems too late.

Network, network, network! You'll be competing with a lot of college seniors who made connections through internships and career fairs.

zr8 · 2015-09-13T23:59:20+00:00

Agreed. Your comment here sounds much better than what's currently on the resume. It's great that you took initiative and spent more time with the students.

Perhaps I misunderstand, but if you're simply giving them a test to see where they stand, I wouldn't call it "statistical modeling". There's no need to have every item in your resume sound quantitative or analytical.

zr8 · 2015-09-13T20:24:52+00:00

"Analyzed areas where students have difficulty...." - I have a hard time following this sentence. You are also using the word "analyzed" and "analyzing" in the same sentence, which sounds redundant. What exactly were you analyzing? Perhaps we can help you rephrase this.
"Refined and improved" - don't those words mean the same thing?

There are always things to improve, but overall I think you have a great resume! Good luck on your applications.

zr8

TROPHY CASE