BSc (Data Science and Applications)
What happens when you combine a global pandemic, a teenager in the UAE, a keyboard, and a passion for coding? You get a story like Ammar Sajjidali Shaikh’s – a journey now aspiring to reach Abu Dhabi’s leading university for AI.
Living in the UAE, Ammar’s journey into technology began right after 10th grade. While many were simply adjusting to lockdown, Ammar dove headfirst into Python programming. “I was coding almost the entire day,” he recalls, “That’s when I knew this is what I wanted to do for a living.”
His Python journey quickly led him into the fascinating world of ML and AI. However, there was a catch: all his learning came from internet resources, and he craved formal training. After 12th grade, he enrolled in an IT degree program, simultaneously planning to pursue ML certifications and bootcamps.
Then one day, his father told him about a degree being offered by IIT Madras in Data Science and Applications. “It was everything I was looking for – and more,” says Ammar. He had no second thoughts and jumped in. Three years later, he has completed both diplomas and is now well into the degree level.
So, how has the BS Degree changed things for him?
“This degree gave me a solid foundation,” he states, citing TDS as instrumental in helping him secure an interview at Shaffra, an AI-based company, where he now works as a prompt engineer. He adds, “TDS focused a lot on LLMs, and that came in super handy.”
The IITM name on his resume? “Definitely turned a few heads,” he smiles. Ammar especially values the depth of the BS Degree, noting that it sets the program apart. While he had taken many machine learning courses before, none delved so deeply into the underlying mathematics and statistics.
He explains, “Most teach you how to apply the models, while this degree teaches you how the algorithms were working behind the scenes.” For him, the program isn’t just about building a model; it’s about building intuition.
Beyond academics, Ammar has been an active member of “Shah-Maat,” IITM BS Degree’s Chess Society, for the past three years. While he hasn’t yet been able to attend Paradox, he remains hopeful: “Every time it happens, I’m out of India. But I’m hopeful about next year!”
Ammar’s life has taken an interesting turn recently. A few months ago, he applied to Mohamed bin Zayed University of AI in Abu Dhabi on a whim and was pleasantly surprised to be selected for a Master’s Degree in AI! As soon as his BSc level wraps up this August, he’s off to start a new academic journey.
To his fellow students, Ammar says – “Focus on learning, not just grades. Explore the extra content recommended by instructors – the papers, resources, and sessions – because these are what will truly set you apart. While grades matter to an extent, ultimately, your knowledge will speak for itself.”
For Ammar, that knowledge has already begun to open doors.!
