Information Visualization
Programming with D3.js

I think this was it: https://www.coursera.org/learn/information-visualization-programming-d3js

DVA uses version 5, but the basics are pretty much the same. Any exposure to AWS, Azure, and MapReduce would have helped, but D3 is worth a lot more of the course points, so I focused in it. Good luck!

found this mooc: https://www.coursera.org/learn/information-visualization-programming-d3js

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Should be worth it for us to go through.

\> Is this the right time to build a portfolio?

It is always the right time to build a portfolio

\> Should I train to be more proficient in a single language?

Its best to become proficient in a single language, although given your ambitions for game/social media companies, that language might not be Python. I suggest Javascript because of its use in web.

One suggestion I have is to model your understanding of economics with code. This will help build synergy across your university and personal pursuits. There is a great Javascript library called D3 which will enable you to make visualizations of economic concepts. Perhaps take the beginner Information Visualization course on coursera taught by NYU: https://www.coursera.org/learn/information-visualization-programming-d3js

Half your grade is the group project, so finding a good group is really important. Go join the OMSA DVA slack board (cse6242x.slack.com) and start talking to students about projects and ideas. There's a channel in the main OMSCS slack also, but it's less active. I wouldn't be afraid of big groups, there's very little penalty for having a big group, and IF effectively managed can make the work go faster (and deal with the potential for people who drop course).

Regarding homeworks, Javascript/D3 is the bulk of the content. If you've never done Javascript or D3, it's worth getting your prefered IDE setup and starting to work through some tutorials. Here's an example class (https://www.coursera.org/learn/information-visualization-programming-d3js) but there are others.

The rest of the programming assignments are manageable, just start early if you aren't familiar with the programming language/technology that's being covered.