Data Engineer at Allianz
Why did you decide to pursue a master's in Business Analytics and Big Data and why did you choose ULMS?
As an international student, I consider it a privilege and a fantastic opportunity to study at a triple-accredited Russell Group university. This is one of the main reasons I chose the University of Liverpool Management School. Additionally, I did my research before selecting the university regarding the academic staff teaching my course, and I was impressed by their expertise. As someone with an interest in both business and technology, this course presented an exciting opportunity to combine my skills. The curriculum's focus on industry collaboration was particularly appealing. Knowing the programme was co-designed with industry partners guaranteed the programme's relevance and ensured I would graduate with in-demand skills for the job market.
What aspects of your studies did you enjoy the most during your master's programme?
One of the aspects I enjoyed the most was the opportunity to work on real-world projects with industry partners. It allowed me to apply the knowledge I learned in the classroom to practical business problems, and it helped me develop a strong portfolio that I could showcase to potential employers. Collaborating with colleagues from diverse backgrounds helped me develop strong teamwork and communication skills. I gained a deeper understanding of how business, technology, and data analytics intersect in the real world. The program also provided fantastic opportunities to build a strong network of professionals in my field. Guest lectures, industry events, and alumni connections have become a rich resource that I can tap into as my career progresses.
How did you find representing your cohort as a course representative and taking part in Staff-Student Liaison Committees?
Advocating for my peers and working collaboratively with staff gave me a firsthand glimpse into how universities function and how decisions are made. It allowed me to develop valuable communication skills that will benefit me throughout my career.
What was the most enjoyable part of your involvement in extracurricular events?
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the ‘We Can Work It Out’ consultancy challenge was the opportunity to put my creativity and business skills to the test in a real-world scenario. I had the opportunity to develop a viable revenue model for a leading organisation which required innovative thinking and problem-solving, which I found incredibly rewarding. It was a great exercise in applying classroom knowledge to a practical situation.
Participating in the Serious Games for Education hackathon was an enriching learning experience on multiple levels. As a part of the hackathon, we proposed a product called ‘Virtual Voyagers’, an application for immersive learning. Collaborating with my team in a fast-paced environment was truly enjoyable. We faced challenges together, brainstormed solutions, and ultimately created a product that could potentially make a positive impact on education. The idea that "Virtual Voyagers" could enhance learning experiences and make education more accessible and engaging for diverse learners was incredibly motivating. Furthermore, the hackathon allowed me to explore and learn new technologies like VR, NLP, Unity, and gamification, which I wouldn't have had an opportunity to do otherwise.
How was your experience winning "The Big Enterprise Challenge - A Sustainable Eurovision 2023"?
I have a strong passion for both sustainability and the Eurovision Song Contest. This challenge presented a unique opportunity to combine these interests, contribute to a positive environmental impact, and be a part of something truly innovative for such a large-scale event. Competitions like this push you to develop essential skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and public speaking in a stimulating environment.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the entire experience was the collaboration with my team and colleagues from the Berlin School of Economics and Law. We brought different perspectives and skills to the table, which fostered incredibly productive discussions and strong teamwork dynamics. It allowed me to build relationships and networks across and beyond my university, which will undoubtedly be beneficial for my future professional aspirations.
Winning "The Big Enterprise Challenge" was an incredible achievement that we couldn't have reached without our team's dedication, creativity, and the effectiveness of our proposed solution, I'm incredibly proud of what we accomplished together.
You’ve recently started a new role as a Data Engineer at Allianz in London -congratulations! Tell us more about it.
What initially drew me to this position was the opportunity to work with an industry leader like Allianz, utilising my skills to handle and process large volumes of complex data, tackling the sheer scale and intricacy of datasets. It requires me to leverage my knowledge of various data engineering tools and techniques to ensure efficient data processing and integration. Maintaining data quality is another crucial aspect, where my focus on accuracy and reliability comes into play.
The most rewarding aspect so far is the impact of my work, witnessing how the insights derived from the data I process influence crucial decision-making within the organisation. The dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the field keeps me constantly engaged, pushing me to learn new technologies and expand my skillset.
What are your plans for the future in terms of your career and professional development?
I'd like to continue to progress towards a career in Data Analytics and Management. I'm fascinated by the challenges and opportunities involved in designing, building, and maintaining robust data infrastructure and leading teams in this dynamic field. I'm also passionate about contributing to the ever-evolving field of Generative AI research. This stems from my master's dissertation, which explored its potential and applications.