It’s been a while since I posted an update – the past few months have been busy with life things (first time home owner + renovations, moving, etc.). The Self-Driving Car program wrapped up nicely in May, which was really exciting. Ultimately, I ended up training a real-time traffic light identifier using the TensorFlow Object Detection API. Huge thanks to other students who generated training data. Additionally, I helped guide our team to completion and can’t thank them enough for their help finishing the project.
Post completion, I wanted to take some time to start thinking about my future. There are a variety of interests that I would like to pursue and I hadn’t come a clear conclusion outside of the fact that I wanted to apply for graduate school. Initially, I had only really considered two paths: 1. Master’s of Computer Science 2. MBA.
I had been considering an MBA since undergrad, but came to the conclusion this year that it isn’t the best path for my goals. This is mainly due to my realization that I was only considering it since it is a “typical” path for many people and not necessarily where my interests lie. There may be a time later down the road where I consider an executive level MBA (if necessary or even in my interests), but that consideration will come later on.
Then, came the consideration for studying Computer Science. Over the past two years I’ve been fascinated at the possibilities that live inside our laptops, phones, etc. these days and have loved the challenge / learning necessary to become a successful Software Engineer. There are really no days off as a Software Engineer. There is always something new to learn, be it a new framework, best practices, cloud deployments, latest advancements of neural networks, etc. I find this world fascinating and definitely won’t be leaving it anytime soon.
All of this considered, I’ve also always been drawn to the Product Management side of things as well. I love the creative process of dreaming up new features and the potential roadmap for web / mobile products. Product Management allows you the flexibility to wear many different hats (e.g. working with legal, marketing, design, engineering) and this is a fun place to be; albeit very challenging at the same time. Ultimately, I think this is where I see myself landing for a good 5-10 years – especially in an AI focused mid-stage startup or enterprise.
So considering all of these condensed thoughts, I realized that a Master’s of Computer Science is possibly not the “perfect” degree. So, I started researching HCI (Human Computer Interaction) programs that have more of a focus on User Experience & Research. I was fortunate to stumble upon this incredible blog post. As I scanned down the list, I clicked on the link to Berkeley’s MIMS program due to its close proximity and my love for the San Francisco Bay Area. Almost instantly, I knew this was the program that I had to shoot for. I think many potential grad students can relate to having a dream program they want to get into. Berkeley’s MIMS program is this for me.
Very quickly, I searched for reviews of the program and the career paths of its graduates. Check them out here, here, and here. I was very much sold on the diversity of the program and its flexibility / approach to learning. From the reviews I’ve read, it is the perfect blend of teaching students the technical tools they need, user experience, and the societal considerations that need to be made when designing software or systems. The program would truly allow me to explore Machine Learning (Deep Learning), HCI, and the ethical implications of these subjects. It really is everything I hoped I could find in a Master’s program.
All of this considered, I am clearly a bit late for applying this year. Additionally, another year of Software Engineering doesn’t hurt my application at all. In fact, I would say it helps my application immensely. Also it allows me to save some money for grad school, so I don’t drown in debt post graduation. In the meantime, I also needed to consider a backup plan. So, I’ll be doing the following:
- Apply for University of Illinois’s online Master’s of Computer Science
This is my ultimate backup due to the reputation of the University’s computer science department and the cost (~$20,000 total). I would also be able to pursue a degree while working, which would save me a lot of money. If admitted, I may just start the program anyway to get a head start. Plus, I love learning and this is a great way to continue doing that in a more formal environment. That being said, it isn’t my top choice.
- Take the GRE in November and possibly December
This will take up the majority of my time over the next few months. ~1.5 to 2 hours of studying daily will be a bit taxing, but nothing that I haven’t experience yet (re: learning how to code in 2016/2017/2018). I plan to hopefully knock this out, so that I can focus on reaching out to faculty, essays, and the like next year.
- Early 2019, explore programs outside of Berkeley’s MIMS program that are similar
This will most likely be a combination of HCI, Comp Sci, etc. programs, so that I don’t put all of my eggs in one basket with Berkeley’s MIMS program. If you have any recommendations, please feel free to reach out (tim.lapinskas@gmail.com).
- Apply for grad school towards the end of 2019
After spending some time, which was a bit frustrating, considering my options this year, it’s safe to say that it was definitely the right move. It has allowed me to explore and find focus for my goals over the next 5 years. This is ultimately invaluable since it will keep me pointed in a direction that I truly believe in (unlike an MBA). I’m also extremely grateful to have these options to consider going forward. It’s humbling and exciting to live during a time where these options are a reality.
I’m not sure when I’ll update this blog next (because GREs), but I’ll try to get something up over the next couple months. As always, feel free to reach out if you live in the Bay Area and want to grab lunch/drinks/chat tech/sports/anything.
Cheers!
/Tim