The University of Chicago’s Masters Program in Computer Science (MPCS) is renowned for its adaptability, rigorous curriculum, and strong career outcomes. At the helm of guiding students toward professional success is Sneha Alagappan, the Assistant Director of Career Services for the program. With experience at tech giants like Meta, and Wayfair, she now uses her expertise to help UChicago students transition smoothly from academia to industry.
We recently had an engaging chat with Sneha to get an inside look at the MPCS. In this Q&A, Sneha shares her insights into the program’s unique strengths, along with advice for prospective and current students. Whether you’re considering applying to MPCS, currently enrolled, or a proud alumnus, Sneha’s expertise sheds light on how this program empowers students to thrive in the ever-evolving world of technology.
Q: Can you tell me a little about your background and how you ended up at the University of Chicago?
Sneha: “Sure! My journey in recruitment began at a recruiting agency where I worked with major tech companies like Google, Facebook, Airbnb, and Twitter. This exposure to technical positions really piqued my interest. I then moved on to Wayfair, where I specialized in corporate supply chain and logistics roles with a technical focus, and later, to Meta (formerly Facebook), where I hired senior software engineers. In 2023, I joined the University of Chicago as the Assistant Director of Computer Science Career Services, excited to bring my industry knowledge to help students transition from academia to the professional world.”
Q: What unique opportunities or advantages does the UChicago Master’s program in Computer Science offer to students?
Sneha: “The UChicago MPCS is a professionally oriented program. One of its biggest advantages is that students get to apply what they are learning in real-world contexts. Through coursework and project work, they tackle real-life scenarios, allowing them to understand how their knowledge can be used in practical settings. Examples include working on projects related to companies like X or in various research labs. Additionally, students have access to summer internships and research opportunities, providing them with hands-on experience early in their academic careers, which is something not all computer science programs offer.”
Q: Does the program include opportunities for internships?
Sneha: “Yes, absolutely! Our students have the option to pursue summer internships, and we had over 90% of our 12-course program students secure internships this past summer. These internships span various industries, including large tech companies, research labs, and quantitative firms. We support students from day one with an overview of the academic year, helping them identify their career interests, write technical resumes, network, prepare for interviews, and understand their internship offers.”
Q: Do students need a background in computer science or STEM to join the MPCS?
Sneha: “Not at all. One of the program’s biggest selling points is its accessibility to students from diverse academic backgrounds. You don’t need a STEM or computer science degree to apply. What we’re most interested in is understanding how students plan to use this program to achieve their career goals. Many of our students come from non-STEM backgrounds and go on to excel in the program and in their careers.”
Q: Can you provide an overview of the different program options within the MPCS?
Sneha: “So we have three main program options:
- Nine-Course Program: This option spans three quarters, from September to June, and is very rigorous. About 35% of students pursue this in the 23-24 year.
- Twelve-Course Program: This program runs from September through June, followed by a summer internship. Most students graduate in December of the following year. About 40% of students choose this option last year. A summer internship is a requirement for this program.
- Joint MBA/MPCS Program: This is a dual-degree program where students take classes at Booth and in the MPCS. It’s a rigorous two-year program for those looking to combine business and technical skills.”
Q: What current trends in the tech industry are shaping the demand for computer science professionals right now?
Sneha: “AI and machine learning are at the forefront, making processes more efficient and quicker. We’re also seeing significant investment in green energy and sustainable tech, an overall focus on energy efficient computing. Quantum computing is another growing area, focusing on working with large datasets and improving computational speed. Our program reflects these trends, offering specializations and courses that provide students with early exposure and experience in these cutting-edge areas.”
Q: How is the program adapting its curriculum to keep up with these trends?
Sneha: “We offer specializations in High-Performance Computing, Application Development, Software Engineering, and Data Analytics. These areas are highly sought after and provide students with deep technical expertise. Our curriculum is designed to align with industry needs, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their careers. For example, High-Performance Computing is a new and highly specialized area, while Data Analytics attracts those interested in data science and machine learning.”
Q: What special skills or knowledge are essential for graduates entering the field?
Sneha: “Programming skills are a must for any technical position. Beyond that, understanding why you are using a particular programming language and being able to explain it in an interview is crucial. It helps candidates stand out and secure jobs. For instance, if a candidate is coding in Python, they should also be able to articulate why Python was the right choice and what the code was used for.”
