After graduation, Deekshita Karingula would like to build data pipelines, automate workflows for greater efficiency, and use data to transform health care. She views the MSIM program as the "ideal way" to connect her computer science and technical skills with data management skills, helping her reach her goals.
Why did you decide to pursue an IM degree?
I pursued a master's in information management to bridge my technical background with the business side of data management. Coming from a computer science background, I was looking to move beyond pure technical skills and focus on how information is managed, applied, and used to drive decisions in organizations. While computer science is more about building systems, algorithms, and software solutions, information management focuses on how to make data and information useful for businesses, governments, and individuals.
The MSIM program covers areas like data governance, information ethics, business strategy, and user-centered design, all of which are critical when thinking about how information is structured, shared, and protected in real-world contexts. It bridges the technical aspects of data—which computer science covers—with the practical application of that data to solve real-world problems.
Why did you choose the iSchool at Illinois?
The wide range of courses offered at the iSchool allow me to explore various areas of interest, such as data analytics, cloud computing, and text mining. The program's hands-on learning approach helps me develop practical skills that are directly applicable in industry. Additionally, the faculty's expertise and the strong alumni network provide valuable guidance and support throughout my academic journey.
Which particular IM topics interest you the most?
I'm particularly interested in data engineering, cloud computing, and text mining. The program's courses and hands-on projects have allowed me to work on building scalable data solutions, ensuring data security, and extracting valuable insights from complex datasets.
There are a few courses (notably Database Administration and Scaling, Data Warehousing and Business Intelligence, and Text Mining) that have had a lasting impact. Their project-based approach helped me apply what I was learning in real-world scenarios. I'd highly recommend these courses to students who want to strengthen their technical skills while understanding their practical applications.
What do you do outside of class?
Outside of class, I'm passionate about working on personal tech projects, especially those related to data processing and automation. I'm actively involved in student organizations like Illinois Business Consulting, where I collaborated on developing a chatbot. I also worked with the Career Center to redesign and migrate the Illini Success website. Additionally, I enjoy staying up to date with emerging technologies and regularly participating in community events to expand my knowledge and grow my professional network.
What career plans or goals do you have?
My goal is to secure a role as a data scientist or data engineer, where I can apply my skills to build data pipelines and automate workflows for greater efficiency. I'm also passionate about exploring how data can transform healthcare, particularly in precision medicine. I'm excited about contributing to solutions that use data to personalize treatments and improve patient care, making a real impact in the medical field.