Manan Garg

From Data Analyst to Principal Scientist: How Manan Garg Used Woolf to Turn Passion into Purpose

I am Manan Garg, originally from Rajasthan, India, and my background is in Computer Science Engineering. Even before pursuing my Master’s at Woolf, I had already found my calling in data, working across roles as a Data Analyst, Data Engineer, and Data Scientist. Today, I serve as a Principal Data Scientist, leading impactful projects that apply Generative AI, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and advanced machine learning algorithms. But I do credit my time at Woolf for bringing me clarity, momentum, and providing depth to my work.

I chose Woolf’s MSc in Computer Science: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning because it offered something rare: a high-quality, accredited academic experience that didn’t require putting my career on hold. The flexibility was unmatched, allowing me to keep pace with professional responsibilities while fully engaging with the program. At the same time, Woolf’s international community exposed me to diverse perspectives and created opportunities for meaningful collaboration. It was the perfect environment to grow.

The most valuable part of my Woolf experience was learning directly from industry experts working at the forefront of AI. Getting insight into how foundational models evolved, especially in NLP and computer vision, helped me connect the dots between theory and the systems I now build every day. The project-based approach wasn’t just academic; it was deeply practical. Every assignment became an opportunity to test ideas, build confidence, and strengthen my skills. And the peer review process taught me to think critically and engage constructively with other professionals in the field.

Completing my degree marked an inflection point. I earned a promotion and stepped into high-stakes leadership in my company, overseeing projects that align with my long-term ambitions and personal mission. Woolf accelerated my career and gave me the confidence to lead with conviction and think like a researcher. Today, when I work with large language models or architect new AI systems, I do so with an understanding that goes far beyond surface-level tools. I know how they work, why they matter, and where they’re going.

There were moments when the workload felt overwhelming. Balancing rigorous coursework with a demanding full-time job required constant focus and discipline. But I reminded myself why I started. I returned to the mindset I had as a student years ago: taking notes, studying deeply, and building habits around consistency. One of my mentors at Woolf told me, “This is a tapasya,” a kind of sacred commitment. That idea stayed with me and helped transform my experience from endurance into purpose.

To anyone considering Woolf, my advice is to come with a clear goal and a willingness to put in the work. Woolf offers world-class academics and access to inspiring mentors, but the real transformation happens when you treat the program as a serious investment in your future. Engage fully, ask questions, and take the time to master the material.

Where I go from here is guided by a single ambition: to contribute meaningfully to the evolution of AI. Whether through research, innovation, or leadership, I want to help shape technologies that matter. Woolf helped lay the foundation for that work. It sharpened my thinking, strengthened my skills, and gave me a global network of peers and mentors I continue to learn from.