Testimonials
The feeling of being in control of a data science project while still working in a flexible, relaxed, and warm university environment was essential to my professional development in this field - both in terms of soft and technical skills.
My main focus was to deliver data science products and analyses/insights which were tailored to external stakeholders' needs as well as technical expertise in order to tackle major public health challenges. Microsoft Edge Copilot (or any other AI assistant) - is a real life-saver and the best way to learn about new libraries (e.g. in Python), methods, and tricks to do things that you never imagined were possible. Another great tool is Power BI and the ability to write dynamic text (in measures) with HTML and produce HTML visuals!
My experience has helped me in job interviews and in securing my next role. I will use the skills that I have developed to continue to work in data for the public good.
Ramaa Thirunarayanan (2023-24)
"The highlight of the DSDP (Data Science Development Program) for me has undoubtedly been the opportunity to network with a diverse group of individuals, which has not only broadened my perspectives but also opened doors to new professional opportunities. I thoroughly enjoyed the mentoring sessions with Ms. Kylie Norman, whose guidance was invaluable. The presentation advice from Simon and the support from my project coordinators were instrumental in honing my skills.
The technical skills I honed during the DSDP, such as advanced data analysis techniques and data handling practices, are directly applicable to my current work and will continue to be vital in my future endeavors. Moreover, the soft skills I developed, including effective communication, collaboration, and the ability to present complex information clearly, will be invaluable as I navigate future challenges and opportunities."
Aditi Sudhakar (2023-24)
"The most attractive aspect of the Data Scientist Development Programme (DSDP) is the unique and interesting projects that you take ownership of. The projects also offer opportunities for personal and professional development, supported by mentorship and invaluable guidance from team members, managers, and other LIDA staff. This experience has taught me the importance of setting realistic expectations for myself and others and fostering trust within the team to work effectively. The DSDP has equipped me with valuable project management skills and insights into interacting with diverse project teams and has been an incredible and pivotal stepping stone in my career.
A key technical insight I've gained is the importance of documenting code as you write it. Leaving comments in layman's terms and backing up code to GitHub helps avoid the risk of losing work and makes it easier to understand your code later on."
Abdelrahman Ibrahim "Hegazy" (2023-24)
"I have learnt by practice that interdisciplinarity is impartial to solve real world problems. The two projects were largely about understanding the context to be able to identify the most suitable methods and tools. This involved reading academic and policy literature but also learning from my supervisors, project partners and colleagues. I relied on agility and flexibility when it comes to scope and objectives. Both projects were in new areas of research and often with novel datasets, which meant that scope was developing along the way in a shared learning experience with supervisors and project partners.
My journey as a LIDA Data Scientist has provided me with progressive skills in coding using R and Python, version control and documentation using Git, and also versatile storytelling skills that suits domain experts and lay audience. These skills will help me further develop my career as an urban analytics expert who use data to tell stories of how to make a positive change in communities.”
Liam Bailey (2023-24)
"LIDA has been an incredible place to work, offering an outstanding work culture that encourages growth and collaboration. The DSDP sets out what it aims to achieve, helping early-career data scientists reach their full potential. It offers a mix of training, mentoring, and networking opportunities which enables data scientists build both their technical and soft skills.
For me, the highlight of the programme has been the boost in my confidence, particularly through engaging with stakeholders who share the common goal of utilising data for the public good. This experience has helped me discover my own ways of working and understand the unique value I bring to the team. I have developed both technical skills and interpersonal skills which I know will serve me well as I advance my career as a competent data scientist."
Ifeanyi Chukwu (2021-22)
"The programme is really structured in a way that we are set up to succeed. We are provided at an early-stage; technical training, “alpha skills” (soft skills) training and presentation skills.
There is an excellent community atmosphere in LIDA and even in the programme itself. The culture in the project itself, made me greatly admire LIDA because of this atmosphere of growth and having expertise and infrastructure, so it’s been great for my development. Being at the early stage of my data science journey at that time, it opened the doors for limitless possibilities for me.
LIDA is just such an amazing place to work and to be a part of and to contribute to, while still growing to the place I want to be."
Kristina Bratkova (2021-22)
"The first two weeks of the programme were almost purely designated for training. Which was training in multiple programming languages, spatial analysis and data analysis which helped me to get a kickstart on the project and understand the job from the start. Another great development was attending conferences, I presented my work in front of fellow academics and got invaluable feedback and networking which I’m sure will help me in the future.
Throughout the programme I received a lot of support from the programme manager, supervisors and my fellow data scientists. My supervisors went above and beyond by asking me about my next steps since the programme is fixed term. They were very keen to help me with references and prepare me for interviews in whatever area I wish to pursue after the programme."
Jacob Van Alwon (2021-22)
"My learning curve over the last 11 months has just been really, really high in terms of all the coding I’ve done and all the data science methods which I’ve learnt to use. We had a training budget which we could use and could direct where we spent that ourselves to help with the project or I used some of mine to go to a conference. Being able to explore different ideas has been really useful and the supervisors there to guide you but allow you to use your own ideas and problem solving.
Generally everyone’s been really supportive and really helpful throughout my time here. Especially relatively early on in my time here, I learnt that I might have ADHD. From all my supervisors, as well as the rest of the staff at LIDA, it as not just supportive in terms of moral support, but also practical support in terms of finding resources for me, speaking to people they knew who had similar experiences and finding all these things that could help me and that was absolutely fantastic and really really appreciated."
Greta Timaite (2021-22)
"An important moment for me was when my supervisors of the first project encouraged me to write an extended abstract for a conference. I think it really boosted my confidence and it also helped me realise the importance and relevance of a project and it just made me want to work even more on it.
I improved my communications skills and I learned to communicate about the impact of my research and why its relevant."
Eric Muriithi (2021-22)
"I’ve really enjoyed the pastoral support of the programme, where they send you a dedicated buddy who is really invested in you. They give that emotional support outside of the much needed technical support of the programme.
Firstly, the ability to work in a team, secondly the ability to ramp up skills in different domains and thirdly the resiliency to conduct research in producing tangible outputs."