Ben is a Sophomore at CECS, majoring in Data Science. He is a Student Ambassador. Keep scrolling to learn more about him and his time at CECS!
What interested him about CECS
When I first toured the college before becoming a student, I knew I wanted to be a data science major, but I accidentally went to the wrong building to tour. Then, my family and I saw the robot dogs while walking down Ped Walkway, and the faculty told us it was CECS! I was able to personally meet with the faculty and staff and learn just how innovative, student-focused, and future-oriented the college was going to be. I was also excited to be a part of something brand new and growing.
Why he chose Data Science as his major
I chose Data Science as my major because I’ve always had a natural interest in programming and a fascination with statistics and the way numbers work. Most importantly, I recognized that Data Science is a versatile skill that can be applied to any field, which is perfect for me because I have many different interests. I had a small background with coding for a while, but I didn’t want to strictly do coding or computer science [as a career]. I’ve also always been good at statistics and probability, so I knew data science would be good for my future career. I’m interested in pursuing a career in a financial field, maybe in sports analytics. Somewhere I can combine my people skills and computer skills, not just be behind a computer.
Favorite part about being a CECS Student Ambassador
My favorite part about being a Student Ambassador is being able to passionately represent a college that has given so much to me and has played a major role in my professional and personal development. I enjoy sharing my experiences with others while informing them about all of the opportunities CECS offers in being able to develop, make connections, and succeed in the future.
I’ve enjoyed being able to interact one-on-one with industry professionals. Having personal time with them, along with group mentorship at RISE Base Camp, has been HUGE! They get to know me personally, and I get to practice professional communication skills while actively meeting industry professionals!
Most valuable lesson as a CECS student
The most valuable lesson that I have learned from CECS thus far is the importance of creating meaningful connections within a community. I have always been great at meeting new people and presenting myself, but CECS has taught me how I can apply those skills to develop lasting, purposeful relationships.
If you could tell other students one thing about CECS, what would it be?
If I could tell people one thing about CECS, it would be about just how much the faculty and teachers here care about their students and their success on a personal level. They take the time to get to know all about you, and they genuinely care about your future and they provide all of the necessary tools for being able to succeed.
Future plans
After I graduate, I hope to combine all of my academic skills with the experiences I’ve gained through CECS and my time as a Student Ambassador. My goal is to pursue a career in a field that interests me, one where I can use data to drive decisions and passionately communicate my findings to others. I have found that I do my best work on things that tailor to my interests because it enables me to bring enthusiasm and creativity into what I do. Ultimately, I plan on combining skills and experiences I have attained with my strong work ethic to make a meaningful impact in my future career, while also continuing to grow both personally and professionally.