Aditya Tyagi

Major: IEOR, minor in EECS

IEOR: What are your post-graduation plans (Grad school, industry, travel, etc.)?

Aditya Tyagi: MS in Analytics at Northwestern University in the Fall. In the summer between, I’m interning at Symantec SF as a Software Engineer, in their Data Loss Prevention (DLP) team.

IEOR: What is your favorite IEOR class and why?

Aditya Tyagi: My favorite IEOR class was IEOR142 – Machine Learning & Data Analytics by Prof. Grigas. I was genuinely interested in the class and this was reflected by the effort I made. I worked on a solo analytics project that received acclaim from the Professor. He also later invited me to join the class’s course staff. IEOR142 also played a key role in convincing me to pursue a graduate degree in analytics.

At a larger level, IEOR142 teaches a set of skills that will become fundamental to the way IEOR is practiced in the future, and represents a futuristic direction to IEOR department’s course offerings.   

IEOR: What is your favorite Cal memory?

Aditya Tyagi: Dancing Salsa at Hearst Gym! During my Senior year, I looked forward to it each week, and I was transported to a different time & place. It soon became my passion, made me happier, and introduced me to a new culture. A lot of my classmates recall me dancing randomly in class!

IEOR: What is your advice to younger IEOR students?

Aditya Tyagi: 

• IEOR is broad, so it can be anything you make of it. In particular, IEOR + specific application/domain knowledge make for a winning combination! Perhaps, do a minor in another Engineering field (I did one in EECS), complete a certificate program in Design, etc.
• Cal is a place full of opportunities; seize them! Some examples:
  • Academically/Professionally: You can learn anything under the sun here — not just IEOR. From world-class Sanskrit, to History, STEM, and everything in between! Also, use the Library to borrow some amazing casual reading material. Finally, IEOR Professors/grad students are generally receptive to research requests.
  • Physically: You get access to world-class gyms, and sports facilities. Utilize them! Learn a new sport, or develop a great physique.
  • Personally: Outside of class hours, you can grow limitlessly as a person. You can learn salsa for free (like I did), any musical instrument (which I didn’t), public speaking, and the list goes on.
  • Socially: There are a plethora of clubs on campus. Aim to join a new one every semester. They allow you to polish your social skills (useful as an Engineer), and also maximize your learning experiences.
  • Weather the storm and resurface when the coast is clear! Sometimes at Cal, you will find that you’re stuck in a rut. It’s not a bad thing to take a break, reflect, and come back stronger. Making an effort/trying is infinitely more important than the end result. And never compare yourself to others at Cal (except to learn from them). Just be yourself.

A final quote I’d like to leave you with: What counts is not the number of breaths in your life, but the amount of life in your breaths!