Viktoriia Kachanovska
Can you tell us about your educational and work experience background before you enrolled in this program?Ìý
I hold a bachelor's degree in applied physics from the Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, which provided me with a deep foundation in mathematical modeling and analytical thinking. Professionally, I spent over seven years building a career in tech, progressing from a test engineer to a lead automation quality assurance engineer. Beyond the corporate world, I also gained some research experience in biophysics at the Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology.Ìý
What initially drew you to this program?Ìý
Having navigated both academic research and industry leadership, I have always looked for a way to combine my scientific curiosity with my technical expertise. I realized that data science is the common language between the two. Also, I was drawn to Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder’s MS-DS program because of its interdisciplinary curriculum. My background in physics gave me the theoretical tools, and my career in QA gave me the technical discipline; this program offers the perfect environment to merge them.Ìý
Can you tell us how the MS-DS program fits into your life?Ìý
Currently, I am a stay-at-home mother to two toddlers. I see this period of my life not as a 'break,' but as a strategic pivot point. As I look toward the next chapter of my career, I want to return to the workforce with a modernized, high-impact skill set. The MS-DS program is the perfect fit because of its asynchronous flexibility. It allows me to balance the rigorous demands of a master's degree with the unpredictable schedule of raising young children. Whether I am studying during nap times or late in the evening, I can progress through the curriculum without sacrificing my family’s needs. This program empowers me to transform my career direction on a timeline that actually works for my life.Ìý
What are your favorite parts of the program?Ìý
What I appreciate most is the program's structure combined with its flexibility. It focuses on the methodology of data-driven problem-solving. I really enjoy how the courses challenge me to think like a data scientist from day one, how to frame a question, clean messy data, and get actionable insights. The ability to move through these complex topics at my own pace is invaluable and allows me to dive deeper into subjects like machine learning or statistical modeling.Ìý
What do you hope to do with your MS-DS degree?Ìý
My goal is to transition into a career as a machine learning engineer. I want to leverage my years of experience in quality assurance and apply it to the lifecycle of machine learning models.Ìý
Would you recommend this program to others? Why or why not?Ìý
I would absolutely recommend this program, particularly to working professionals or parents who require high-level training but have significant time constraints. It provides a top-tier, rigorous master's degree that carries the prestige of Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder. For anyone looking to deepen their technical expertise, even if they are in the middle of a 'career break' like I am, this program is a great bridge to the next level.Ìý
What’s one tip you have for students who are starting this program?Ìý
Discipline is key. Because this program offers so much freedom, you have to be your own most effective manager. My best advice is "the only way to eat an elephant is one piece at a time." Don’t let the complexity of the entire degree intimidate you. Instead, focus on mastering one module, one lab, and one coding challenge at a time. If you stay consistent and keep moving forward, even if it’s just a little bit every day, the sense of accomplishment at the end is an amazing reward.Ìý
