Recent Data Science Graduates: Transfer Pathways, Real-World Projects, and Career Advice (feat. Mike Alfaro & Annet Isa)

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“Data science shows up in a lot of places where people don’t expect, but at the end of the day, the goal is the same: using data skills and data tools to help organizations make better decisions.”— Mike Alfaro

“If it feels hard, it’s because it’s unfamiliar. The more you do it, the easier it will get, and the more fun you’re going to have.”— Annet Isa

In this episode of the UC Berkeley Data Science Education Podcast, we speak with recent data science students Mike Alfaro and Annet Isa about their different paths into the field. Mike shares how a data visualization course at Montgomery College first introduced him to the power of storytelling with data, eventually leading him to internships in marketing analytics, transportation, and environmental work. His story highlights how community college, hands-on technical skills, and networking can open doors into data science careers.

We also hear from Annet Isa, who returned to school after two decades of professional experience and found data science through her interest in patterns, prediction, and messy data. She discusses a capstone project using GIS, AI, and aerial imagery to identify solar panel installations in Montgomery County, showing how data science can support real-world environmental work. Together, their stories offer practical advice for students beginning their own journeys, from building projects to reaching out to professionals and staying patient through the learning curve.