Freya Kan

Freya Kan has always loved languages. Kan enjoyed discovering the logic and patterns across different languages, which led her to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Translation at Hong Kong Baptist University. However, when ChatGPT came onto the scene, her love of languages evolved into an interest in language technology.

“That was when I first learned about LLMs and computational linguistics,” Kan said. “At the same time, I was taking mathematics and programming courses at university and found them just as fascinating as languages. After all, programming languages are also languages, and mathematics is sometimes called the language of the universe. That was when I realized I wanted to pursue a degree in Computational Linguistics.”

Kan explored several master’s programs in computational linguistics and NLP but UBC’s Master of Data Science (MDS) in Computational Linguistics stood out to her because of “its unique combination of data science and computational linguistics, as well as the opportunity to work with industry partners through a capstone project.”
Once in the MDS Computational Linguistics program, Kan discovered Corpus Linguistics (COLX 521) as one of her favourite courses. 

“It was the first dedicated computational linguistics course in the program, and I enjoyed how it introduced core concepts in an organized and engaging way. I also appreciated the mock technical interview at the end of the course,” she explained.

Another aspect that Kan appreciated about the MDS Computational Linguistics program was how it addressed the emergence of LLMs and AI. 

“The program addresses these topics by teaching the underlying concepts in depth, from neural networks to LLMs and AI agents. At a time when familiarity with AI is becoming a requirement across many industries, this knowledge is extremely valuable,” Kan said.

In addition to its curriculum, Kan also enjoyed being amongst a diverse cohort. She explained that all her classmates bring a unique perspective such as someone from a consulting background may focus on stakeholder requirements while a software developer may focus on development and scalability and a researcher may emphasize methodology and documentation. 

“Combining these perspectives leads to stronger solutions and a more holistic understanding of problems,” she said.

Even though Kan came into the program from a non-traditional background, she never felt it as a disadvantage. 

“If you complete the prerequisites, review the preparatory materials, and maintain a willingness to learn, you can succeed in the program. The teaching team and your classmates are always willing to help.”

The most important aspect of the MDS Computational Linguistics program for Kan was the capstone project as it gave her industry experience before graduation.

As Kan prepares to enter the job market, she feels that the program helped her know that a data scientist’s job is not just about building the best models but about explaining technical decisions, communicating insights effectively, and ensuring solutions address real business needs.

In terms of what kinds of roles that Kan is interested in, she is seeking roles that lean into her strength and interest in analytical thinking and project management.

“I enjoy translating business needs into data-driven and technological solutions. As a result, I'm particularly interested in roles such as Business Analyst, Data Analyst, and Digital Transformation Consultant,” she explained.

Freya’s Top 3 Tips on Succeeding in the MDS Computational Linguistics Program:

1. Make friends and learn from them. There is a lot of teamwork in the program, and you'll be surrounded by talented people with different perspectives and experiences.
2. Stay curious. Curiosity is essential for learning and growth. Don't hesitate to do your own research or ask questions on Slack.
3. Maintain balance. The program is intensive, so try to stay on top of your work during the week and make time to relax and have fun on weekends.

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