Class of 2025: Baiyi Zhang brings global perspective to computer science
From Ningxia to Northern Virginia, Zhang’s journey is marked by courage, curiosity, and the confidence he found at Virginia Tech.
Name: Baiyi Zhang
College: College of Engineering
Degree: Master of Engineering in computer science and applications
Hometown: Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
Plans after graduation: Senior data analyst at Navy Federal Credit Union
Favorite Hokie memory: Working alongside Debbie Cash and Kristin Sorenson as a student assistant at the University Libraries
When Zhang arrived in the United States from Ningxia, a small province in northwestern China, he was prepared for a new academic challenge in his computer science master’s program. Today, he reflects on a transformative academic experience defined by personal and professional growth.
Zhang was drawn to the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus for two reasons: its specialized track in data analytics and artificial intelligence and its location in the D.C. metro area – a growing tech ecosystem. He saw an opportunity to hone his skills.
“This program fit me very well,” he said. “I wanted to sharpen my knowledge in data engineering and apply it to real-world problems.”
His time at Virginia Tech was more than an academic journey, it was a chance to thrive as an international student, build community, and launch a promising career in data analytics.
From intern to analyst
Zhang’s internship at Navy Federal Credit Union became a vital experience in his professional development. With no prior knowledge of the company, he dove into the opportunity with enthusiasm, attending every technical workshop, social gathering, and cross-team event he could.
“I signed up for virtually everything,” he said, from Microsoft Power BI seminars to roundtable discussions with company vice presidents. “It helped me build relationships not only with my direct team but across the entire organization.”
That proactive spirit paid off. Zhang joined an internal hackathon team and worked alongside senior engineers and managers, where he provided best practices and technical insights. His initiative and collaborative mindset left an impression that ultimately led to a full-time role as a senior data analyst.
“I wasn’t shy. I did what I was good at, and I made it my priority to understand the business behind each task,” Zhang said. “That’s when my supervisor realized I was ready for more.”
Bridging cultures through tech
Zhang faced early hurdles as an international student – especially in navigating academic language and presentations in English. “That made my journey a bit challenging,” he said. “But thanks to my peers and professors, I became more confident.”
Over time, those challenges turned into strengths. Zhang gained a new appreciation for the different approaches to problem-solving he experienced in China and the U.S.
“In China, people emphasize technical details, but in the U.S., there’s a focus on systematic planning and structured processes,” he said. “Combining both helped me understand how to tackle real-world problems in a more effective way.”
Practical skills for a digital world
In addition to his internship — now full-time job — and coursework, Zhang’s on-campus job as a student assistant at the University Libraries helped him develop necessary soft skills. He managed appointments, answered calls, and coordinated events under the guidance of supervisors Cash and Sorenson.
“They treated me and my fellow student workers with kindness and respect,” he said. “That boosted my confidence and shaped how I carry myself in professional environments.”
Academically, the Machine Learning I and II courses proved most challenging. Though his current role doesn’t involve direct model development, the courses gave him an understanding of how data supports machine learning initiatives.
“It made me a better data engineer and a more collaborative team member,” he said. “It’s the kind of hands-on learning that sticks with you.”
What’s next?
Zhang looks forward to continued professional growth. He hopes to apply the knowledge he’s gained in his master’s program to help organizations make smarter, data-driven decisions.
“My time at Virginia Tech helped me bridge the gap between what I knew and what the industry needs,” he said. “Now I feel equipped not just to contribute, but to lead.”
