Kajal Vishwakarma is a CECS Student, pursuing a dual degree in Applied Cybersecurity and Data Science, President/Founder of the Data Science Club, Founder & Editor of The Real Job on Substack, and a member of the CECS Student Advisory Council.
What brought you to CECS?
“I first heard about CECS while researching colleges during my senior year of high school. The Data Science program interested me because a lot of schools don’t have one! Looking at the classes, I thought CECS did a great job mixing the mathematics and coding aspects.”
wanted to pursue applied mathematics, having a math heavy courseload was important to her
Why did you choose your major?
“I always wanted to pursue applied mathematics, so having a math heavy course load was important to me! Also, I wanted a major that could be flexible no matter the field I’ll go into. Tech changes so much, and I figured that’s the best place for me to be!”
“Now, I’m pursuing a dual degree in cybersecurity! I think the two majors go really well together, and CYBR 495, which is Gray Zone Warfare, really piqued my interest in cybersecurity. It is such a cool class!”
What is your favorite part about being a CECS student?
“My favorite part about CECS is the individualized attention we get from faculty both in and outside of class at events. Also, the faculty are so passionate about what they do, and it really changes the way the class is taught. It inspires me to do better in class and learn more!”
You started the Data Science Club. Tell us more about that.
“We’re a really small college, so I wanted to build the sense of community. I thought the club would be perfect to have a separate space for us to do things like EDA, host small competitions between us, and networking events.”
“Last week, we went to Clayton Homes. I think there was around 10-12 of us there. It was a great experience! I already feel like I’ve received amazing advice from the data analysts in the area! And I think these are connection that will last.”
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a CECS student, so far?
“Probably to keep exploring! We’re given the space to explore different classes and things like that. Right now, I’m taking BAS 320 which is regression modeling, and it is the coolest class ever! I’m grateful for the opportunity to take classes that I actually want to take which may not be the same at other schools or colleges.”
If you could tell other students one thing about CECS, what would it be?
“Planning and exploring is important and encouraged! If I knew someone transferring to CECS, I would emphasize looking over the course catalog and understanding that now is your time to explore everything you could possibly want.”
What do you hope to do after graduation?
“I don’t really have a specific field that I know I want to go into yet. I’m pretty open to doing a lot of things as long as I get to be on the technical side of things. I want to work in a big, metropolitan city, like New York. I will be pursuing my master’s in something, but I don’t know what yet.”