Navigating higher education as a first-generation student at Binghamton University is a journey laden with challenges and triumphs. Sharing success stories as first-gen students and alumni not only celebrate their achievements, but also serves as an inspiration for future generations, thus breaking barriers and paving the path toward inclusivity, support and diverse representation in higher education. Today, we focus on highlighting Alexandria Lee-Robinson, an alumna who majored in Actuarial Sciences and obtained a Master’s of Science in Data Analytics here at Binghamton.
What inspired you to pursue higher education, and what are your academic and career goals?
I have always wanted to work in the financial industry. At Binghamton, I majored in Actuarial Sciences for my undergraduate degree, but after a few internships, I realized that I did not want to become an actuary. The lifestyle didn’t seem as alluring to me as it was in the beginning. This realization caused me to explore opportunities for research on campus, and in turn, I explored data analytics. I knew this is what I want to do for a long while, so I applied to the masters program for Data Analytics.
What campus organizations were you involved in, and how have they impacted your success?
During college, I was involved in Caribbean Student Association (CSA) and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). CSA enabled me to think creatively when solving complex problems. Also, I’ve always been quiet and felt the need to always ask for approval, but my time in CSA has illustrated to me the need to be proactive with confidence. In NSBE, I gained an understanding of effective networking and of becoming the best candidate for the job process. My involvement in NSBE paved way for my career at the Big Four.
As a first-generation student, what advice would you offer to other students from similar backgrounds who are considering pursuing a career in data science or analytics?
I encourage others to join study groups and gain a better relationship with the faculty. These classes are definitely challenging, but utilizing extra time to gain a better understanding of the material by leveraging peers and faculty always helps. Data Analytics is a blend of communication, math, and software skills, so it is rather unlikely that one person can be a master of all skills. After class, I spent most of my time studying with my peers or attending office hours, so the material can stick to my memory.
Can you describe a specific moment or experience during your undergraduate studies that solidified your decision to pursue a career in quantitative science and data analytics?
During my first year of research, I balanced completing research with LSAMP and interning at an investment management firm. I selected my math advisor as my research advisor, and I realized that I wanted to take an independent route and explore Deep Neural Networks (NNs) instead of engaging in research for Topology. NNs was a topic that I watched on YouTube, and I wanted to test it out on sport statistics. After completing my self paced learning, I realized that I had a great appreciation for research. By poster presentation session, it has become clear to me that I enjoyed learning new things, and I believe that ethical data analytics can positively influence society in the long run.
Reflecting on your academic journey, how have you cultivated a sense of belonging and community within the field of data science, especially as a first-generation student?
Data science was a relatively new field, but my experience in mathematics well prepared me for it. I always participated in research and forums to learn more about data, and my masters program enabled opportunities to explore certifications provided by leading vendors. For once, I felt truly comfortable pursuing something I was passionate about, and I have not had many encounters with imposter syndrome. I knew that I was here to embark on a new journey, and I was excited to get my feet wet as a first-gen student.
Could you share a significant challenge you faced during your pursuit of a Master’s in Data Analytics, particularly as it relates to being a first-generation student, and how you overcame it?
As a first generation student, there was no doubt that I needed to graduate from my program with a career secured. I switched from pre-medicine to actuarial sciences, and then I switched from actuarial sciences to data. I wanted to ensure to my family that I would be successful after deviating from medicine, so I felt that I had to do my utmost best during my masters program. Within the first 2 months of starting it, I had already sent out 15 job applications. I employed most of the professional resources on campus, and I studied numerous companies in the different industries I was fascinated by. In turn, I secured a full time position in limited time by applying to jobs earlier than expected.
What advice would you give to other first-gen POC considering obtaining their Masters?
I encourage other first generation POC to have grace with their journey. It’s so easy for us to be hard on ourselves and to let imposter syndrome make us feel less than. Whether it is a therapist, mentor, or trusted family and friends, we all need someone to vent to about it. Pursuing a masters degree is not easy, and that is ok. On the upside, there are many resources to aid us in pushing past the challenges we face. In the long run, it will always make us more capable when we don’t succumb to challenges but instead take time to persevere through the challenges we face.