Q: How is the program preparing students to meet the demands both technically and professionally?
Sneha: “Our program offers a variety of courses that build on foundational knowledge necessary for any technical profession. Students can deepen their technical expertise through these courses and specializations. This preparation helps them stand out in a competitive field. The structure of the program ensures that students first build a strong foundation and then choose courses that align with their career goals, allowing them to specialize and become experts in specific areas.”
Q: What resources and support does Career Services provide to help students secure internships and jobs?
Sneha: “We offer one-on-one advising appointments, workshops, networking events, and alumni engagement sessions. I also create and update extensive resources, including a website with guidance and one-pagers that cover various aspects of the job search process. At higher levels, the Physical Sciences Division and UChicago Grad provide additional career service support, though the technical support provided at the program level is most specialized. This multi-tiered approach ensures that students have access to the resources they need at every stage of their career journey.”
Q: For current students, what steps can they take during the program to maximize their career opportunities after graduation?
Sneha: “There are many steps students can take. For those transitioning from internships to full-time job searches, leveraging their internship experiences and professional or academic projects is key. Networking is another major focus area. With some networking experience already under their belt, students should strategically use it to connect with industry professionals and alumni.
I also emphasize the importance of being intentional about applications. It’s not just about applying to everything—students should have a thoughtful strategy. After going through the internship process, they’re better equipped to understand what roles align with their skills and career goals, and they can apply those insights when seeking full-time opportunities.”
Q: Can you share some examples of how Career Services has directly impacted a student’s career trajectory?
Sneha: “I’ve seen many students secure internships and receive return offers, which is very rewarding. One example: I had a student who received an interview request from Amazon for a Summer Internship. He did a great job on the technical assessment to demonstrate his coding skills but he strongly felt that the support he received from me to prepare for the behavioral interview is what helped him get the offer. He has now graduated and is working full time at Amazon as a Software Engineer.”
Q: What types of roles and industries do alumni typically pursue after graduation?
Sneha: “About 50% of our alumni enter software engineering roles. Other popular positions include product management, research, analytics, consulting, and data science. Tech remains the primary industry, but fields like finance, banking, trading, and research are also common. Some students also choose to further their education by pursuing a PhD. This diversity showcases the versatility of the MPCS degree and its applicability across various sectors.”
Q: How do alumni stay connected with the program, and how does the network benefit current students?
Sneha: “We have a LinkedIn alumni group and an alumni mailing list, though I personally prefer LinkedIn for its active use. Alumni engage with current students through various events, sharing their experiences and providing insights. For example, this summer we hosted several alumni sessions where recent graduates shared their journey and offered advice. This interaction is incredibly valuable as it provides current students with real-world perspectives and networking opportunities.”
Q: What should prospective students keep in mind about the field of technology and learning within the MPCS?
Sneha: “I think it’s important to keep an open mind and be willing to grow. Technology is a constantly evolving field, and there’s always more to learn. The courses in our program are designed to reflect these changes and provide students with the skills they need to succeed.
Students should embrace curiosity and focus on being present in their learning journey. Many students start with a specific goal but find new passions through coursework, internships, or projects, and being open to these experiences can lead to exciting career paths.”
Q: Is there anything prospective students should know about the program that often gets overlooked?
Sneha: “One common concern I hear from students is, “I don’t feel like I know enough,” or “I’m not sure I have the right experience.” I remind them that university students bring incredible value to employers. The cutting-edge knowledge they gain in this program is often more current than what professionals with decades of experience have. Employers recognize this and highly value the fresh perspectives and skills students bring.
Students should feel confident in the value of the education they’re receiving and know that the demand for their expertise is strong in the tech industry.”
Q: What advice would you give to prospective students considering this program?
Sneha: “Keep an open mind and embrace change. The tech field is constantly evolving, and our program reflects these changes. Be curious and present in your learning. This mindset will help you discover new interests and opportunities. Many students start with a specific goal but find new passions through coursework, internships, or projects, and being open to these experiences can lead to exciting career paths.”
UChicago’s Masters Program in Computer Science is an excellent choice for students looking to advance their careers in the tech industry. With a comprehensive curriculum, extensive career support, and a strong alumni network, it equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
If you’re interested in moving your technical career forward with a MS in Computer Science, learn more about our program and apply here!