BS (Data Science and Applications)
Shreya Garg has never shied away from a challenge. Her educational journey is defined by adaptability and seizing opportunities, as she chose an unexpected path that eventually led her to the BS Degree.
Shreya began with a BA (Honours) in English, followed that with a BCA, and is now pursuing the BS Degree in Data Science and Applications from IIT Madras. She admits her path was “confusing yet exciting at the same time.”
Her English degree was completed via distance learning while she prepared for government jobs.
Then, COVID-19 closed many conventional doors but opened an unexpected one: the IITM BS Program.
At the time, eligibility required an offline degree (either completed or ongoing). Since her distance-learning BA didn’t meet this requirement, she simultaneously enrolled in a BCA program simply to qualify for the BS Degree. For a while, she was pursuing three degrees at once! “It was tedious,” she recalls, “but it honed my skills and added to my educational broadness and strength.”
Coming from a science background, Shreya had always dreamed of studying engineering at a reputed institution. Circumstances prevented it earlier, but the BS program offered her a fresh opportunity – and this time, she seized it.
The program brought not only academic growth but also career opportunities. She started as an intern and later took on roles as an AI Research Analyst and Content Writer. Her internship quickly transitioned into a full-time position. However, after six months, once she entered the Degree level of the BS program, she chose to step back and focus completely on her academics.
Shreya describes the program as transformative, both academically and personally. “The first big change was discipline,” she notes. With exams scheduled almost every month, the program’s structure forced her to build and maintain a consistent routine.
Academically, the degree sharpened her problem-solving skills and adaptability – qualities that proved invaluable at her workplace.
“Often, I had to figure out solutions quickly. The ability to find the right sources and apply concepts in the right way came directly from what I learned here at IITM.” She also credits the program for broadening her perspective. “It taught me to keep my mind open to new ideas, new methods, and new ways of thinking.”
When asked what makes the BS Degree stand out, Shreya is quick with her answer: The Projects. “They feel like real-world work and prepare you for industry-level challenges,” she explains.
Shreya also highlights foundational subjects such as Statistics, Probability, and Linear Algebra, which provide the necessary backbone for tackling advanced problems. “These courses don’t just teach you concepts; they train you to apply them effectively.”
For now, Shreya’s sights are set firmly on the future. She aspires to land a well-paying role as a Data Scientist at a reputable company, and if all goes well, she plans to pursue a master’s degree to further strengthen her expertise.
From juggling three degrees at once to finding her footing in AI, Shreya’s journey is proof that the BS Degree acted as a bridge to her aspirations, a crossing she made with discipline, optimism, and courage. “Have faith in yourself,” she concludes, “especially when it feels hardest to do so.”
– Written by Satyaki Goswami
