Prior to entering the MSIM program last fall, Sneha Vyas worked as a project management associate with Siemens in India. She enjoys using the skills she is learning in her classes on personal projects and looks forward to future opportunities where she can "turn information into smart decisions and see the impact of those decisions in action."
Why did you decide to pursue an IM degree?
Coming from a consulting and project management background, I worked on projects across financial services, smart infrastructure, risk control, and corporate strategy. Working across such diverse projects showed me how central data is to decision-making and made me curious about how data is structured, analyzed, and turned into actionable insights. This curiosity is what led me to pursue a degree in information management.
Why did you choose the iSchool at Illinois?
I chose the iSchool at Illinois because it truly embraces the idea that one size does not fit all. The program's flexibility and variety of courses made it feel like a place where I could learn at my own pace. After attending information sessions and speaking with students and iSchool ambassadors, it was clear that the iSchool fosters a supportive and collaborative environment. I felt confident it was a place where I could challenge myself and grow in a way that fit my goals.
Which particular IM topics interest you the most?
Foundations of Information Processing (IS 430), with Senior Lecturer Kevin Trainor, was my first hands-on experience with Python, and I loved building a project from start to finish. It was exciting to see ideas I'd been thinking about come to life in code. This semester, I'm looking forward to Associate Professor Yoo-Seong Song’s course Information Consulting (IS 534). I'm curious to see how my consulting experience translates into the information space and how data can drive real-world decisions.
What do you do outside of class?
Outside of class, I love staying active and creative. I'm a regular at the gym and attend dance classes on campus, which help me recharge and clear my mind. I also spend time on personal projects, trying out ideas from class and seeing what I can build on my own. Next semester, I'll be a graduate grading assistant for Sociotechnical Information Systems (IS 504) with Postdoctoral Research Associate Bogeum Choi and will also get to teach a lecture!
What career plans or goals do you have?
My goal is to work in a role that sits between data, strategy, and people, in which asking the right questions and communicating insights matter as much as the analysis. I'd love to be on projects where I can turn information into smart decisions and see the impact of those decisions in action.