From what it seems that in recent years there has been a substantial increase in students exploring educational opportunities in other countries. It is believed that this surge is driven by various factors including the quest for top-notch education, exposure to diverse cultures and an interest in broadening global perspectives. With various governments’ introducing conducive policies which allows collaboration between international and home-grown institutions. With data being called the new oil, courses around data science have picked up.
In a conversation with FE Education, Maria Fasli, director, Institute for Analytics and Data Science, and executive dean, the Faculty of Science and Health, University of Essex, spoke about the trends in the international job market when it comes Data Science, besides the courses and programmes offered by University of Essex in this field. (Edited Excerpts)
With the ongoing surge in globalisation, what are the skills students should learn to pursue a career in the field of analytics and data sciences?
To start, students must develop specialised knowledge by gaining a comprehensive understanding and practical experience in advanced techniques within data science, analytics and particularly artificial intelligence. These sought-after skills are highly valued by employers and organisations. Specialised expertise can be cultivated through various avenues, including postgraduate courses.
Beyond technical proficiency, emphasis should also be placed on soft skills development. Effective communication is pivotal in roles within this domain, as professionals often need to present insights derived from data to high-level individuals, such as CEOs. The ability to articulate findings and propose actionable strategies based on data becomes crucial for success and career advancement. Therefore, a holistic approach to professional development involves combining specialised knowledge in advanced techniques with the cultivation of higher-level communication and interpersonal skills.
What is the scope of developing a career in data analytics and data science?
The job market for data analytics and data science is thriving globally. There is a growing demand for individuals with specialised skills in these fields, not only in the UK, Europe and the US but also in India and worldwide. The increasing reliance on data across various sectors creates opportunities for graduates with the right skills.
What initiatives has your institute undertaken to support international students both academically and professionally?
At the University of Essex, we offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Particularly at the postgraduate level, we provide degrees in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. Recognising the increasing demand for skills in this field, we have also introduced conversion master’s level programmes. These programmes cater to individuals with diverse academic backgrounds, allowing them to transition into data science within a year.
The content of our programmes is continually informed by industry needs through an industrial advisory board, ensuring that our courses remain up-to-date in this fast-growing field. Students are also given opportunities to practise soft skills through group projects and real-world industry projects.
Given the high cost of international education, especially for students from countries such as India, does your institute provide scholarships and initiatives to make education more affordable and accessible?
The University of Essex has various initiatives to support international students, including those from India. We offer an international scholarship, providing discounts on fees for both postgraduate and undergraduate degrees. Recognising the rising cost of living, we also have a policy to refund health service charges to students who complete their full tuition fee payment.
To alleviate daily expenses, we have introduced a two-pound meal deal, allowing students to access a hot meal at the University of Essex for just two pounds during term time.
Could you share some insights into the demographics of international students at the University of Essex, particularly those from India?
Approximately 48% of our students at the University of Essex are international and we have around 2,000 Indian students on campus. The Indian community currently constitutes one of the largest groups of international students on our campus.
How do you plan to increase the enrollment of Indian students and what is your strategy?
Our strategy is not merely about targeting India for the sake of it; instead, we aim to focus on providing students with an outstanding, transformative educational experience. As a university, our goal is excellence not only in research but also in education. We aim to offer transformative programs that equip students for top-notch jobs and successful careers globally. Our strategy involves providing a range of programs that upskill students, aligning with industry needs, and ensuring they have a solid foundation in both fundamental principles and current knowledge.
What about placement post completion of education?
While we cannot guarantee jobs for every student due to the diverse backgrounds and approaches they bring, we focus on providing a high-quality programme. Additionally, we offer comprehensive career support services, including CV writing, interview preparation and industry engagement. We organise employability events, bringing industry experts to guide students on using platforms like LinkedIn. Our goal is to empower students not just with academic knowledge but also with the confidence and skills to pursue and secure employment opportunities.
Considering India’s position as one of the major exporters of IT services, do you foresee it becoming the largest employment provider in the world in IT or data services?
India has historically excelled in IT and computer science. The potential for India lies in becoming a specialist provider in data science and AI services. With the right skills and capacities, India has the potential to be a significant player, if not the largest, in providing specialised services in these domains.
Lastly, do you have any industry or academic collaborations at the international level and in India?
Our university fosters extensive partnerships and collaborations both within the UK and on a global scale. In the UK, we engage in Knowledge Transfer partnerships funded by the government, facilitating student involvement in industry projects. On the international front, we have ties with organisations such as the UN, UNESCO and global businesses such as Microsoft. Additionally, we actively pursue collaborations in India, including partnerships with institutions such as the Vellore Institute of Technology in Chennai. We recently initiated a joint research project, underlining our commitment to mutual exchange through staff and student visits.