PMBC Student Reflections | Wang Likai’s Data Science Study Abroad Journey: From Software Engineering to Exploring Data Science at Lehigh University

Since the launch of our Alumni Interview series, we have continuously invited past PMBC (Pre-Master Bootcamp) participants to share their study abroad experiences, major selection stories, and personal growth journeys.

In this issue, we invited PMBC student Wang Likai to share his experience transitioning from a Software Engineering degree at Zhejiang University of Technology to pursuing a Master’s in Data Science at Lehigh University in the U.S.

From undergraduate software engineering to exploring the field of data science in the U.S., and adapting to the American graduate learning model through the PMBC Master’s preparatory program, Wang Likai has continuously clarified his development path through cross-disciplinary exploration.

"Hello everyone, my name is Wang Likai, and I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering from Zhejiang University of Technology. After graduation, I chose Lehigh University on the East Coast of the United States. Before starting my Master’s program in Data Science, I participated in Lehigh’s Pre-Master Boot Camp (PMBC). This program helped me quickly adapt to the American classroom learning style while consolidating my foundation in mathematics and programming, fully preparing me for my subsequent master's studies. At Lehigh University, I not only gained solid professional knowledge but also embarked on a journey of challenge and growth."

01 From Undergraduate to Graduate: Confirming the Study Abroad Path

When I first entered university, my plans for the future were not clear; I was just thinking about finding a relevant job after graduation. By my sophomore year, as competition in the job market intensified, I began to re-examine my career direction and gradually developed the idea of studying abroad. Especially after participating in research projects during my junior year, I discovered that my interest in data science far exceeded my interest in pure software development, and studying abroad became the best way to deeply explore this field.

02 Exchange Studies: The Enlightenment of the Study Abroad Dream

In the first semester of my senior year, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in an exchange program at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). This experience gave me a profound understanding of the differences between Chinese and American classroom educational philosophies. At UCI, I was exposed to cutting-edge courses such as computer vision and cryptography, realizing for the first time that what I learned could be so directly applied to practical problems. The high level of interactivity and the heuristic teaching style of the courses were extremely beneficial. My experience at UCI not only deepened my interest in data science but also allowed me to see the unique advantages of research resources and practical opportunities within the American education system, strengthening my determination to pursue further studies.

Why Choose Lehigh University?

When choosing a graduate school, I comprehensively considered the academic atmosphere, geographical location, and career development prospects. Lehigh University stands out for its strong research atmosphere, small class sizes, and specialized curriculum design. The school is located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, which is a quiet and beautiful environment, perfect for focusing on academics. In addition, Lehigh is only about a 1.5-hour drive from New York, providing a unique geographical advantage for internships and employment.

When I was choosing schools, I searched for information on the internet and saw a comment from a senior: "Bethlehem is a very small city with nothing to do, which is very suitable for focusing on study and research." After coming here, I found this to be true. I remember a humorous line from the Ming Dynasty literary text "The Northerner Eating Water Caltrops": "Whether in the front mountain or the back mountain, where can one find nothing?" I think this is the perfect way to describe our school. Although the city is small, the scenery is truly beautiful. The squirrels and deer on campus, the various nature reserves outside, and the ancient buildings and churches everywhere make it feel like a painting.

03 Learning Experience: Small Class Sizes and Distinguished Professors

Lehigh University’s small class teaching model makes interaction between professors and students more efficient. There aren't many students in each class—at most 20—and this classroom atmosphere allows me to have more exchanges with professors and enables teachers to patiently answer all questions, ensuring that every student keeps up with the pace. The school's resources are also very rich, and many professors are "big names" in the academic world, which has brought me a lot of inspiration. I recall interacting with an older former Soviet professor who spoke with a thick Slavic accent, giving him the appearance of a movie villain, but he was actually very kind, humble, and knowledgeable. His class made me feel more deeply how rich the academic atmosphere at Lehigh University is.

Research Challenges and Breakthroughs

During my master’s stage, I joined the university’s I-DISC research project, focusing on robotics and machine vision. At first, my research method was more task-oriented, lacking innovation and initiative. Fortunately, my advisor—a Chinese-Malaysian professor—not only provided me with careful academic guidance but also helped me better adapt to the American research environment through cultural exchange. Gradually, I learned to take the initiative to discover problems in research and attempt to find new ways to solve them.

04 Extracurricular Life: Quiet Time with Nature

Although Bethlehem is a relatively small and quiet city, I really like its natural landscapes and peaceful living atmosphere. Squirrels and deer roam leisurely on campus, while the nature reserves outside the campus and the surrounding national parks give me the opportunity to get close to nature outside of my studies. Whenever I have free time, I choose to hike in the nearby mountains and forests, enjoying the changing seasons and charming scenery. For me, this time spent with nature has given me infinite inspiration and relaxation.

05 Future Outlook

In the future, I plan to use my summer vacation to find internship opportunities at large enterprises to accumulate more industry experience. After graduation, I hope to work in data science-related positions at tech companies or financial institutions in New York or California, applying the knowledge I learned at Lehigh University to practical problems. At the same time, I do not rule out the possibility of pursuing a doctoral degree, especially in the fields of machine vision and artificial intelligence, to conduct more in-depth research and explore innovative applications of data science in more industries.

Advice for younger students:

1. Prepare for language exams in advance: Whether it’s TOEFL or IELTS, you need to plan early and create a study schedule to ensure you meet the requirements of your target institutions.

2. Prioritize your undergraduate GPA: Excellent grades are the key to applying to top universities, and a solid academic foundation will make you more competitive during the application process.

3. Define your path early: Combine personal interests with accumulated research and internship experience, and clarify professional development goals; this will help you stand out in your study abroad applications.

Lehigh University has provided me with top-tier educational resources and abundant opportunities for growth; it is not only a temple of academia but also a gateway to the future. I hope my experience can offer some inspiration to those planning to study abroad, and I wish every dream-chaser the best in finding wonder and possibility on their own journey!