Is the Great Lakes PGPDSE a Valuable Program for Your Career?

As someone who successfully completed the pilot batch of the Great Lakes PGPDSE (Postgraduate Programme in Data Science and Engineering) in May 2018, I can provide a comprehensive overview of the program and its benefits. Are you considering transitioning your career from business operations to business analytics and machine learning? This article aims to answer your questions and give you insights based on my personal experience.

Program Highlights

The Great Lakes PGPDSE has gained a strong reputation in the industry due to its comprehensive approach to teaching business analytics and machine learning. The program was designed in close collaboration with industry experts and academics, leveraging their real-world experience and knowledge. This ensures that the curriculum is not only theoretical but also practical, preparing you for the challenges of the real world.

Reputation and Pedagogy

One of the key factors that attracted me to the program was the reputation that Great Lakes has earned over the past five years. With over a million study hours delivered to thousands of professionals, the institute has established itself as a leader in the field of data science and analytics. The program's structure, which includes industry experts and professors with PhDs, makes it a unique and comprehensive learning experience. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a beginner, you will benefit from the deep dive into the fundamentals of data science and decision-making.

Full-Time Commitment

The full-time commitment of the program was another significant factor that influenced my decision. As someone who already had three and a half years of work experience, I needed a hands-on, immersive learning experience. The six-month program, from Monday to Thursday, 9 AM to 4 PM, followed by weekend project days, offered the perfect balance of structured learning and practical application. The focus on real-time interactive sessions ensured that I could grasp complex concepts more effectively.

Diverse Batch Profiles

Another unique aspect of the program was the diverse range of professionals in the batch. Students came from various backgrounds such as manufacturing engineering, finance, commerce, and IT. This diversity fostered a rich learning environment where multi-node thinking was encouraged. The mix of individuals with different experience levels, from zero to three years, created a collaborative atmosphere that enhanced everyone's learning experience. With such a diverse group, it was fascinating to see how different perspectives and solutions were brought to the table.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum of the Great Lakes PGPDSE is designed to cover a wide range of topics essential for a career in business analytics and machine learning. The program focuses on key areas such as:

Statistics, Business Metrics, Data Visualization, and Python

Statistics and business metrics are the foundation of data analysis, and these concepts are taught in detail. Data visualization techniques are covered to help you understand how to present data in a meaningful way. The program emphasizes the importance of Python programming for data extraction, database management, and machine learning. By the end of the program, you will have a strong grasp of these tools and techniques, enabling you to apply your knowledge to real-world business problems.

Hackathons and Project Days

The program includes regular hackathons and project days, which are designed to give you practical experience in building and testing solutions. These sessions provide a platform to apply your learning and work collaboratively with your peers. The hackathons are specifically designed to challenge you to think critically and creatively, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and innovation.

Placement Support

While the Great Lakes PGPDSE is not exclusively about placements, the institute offers extensive support to help you transition into the job market. A range of activities and trainings, such as profile building, data analysis training, industry seminars, soft skills sessions, resume building, career counseling, and more, are available to prepare you for the job market. These efforts have proven successful, with almost everyone receiving job offers during the placement process. However, it is important to note that the program focuses on building your skills and readiness for the job market, rather than just securing placements.

Conclusion

Considering your constraints and career aspirations, the Great Lakes PGPDSE could be a valuable addition to your professional journey. This program is not just about acquiring technical skills; it is also about understanding the broader landscape of analytics and machine learning and how these skills can impact your career. Joining the program can help you become industry-ready and well-equipped to make a transition into a data-driven role.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn. Aishwarya Sarda