Data-Driven

“It was very nice because I could work at my own pace but I still had to be just as diligent of timelines as before.”

Throughout her time at Utica College, Margaret Baer built great relationships with her fellow classmates, but it wasn’t until commencement that she had the opportunity to actually shake their hands.

That’s because Baer ‘19 was earning her M.S. in Data Science from her home in Kansas City, Missouri, courtesy of Utica College’s ever-expanding selection of online programs.

“My experience taking classes online through Utica College was very different from being in the classroom but I still had that sense of community,” she explains. “I still have a few classmates that I email back and forth with, not just on projects, but to keep up on things in daily life.”

She was working in field automation systems when she discovered her love of the way data gets used.

“I was drawn into data science from that earlier job. I loved the way that making data move made people’s lives easier. So, that’s when I started searching for a Data Science program, and I found the perfect one at Utica College.”

She had the interest - and the determination - to make it work even from states away. The online format allowed her the chance to continue her life while enhancing her skills with all Utica College had to offer.

"Everyone at UC seemed so genuine and so willing to answer all of my questions and actually wanted to learn more about me before I came on as a student."
Margaret Baer

“It was very nice because I could work at my own pace but I still had to be just as diligent of timelines as before.”

Crossing the stage in May 2019 to receive her M.S. in Data Science, Margaret eagerly began the next chapter, searching for her next role as a data scientist or analyst. The commencement event also allowed her the chance to do something she hadn’t before - meet her Utica College classmates and faculty in person.

“It’s really nice, face-to-face meeting people for the first time, but it doesn’t feel like I’m meeting new people. I’ve already built relationships with everyone here, it’s just nice to finally shake their hands.”

For Margaret, the degree, the knowledge, the relationships along the way, even from her home in Kansas City, all started because of a phone call. A phone call and personal conversation that was the clincher in her decision to become a Utica College student via the online program.

“What drew me in to Utica College in the first place was when I called and talked to a campus representative about the program, and about Utica itself. Everyone seemed so genuine and so willing to answer all of my questions and actually wanted to learn more about me before I came on as a student.”