Practicum in Data Analysis II · Quantitative Methods In The Social Sciences
I learnt a lot from the product management procedure
Need improvement in core team delivery to the supporting team clearly on what they need to do.
AI, ethical concerns regarding AI, NLP modeling, career development advice
Very useful knowledge about AI and the cross section with data science/social sciences.
Deep insights into building and wrapping LLM, and also benchmarking and evaluating.
LLM use in the mental health space, stakeholder management, more general information on the use of LLMs and AI
Ben is the best lecturer you could ever met, very supportive both in and outside of class, the class has great atmosphere to spark some thoughts. I loved the easy vibe in the class, that everyone is encouraged to share thoughts, and I learned so much things I didn't even know existed about AI. Highly recommend this class if you're interested in AI or want to have a practical internship-like experience, because there's not too many class about AI now, and this is one of the best ones you could take.
I would definitely recommend this course to another student as I believe you will have a meaningful experience regardless of whether you are on the external team or not. If you are on the external team you get experience working on a larger project with a team. This year, there was a lot of focus on laying the foundations that help determine the direction and scope of the project. While subsequent years may be different, you will invariably get experience with stakeholder management and you are encouraged by Ben to apply yourself to whatever part of the project is of most interest to you. If you are not on the external team, you are able to pursue an independent project in whatever is of interest to you. This is a great opportunity to pursue skills in areas of interest to you and create a final deliverable that can be showcased in a portfolio. 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Spring 2025 Course: QMSSGR5053_002_2025_1-PRACTICUMINDATAANALYSISII : QMSSGR5053_002_2025_1 - PRACTICUM IN DATA ANALYSIS II Instructor: Benjamin Kinsella