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1 + 100: Insights from JADS’s Engineering Doctorate graduates

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We recently celebrated a significant milestone—the graduation of its 100th Engineering Doctorate (EngD) trainee in Data Science. To mark the occasion, we explored the journeys of two standout alumni: Abel G. Gebresilassie, the very first graduate of the program, and Navoneel Chakrabarty, who completed the journey as its 100th graduate. Their stories illustrate how JADS is more than a program—it’s a launchpad for innovation, personal growth, and professional success.

A journey of firsts

For Abel, being the first EngD graduate was both an honor and a surprise. “To be part of history in such a positive way is beyond exciting,” he shared. His journey into the program wasn’t the conventional path. With a PhD in physics, Abel was looking for a way to step out of academia and into the fast-paced world of applied data science. “I wanted to move beyond theoretical research to tackle real-world challenges,” he said. The EngD program, with its strong industry focus, provided exactly that.

Navoneel’s experience brought a different perspective. As the 100th graduate, he hadn’t anticipated the recognition awaiting him at his graduation ceremony. “It was a complete surprise,” he recalled. His decision to join the program stemmed from a desire to build a career rooted in practical applications of data science. With a background in machine learning and artificial intelligence, and prior experience as a data scientist, he was triggered by the program’s ability to bridge the gap between academia and industry.

Navoneel and Abel at together during the EngD graduation in 2024

The JADS difference: where academia meets industry

What sets the JADS EngD program apart is its hands-on, problem-solving ethos. Unlike traditional doctoral programs that often remain confined to academic research, the EngD trainees take a deep dive into real-world challenges from day one. For Abel, this practical focus was key. “The program taught me to think beyond research papers and algorithms—it was about solving problems that mattered to businesses,” he explained.

Navoneel also saw the value in this approach. Over the course of the two-year program, he worked on three distinct projects with multiple companies, gaining exposure to industries as diverse as high-tech manufacturing and finance. “This constant engagement with industry makes the program unique,” he said. “It’s not just learning—it’s doing.”


Adapting with the times

The EngD program has continuously adapted to meet industry needs. Early projects were short and fast-paced, with five-to-six-week modules that introduced company challenges but left little room for deep exploration. Today, extended 12-week projects allow trainees to dive deeper into problems and deliver more comprehensive solutions.
Another enhancement is the structured credit system, requiring trainees to complete academic modules in areas like data visualization and engineering. This ensures graduates not only gain hands-on experience but also strengthen their technical expertise. “It’s a more comprehensive learning experience now,” Navoneel said.

Abel G. Gebresilassie is a Data Scientist at ASML and Navoneel Chakrabarty started his job as a Data Scientist at CGI.

A connection across generations

One of the most unique aspects of Navoneel’s journey as the 100th graduate of the JADS EngD program was being mentored by Abel, the program’s very first graduate. As a supervisor during Navoneel’s graduation project at ASML, Abel brought both professional expertise and a deep understanding of the EngD experience.

“Abel wasn’t just a supervisor—he was a relatable mentor who had been in my shoes,” Navoneel shared. Abel’s guidance, paired with his encouragement of independence, helped Navoneel grow as a professional. “He trusted me to take initiative, which made a huge difference,” Navoneel said. For Abel, mentoring Navoneel was a rewarding experience. “Navoneel’s self-initiating nature made my role easier,” he said. Abel also admired how the program’s focus on soft skills helped Navoneel adapt quickly to ASML’s corporate environment.

Their collaboration extended beyond the project, with discussions about how JADS had evolved over the years. This connection underscores the program’s lasting impact, fostering relationships where alumni support and inspire one another.

More than just technical skills

While technical expertise is foundational, Abel and Navoneel emphasized the importance of soft skills like communication and adaptability. “Articulating a problem and its solution is as critical as solving it,” Abel noted. For Navoneel, managing the program’s intense workload honed his time management skills. “Juggling assignments, projects, and workshops taught me to prioritize effectively,” he shared.

Real-world impact 

Strong industry ties provide trainees with meaningful project opportunities. Abel recalled his second year, working full-time within a company to solve real-world challenges. “You see the impact of your work almost immediately,” he said, highlighting how these experiences enhance both technical and business understanding.
Now a data scientist at CGI, Navoneel credited the program with preparing him for consulting. “Each project exposed me to new domains, from high-tech to energy, broadening my perspective and confidence,” he explained. This adaptability remains key as he navigates diverse industries and challenges.

The Engineering Doctorate program in Data Science, a two-year post-master’s curriculum

Staying relevant in a dynamic field

Both alumni highlight the importance of staying curious and adaptable in the rapidly evolving landscape of data science. “The models we discussed five years ago are already outdated,” Abel remarked. “You have to keep learning.” He highlighted the value of focusing on domain knowledge and real-world applications rather than chasing every new trend.

Navoneel agrees, noting the growing significance of technologies like generative AI and large language models (LLMs). “These tools are reshaping industries, even in areas like finance where their use was once unimaginable,” he said. By staying hands-on and continuously learning, he ensures his skills remain sharp and relevant.

Advice for future trainees

When asked what advice they would give to newcomers, both alumni emphasized the importance of curiosity and open-mindedness. “Always remember the business value of what you’re working on,” Abel advised. “It’s easy to get lost in the technical details, but ultimately, you’re solving a problem for someone.”

Navoneel added that trainees should approach every project with an open mind, even those that may not seem like traditional data science challenges. “Sometimes, you have to create the data science angle yourself,” he said, encouraging trainees to take initiative and turn obstacles into opportunities.

 

‘learn to learn and learn by doing’, say Navoneel and Abel

 

Shaping the future

The stories of Abel and Navoneel demonstrates what makes JADS unique in the world of data science education. By blending academic rigor with industry relevance, the EngD program equips graduates not just with knowledge, but with the tools to make a real impact. As data science continues to evolve, the legacy of JADS’s EngD program grows stronger—pioneering new ways to solve problems, create value, and inspire innovation.

Graduation event in november 2024 at JADS


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