When Cameron Bayer MS’24 taught artificial intelligence the best strategies for Blackjack in his Willamette University classroom, he didn't know it would help deal him a winning hand at Microsoft. Just weeks after graduating from Willamette's top-ranked Masters in Data Science program, Bayer landed his dream job on Microsoft's prestigious Azure Edge Observability and AI team, where he now helps keep one of the world's largest cloud computing platforms running smoothly.
Azure — which many companies use for data storage, and machine algorithm generation, along with website and app hosting — depends on sharp data scientists like Bayer to monitor and analyze complex problems with their system’s services to keep them running.
“The best part about being at Microsoft is being surrounded by the most brilliant minds in the industry,” Bayer says. “The learning opportunities are endless.”
After earning his undergraduate degree, Bayer knew that a Master’s in Data Science could set his application apart at top companies. Willamette’s one-year program allowed him to quickly complete his degree and get his leg up in the job market. Coaching from the Office of Career Services helped him prepare for his job search, setting him up to communicate his unique data science skills to employers.
When Bayer began interviewing at Microsoft, he found that his work at Willamette closely aligned with the hiring team’s needs.
“I had a clear edge over other applicants because Microsoft puts an emphasis on projects, and I had the chance to build these cool projects at Willamette,” Bayer says. “I created a dashboard in my data visualizations class that analyzed the performance of Formula One drivers and teams using the R programming language. For another project, I utilized reinforcement learning algorithms to teach bots the rules of Blackjack and develop the best game strategy.”
Courses with Albaugh Assistant Professor of Statistics and Data Science Heather Kitada Smalley and Associate Professor of Computer Science Jed Rembold have already paid off in his new role.
“My data visualization course with Professor Smalley was fantastic. I've already come across visualizations in my job that I can improve with skills from the class,” Bayer says.
Bayer views his new position as just the beginning. With his foundation in Willamette's data science program and a seat at one of technology's biggest tables, he is excited to see where his skills and experience will take him next.
