Balancing Full-Time Work and Online Learning to Stay Ahead in the Tech Industry
Jeremy Samuel’s online degree journey is a testament to his dedication and the transformative power of continuous learning. As a full-time employee at JPMorgan, Jeremy has pursued not only one, but two master’s degrees with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Most recently, he completed the Master of Computer Science in Data Science (MCS-DS) online from the Grainger College of Engineering and is now doubling down on his studies in pursuit of the Master of Science in Technology Management (MSTM) from Gies College of Business on campus.
Deepening Technical Expertise
Identifying a need to stay up-to-date with trends and the ever-evolving tech industry, Jeremy decided the MCS-DS program was an excellent fit. He found the curriculum to be both challenging and rewarding, particularly in the areas of machine learning and AI. “The courses were extremely comprehensive and covered relevant skills that could be applied to what’s happening in the industry today,” he shared. This depth in technical knowledge not only enhanced his skills but also sparked a deeper interest in research and advanced learning.
Transitioning to Leadership
After completing the MCS-DS program, Jeremy transitioned to the MSTM program to further his career goals in technical leadership. In this second master’s degree experience , he honed skills using tools that would help him make effective data-driven decisions, a crucial skill for leadership roles in the tech industry. Recognizing the synergy between these two degrees, Jeremy notes, “I learned how to read and understand data in the MCS-DS program, and I’m learning how to use that data to make decisions in the MSTM.”. This combination of technical expertise and exposure to management has positioned him well for his next career move.
Learning from Mumbai
During his time in the MCS-DS program, Jeremy was based in Mumbai, which threatened a set of challenges with time differences for office hours and group projects.. However, Jeremy praised the flexibility and structure of the program that offset any difficulty through recordings and an active Slack channel where he could ask questions asynchronously. He added, “The program team is great at trying to group students with similar time zones to make collaboration easier.”
Balancing Work and Studies
The online format of the MCS-DS program was a key factor in Jeremy’s decision to pursue his degree during the pandemic. “I was initially hesitant to move away from home because of the fear of Covid, and the online format allowed me to continue my education while staying safe,” he said. The flexibility of the program enabled him to balance his full-time job at JPMorgan alongside his studies during the MCS-DS. He has since left JPMorgan and shifted his focus toward his second master’s degree on campus in Champaign, Illinois. “The transition to the on-campus MSTM program was smooth due to my prior experience with the university,” Jeremy added.
Looking Forward
Jeremy is now eligible for and pursuing roles that allow him to shine using his technical expertise and managerial skillset. He aims to become a better leader in the industry and leverage both of his dynamic and complementary degrees. His educational journey from the MCS-DS to the MSTM underscores the importance of upskilling and continuous education in a rapidly changing tech landscape.
