Master of Data Science Graduate Spotlight: Harini Vanmeeganathan Lakshmi
| 4 Min Read
La Trobe University’s Master of Data Science course is equipping professionals with the technical training, research background and hands-on experience needed for a successful career in this exciting field. For Harini Vanmeeganathan Lakshmi, Master of Data Science graduate and now Data Scientist, the course presented an opportunity to enhance her technical and analytical proficiency through real-world industry-based data science projects.
What is your education background?
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering from Anna University, India, and I recently completed my Master of Data Science (AI Analytics Specialisation) from La Trobe University. Prior to my Master’s, I worked as a Full Stack Developer for three years in India, building scalable web applications in both front-end and back-end environments.
What motivated you to study a Master of Data Science at La Trobe University?
I was drawn to La Trobe’s well-rounded curriculum that integrates both technical depth and practical applications. The AI specialisation* , access to industry-connected projects, and the vibrant research community made it the ideal choice to grow in the rapidly evolving data science field.
Were there any skills or knowledge gaps you wanted to bridge with the course?
I wanted to strengthen my foundation in statistics, machine learning algorithms, and big data frameworks while gaining exposure to real-world AI applications and model deployment strategies.
Were there any subjects or projects that stood out to you?
The natural language processing (NLP) and AI subjects were transformative. I developed a financial sentiment analysis tool using Transformers and FastAPI, which I deployed live on Render. Projects like these enabled me to go beyond classroom learning and build solutions that reflect real industry needs.
What kind of support did you receive from teaching staff or your peers?
The support has been phenomenal. Lecturers are approachable, well-versed in current industry trends, and very encouraging. They provided personalised feedback, timely guidance, and encouraged independent exploration. I also had the opportunity to collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds, which brought different perspectives to problem-solving.
Were there any tools or technologies you became confident in?
Through the course, I became proficient in Python, TensorFlow, Scikit-learn, and essential data analysis libraries such as Pandas and NumPy. I also strengthened my skills in data visualisation tools like Tableau. Outside of the curriculum, I pursued additional hands-on learning and internships where I worked with FastAPI, PyTorch, Databricks, and Generative AI tools — which helped me stay aligned with current industry practices.
How did the learning outcomes from the course align with the current demands and trends in the job market for Data Science?
Very closely. The curriculum addresses key industry needs such as cloud-based deployment, NLP, big data processing, and ethics in AI. I’ve found the skills taught at La Trobe highly transferable to real-world job requirements.
How do you think the course prepared you for real-world data problems in your current role?
Through project-based learning and industry-aligned assessments, I’ve been able to confidently tackle real data challenges — ranging from text classification and data extraction using large language models (LLM) to deploying models via cloud APIs.
Was there anything that surprised you when studying this course, either about the course itself, or your experience
What stood out to me was the level of practical application and academic support offered throughout the course. Having the opportunity to come onto campus and engage in face-to-face learning, attend workshops, and connect with peers and lecturers in person was a bonus. The supportive learning environment and hands-on project work exceeded my expectations and made the experience both immersive and rewarding.
How did you manage to fit this course around your life (personal/family/work commitments etc)
As a full-time, on-campus student , I planned my schedule around classes, assignments, and internship responsibilities. The structured timetable and on-campus resources helped me stay focused and disciplined. The online learning environment is interactive and supportive. The platforms used are intuitive, and the recorded sessions, discussion forums, and virtual office hours ensure you’re never left behind—even when juggling multiple priorities. I also balanced my commitments by prioritising tasks and setting weekly goals, which allowed me to manage my academic workload alongside real-world projects.
What advice would you give to other students looking to embark on this course?
Be curious, stay consistent, and make the most of the hands-on projects. The field is evolving fast, so actively engage in real-world problems, build a portfolio, and don’t hesitate to reach out to mentors and peers — La Trobe provides a great ecosystem for that.
Learn more about La Trobe’s online Master of Data Science or get in touch with our team of Enrolment Advisors via (+61 3) 9917 3009 or onlinecourses@latrobe.edu.au.
Disclaimer
*Please note some specialisations options are available for on-campus students only.