B.Sc (Data Science and Applications)
When the world came to a standstill during the COVID-19 pandemic, Saima Shroff, then a 12th grader living in Muscat, Oman, seized the opportunity to embark on a bold new chapter. Fresh out of school, she recalled that her school’s shift to online learning during the pandemic was a temporary workaround. Yet, amidst a world that had suddenly gone fully digital, she recognized an unexpected opportunity and began navigating this new landscape. She appreciated the medium more and more – “I liked the freedom it offered during my 12th grade,” she recalls.
Then came a turning point in her life through a career fair organised by her school, where she came across Professor Prathap Haridoss elaborating on the IITM BS Degree in Data Science and Application. “The content, the flexibility, the structure – it all made sense”, she says. She fellin love with the idea, and that day, a seed was planted—a seed that blossomed once Saima finished school.
But, this transition was no cake walk. “The learning approach here was totally different from what I was used to in school,” she admits. But like any diligent student, she adapted.
Saima persistently adapted to each course, from building a schedule to developing a learning pace. With four subjects per term, she quickly mastered the art of time management and self-discipline—skills she now considers her biggest wins on this journey.
While she chose to stay under the radar, throughout the foundation and early days of her diploma, focusing solely on academics, she pushed herself into taking up the mantle of Graphic Designer of Bandipur House in October 2024. Eventually, she went on to become the Web- Admin of the same, “I learned a lot from organising events and interacting with people from all over,” she shares. “I got a chance to connect with a variety of new people with vibrant personalities and backgrounds.” She has not yet made it to Paradox, but she’s hopeful for the coming year.
Speaking of what sets this degree apart, Saima lauds its hands-on approach.
“You start with the fundamentals like mathematics and statistics, and then dive deep into data science, programming, and business analytics. Crucially, hands-on projects allow you to directly apply the knowledge you acquire,”
she says. A highlight would be her BDM project, where she helped a family business tackle volatile raw material prices. “It was the perfect mix of machine learning and business problem-solving. I learned so much by doing!”
At present, Saima is focused on pursuing a Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity in the USA, with applications submitted and awaiting a positive response. To strengthen her path toward higher education in Cybersecurity, she’s also taking relevant certificate courses. In the longer term, however, she envisions venturing into entrepreneurship. After completing her higher studies and
gaining sufficient experience in the job market, she plans to embark on her own business adventure. To her fellow students and those who will follow, she says that: “This program has challenged me, shaped me, and helped me grow more than I imagined. If you like solving problems and want to keep evolving, this is the place to be. It is not always easy, but it is absolutely worth it.”
