BS (Data Science and Applications)
When you meet Smita Dhadal, you can see right away that she knows what she wants and is determined to get it. She lives in Dubai and has a degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering, yet, she discovered that her real passion lies in the exciting field of Data Science.
For someone already in a management role, this change was more than just learning new skills. It was about starting over, learning the basics of the field, and getting ready to move her career to the next level.
Long before ‘AI’ became a buzzword, Smita had already stepped into the field – working in data science roles at a time when experts were few and resources were limited. Her early experience gave her an edge; wanting for more, she planned to go back to the basics and to learn every concept from scratch. For that, the choice was clear – pursue the BS Degree in Data Science and Applications from IIT Madras. “I wanted the foundation, the complete picture. And what could be better than learning it from IIT Madras?!” she smiles.
Today, Smita is at the BSc level of the program, nearing completion, and already working in a contractual role for AX Advisory, a Texas-based firm – one she hopes to make permanent soon. But the transformation, she emphasises, is more than professional. “I feel like a new person now, in every way,” she reflects. “It’s not just the knowledge, but rather the mental makeover.”
Being a strong individual performer, she once doubted her ability to excel in team settings. The team projects in the BS degree, however, changed that.
The projects didn’t just test technical skills, but also fostered collaboration, communication, and leadership.
“Now I’m confident I can work in a team just as well as I work alone. This course shapes your personality just as much as your professional skills.”
Life in Dubai, along with caring for her 11-year-old son, means Smita hasn’t been able to immerse herself in the co-curricular side of the program at all. Yet she made it to campus for Paradox 2025, receiving her merit certificate from the hands of Professor Andrew Thangaraj – a moment she cherishes deeply. “That stage where I walked to accept my certificate – it felt sacred. I had goosebumps,” she recalls with a mixture of pride and humility.
She believes that this accomplishment was possible because of the comprehensiveness this program offers – the IITM BS Degree’s unique strength.
In the real-world data science industry, she says, every role expects something different from you – sometimes it is frontend development, sometimes it is backend. Sometimes it is machine learning, while at times it is business analytics. This course prepares a student for all of it. “You name it and it is in the curriculum. The projects are practical, relevant, and make it a complete package.”
Aside from the BS Program, she also took the NPTEL lane, covering courses such as “Data Mining”, “Cyber Security and Privacy”, “Customer Relationship Management”, and “Consumer Psychology”. She also speaks highly of courses taught by Professor Mitesh Khapra and mentions her fascination with the Quantum Computing course – something she hopes to explore further in the future.
The road ahead for Smita is clear, ambitious and inspiring. First, she aims for a full-time role in data science while upgrading to MTech. Then she has her sights on a PhD, culminating in her ultimate goal of starting her own company. “It’s a big dream,” she admits, “but it’s there.”
For those considering the IITM BS Degree, her advice is straightforward: “This is the best course for anyone who wants to dive deep into ML and AI. It is the future. Learn how to use it – because AI won’t replace your job, but people who know AI will.”
For Smita, the IITM BS Degree is not just a qualification – it is a catalyst for personal and professional reinvention. From an engineer to a confident data scientist, from a solo performer to a team player, her path is proof that the right education doesn’t just fill your mind – it reshapes your mindset. And for Smita Dhadal, the transformation is best summed up in her own words: “It’s my mental makeover!”
– written by Satyaki Goswami
