4 answers
Momin
Student
Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
6
Questions
Asked
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Is it worth taking the IIT Madras online degree of BS in Data Science if I am already pursuing the same degree (BS in Data Science) in an offline not-so-famous college?
As in the title, I'm wondering if it would be a good idea to take the online bachelors degree from IIT Madras, since it does not require the JEE exam; and whether it would be worth it, considering the time and money put into it, along with my offline degree.
Considering that the only reason I'm taking it is to boost my chances of landing an interview based on the IIT tag, and that I'm already taking MOOCs from reputed foreign universities like Harvard and MIT via Coursera, edX etc, I'm in two minds if the online degree still be worth the sacrifice of time and social life. Thoughts?
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4 answers
Karan Gupta
Software Developer
22
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Karan’s Answer
Hi Moomin,
While it may indeed earn you the interview, it might not necessarily help you crack it.
Rather than putting so many of your resources in a possibly redundant degree, put the same resources in your learning and current degree.
That will reap you the significant returns you need as compared to stretching yourself too thin,
If you become invincible in your knowledge, lack of any tag or addition thereof cannot stop you from getting a great job!
While it may indeed earn you the interview, it might not necessarily help you crack it.
Rather than putting so many of your resources in a possibly redundant degree, put the same resources in your learning and current degree.
That will reap you the significant returns you need as compared to stretching yourself too thin,
If you become invincible in your knowledge, lack of any tag or addition thereof cannot stop you from getting a great job!
Thanks for the valuable advice, Karan! I needed to hear this.
Momin
William Wang
Senior Technical Program Manager
5
Answers
Redmond, Washington
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Momin,
Enrolling in the IIT Madras online BS in Data Science could be a great way to boost your resume with a respected institution's name, especially if your current college isn't well-known. This can help you stand out in job markets and get more interview opportunities. Since you're already taking MOOCs from top universities like Harvard and MIT, think about how the IIT credential might affect your time and energy. If you're passionate about data science and believe the IIT degree will give you confidence and visibility, it could be a valuable addition to your journey. Just make sure it enhances rather than overwhelms your current studies and personal growth.
Here are some things to focus on:
1. Data science is both enjoyable and useful. Instead of just relying on a college name, work on a real data science project to build your portfolio. Share your progress on a GitHub repository.
2. Show what you're learning, reflect on your experiences, and highlight your skills.
Keep studying hard, working hard, and having fun!
Enrolling in the IIT Madras online BS in Data Science could be a great way to boost your resume with a respected institution's name, especially if your current college isn't well-known. This can help you stand out in job markets and get more interview opportunities. Since you're already taking MOOCs from top universities like Harvard and MIT, think about how the IIT credential might affect your time and energy. If you're passionate about data science and believe the IIT degree will give you confidence and visibility, it could be a valuable addition to your journey. Just make sure it enhances rather than overwhelms your current studies and personal growth.
Here are some things to focus on:
1. Data science is both enjoyable and useful. Instead of just relying on a college name, work on a real data science project to build your portfolio. Share your progress on a GitHub repository.
2. Show what you're learning, reflect on your experiences, and highlight your skills.
Keep studying hard, working hard, and having fun!
Thats a cool way to look at this question
Kumar Rishav
Anilkumar Hanchinal
Learning and Development
91
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Anilkumar’s Answer
Yes, it's definitely worth thinking about, as long as you're aware of the strict conditions involved. Many people choose to combine a local college with the IIT Madras online BS in Data Science. This approach is popular and can be a great opportunity, though it requires a lot of dedication and endurance.
Thats a cool way to look at this questios
Kumar Rishav
Kumar Rishav
Engineer
49
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Kumar’s Answer
Since your only goal is to bypass a less famous college resume bottleneck using the "IIT tag," the trade-off isn't in your favor.
The "Tag" Reality: HR systems and recruiters have adapted. They easily distinguish between an on-campus, highly competitive JEE-entry B.Tech and an online, open-entry BS. While it looks neat on a resume, it rarely unlocks elite, off-campus on-site interviews on its own.
Skill Duplication: You are already studying Data Science offline and doing high-quality MOOCs from Harvard and MIT. The rigorous IITM curriculum (which forces endless, in-person monthly quizzes) will just re-teach you the same math and coding, resulting in massive burnout.
Instead of burning your social life for a second identical degree, spend that massive chunk of time building elite, real-world projects and participating in open-source or hackathons. Exceptional practical proof beats double-degree stacking every time.
The "Tag" Reality: HR systems and recruiters have adapted. They easily distinguish between an on-campus, highly competitive JEE-entry B.Tech and an online, open-entry BS. While it looks neat on a resume, it rarely unlocks elite, off-campus on-site interviews on its own.
Skill Duplication: You are already studying Data Science offline and doing high-quality MOOCs from Harvard and MIT. The rigorous IITM curriculum (which forces endless, in-person monthly quizzes) will just re-teach you the same math and coding, resulting in massive burnout.
Instead of burning your social life for a second identical degree, spend that massive chunk of time building elite, real-world projects and participating in open-source or hackathons. Exceptional practical proof beats double-degree stacking every time.