Testimonials
Anne de Wildt, student
"Data Science is becoming a more and more valued field of expertise"
Why did you choose this Master’s programme?
During my Bachelor’s I heard they were setting up this Master’s programme. I initially would start my Master’s somewhere else, but the applied characteristics of this programme really spoke to me. I have very broad interests and would like to learn more about areas of application of data science as well. The variety in application areas is also the best thing about this Master’s programme, and that you can mix and match the electives to your liking. I am taking courses applied in geography, health and social science areas, and the variation of courses is really to my liking. I have become very interested in the application of data science in geography, which is something I would not have guessed before I started the programme.
What do you want to do after your Master’s?
Data Science is becoming a more and more valued field of expertise, as I think it should be. Over the last couple of years, the collection of data has increased tremendously, but it is not used to its full potential yet, and I would like to play a part in optimizing the use of data. I am not sure yet in what way, and in what organization or industry, but I would like to use the knowledge that I have obtained for the greater good in some way.
Would you recommend this Master’s to others?
I would select this Master’s again for sure, and I have been recommending it to friends as well. Most people feel like they have not obtained the knowledge and skill to start a master like this, and that it will be too technical, but I think the purpose of the programme is to connect students from all study areas and Bachelor's programmes and show how they can use data science in their field.
Camilla Kuijper, student
"I feel like I learned more in the first two weeks of Applied Data Science than in some of my Bachelor’s courses."
Why did you choose this Master’s programme?
My interests lie more in the applied sciences, and I don't want a career in research. I doubted whether I wanted to get my Master’s in the first place. But when I came across this programme, it felt like the right fit. This programme focuses on getting the skills that would be applied in the workplace, and not so much on the academic research side. This is especially noticeable when looking at the thesis projects; they are a lot smaller than in most Master’s programmes. Also, they are in cooperation with institutions and companies, which I hope will give me the experience I am looking for. I was also very excited about the interdisciplinary aspect of this programme. I am really enjoying working together with people from different academic backgrounds, being able to do more than I could do alone.
What do you want to do after your Master’s programme?
After talking to some alumni, I found out that it’s very easy to find a job after this Master’s, and the bigger challenge will be finding what I want. I still have not decided on a path after my Master’s. During this programme, we get to hear from a lot of people that work in the data science field, so I hope to get inspired by someone and find my place there.
Would you recommend this Master’s programme to others?
If you are excited to learn about data science techniques and algorithms, but are also interested in being socially aware of the impact data science can have on the world, I would definitely recommend this programme. It’s challenging and very fast-paced, but that also means that I learned a lot in a very short period of time. I feel like I learned more in the first two weeks of Applied Data Science than in some of my Bachelor’s courses. A large background in tech and programming is not necessarily required for the courses we take, though you should take into account that the learning curve will be steeper if you've done little programming.
Jelle Tijema, alumnus
"I apply the data science techniques I learned during the programme to solve complex problems."
What did you end up doing after graduating? In what ways do you apply what you’ve learned during the programme?
After graduating from the Applied Data Science programme at Utrecht University, I became a PhD candidate at the same institution. I now work on a variety of projects, combining applied data science, open science, AI, and behavioral science. I also work as a research data scientist for ASReview, where I maintain and develop the open-source software. Here, I apply the data science techniques I learned during the programme to solve complex problems in various domains. Additionally, I have worked as a teacher for Utrecht University, teaching the course Data Wrangling, which allowed me to share my knowledge and experience with others.
If you had to compare this programme to a sandwich, what would you choose?
I would choose a traditional-Asian fusion sandwich with a build-your-own twist. The sandwich represents the innovative and interdisciplinary nature of the program, as well as the freedom it offers to students. It could start with a base of artisanal sourdough bread, representing the solid foundation of data science techniques (traditional aspect), filled with a combination of classic ingredients like ham and cheese (domain-specific knowledge).
To spice things up and represent the application of data science in diverse and cutting-edge fields, we'd offer a selection of toppings, like tangy, spicy kimchi coleslaw, which brings an exciting twist to the sandwich. The coleslaw signifies the non-traditional aspects of the program, as the applied part of the field might not be something usually found in university masters. A savory and slightly sweet hoisin sauce glaze adds depth and ties everything together, highlighting the cohesive nature of the program and its ability to combine various techniques and domains for a greater impact.
Abdulhakim Özcan, student
"It could prove an excellent opportunity to learn from and with brilliant people."
Why did you choose Applied Data Science?
The programme appealed to me because it offers a one-year, hands-on curriculum that accommodates my interests in geoscience, social and behavioral science, and media studies domains. At the time, I was especially drawn to geoscience, as it seemed to align with one of my previous experiences, where I enjoyed doing quantitative analysis with maps. I was also excited about the social and behavioral science domain because it complemented my bachelor's education in international relations and psychology. Lastly, the media studies domain interested me because it would allow me to learn about text analysis with plenty of practical exercises.
What makes this Master’s an interesting and useful experience?
Along with theoretical knowledge, the programme offers the opportunity to gain practical data skills, which are highly valued in the job market. At the same, it allows students to develop people skills through group projects. This program hosts people from a wide range of fields and it requires them to collaborate in teams, which is often more challenging than working in groups with similar educational backgrounds. It prepares you for the industry which is full of data science people from different disciplines. Besides, it could prove an excellent opportunity to learn from and with brilliant people.