The university experience can be both enriching and challenging, demanding a careful balance between study and life. As an Unibuddy Ambassador and MSc Business Analytics student, Amanda Dickwella Vithanage shares invaluable insights for newcomers, offering guidance on navigating university life and beyond.
MSC BUSINESS ANALYTICS: A STUDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
I have always held the belief that one should never stop learning, even after the completion of official education. There is so much to be curious about, so when I started to work after completing my undergraduate degree and found myself at a plateau, I knew I needed a change. Having thoroughly explored and exhausted various avenues, I knew the best thing I could do for myself was to go back into education. My aspiration was to acquire a deeper technical skill set that could readily translate into practical, everyday applications. While a multitude of options lay before me, I gradually honed in on degrees related to data science, then I found Business Analytics. Amidst the offerings of diverse business schools, I found resonance with UCL’s programme. Eager to glean further insights, I arranged to attend their open day. The event only served to affirm my decision in applying to pursue this chosen degree path.
Term I
Fast forward to September, I was ready to begin my first term at the School of Management. Term 1 was centred around four mandatory modules: Statistics, Foundations of Programming, Marketing Analytics and Business Strategy & Analytics.
I must admit, I am still somewhat scarred from the Foundations of Programming weekly quizzes. It might not be at the top of my favourite module list but I did learn a lot and I still enjoy using Python - not so much in a 30-minute time frame to answer 10 questions! I mostly loved Business Strategy & Analytics and Marketing Analytics, particularly the combination of theory with the practical application of R code for Marketing Analytics.
Wei, our lecturer, was interactive, attentive to our question and engaging (yes, his magic tricks were on a Dr Strange level of epic). It was a great module. I had never done a business-related degree before, so everything I encountered was entirely new which added a layer of interest. For Business Strategy & Analytics, we had a plethora of diverse resources and content that catered to various needs and learning styles.
Our lecturer preferred a ‘no laptop’ rule, which meant that we couldn’t get distracted during lectures, taking notes on a notebook or tablet if we wanted to. Consequently, this led to discussions being open and stimulating. This environment of openness and active involvement significantly boosted confidence in participating, transforming the experience into a spirited competition where the top-performing section would win the “house cup”! The element of competition undeniably spurred more active engagement, inspiring teams to take the lead. Additionally, our lecturer’s ingenious move of offering sustenance in the form of chocolate-covered coffee beans during our lengthy 3-hour lecture earned him some brownie points (albeit, when they ran out and chocolate covered raisins were provided instead – a travesty!). Bringing in an element of fun, made the content and learning more memorable (in my opinion) so thank you Anil, you’re truly the greatest! I must admit, I still find it bizarre addressing professors by their first name.
Term II
Term 2 included two mandatory modules of Operations Analytics and Predictive Analytics, alongside another two modules that could be chosen by us. I chose Machine Learning for Business and Technology & Collective Intelligence. Among these, I found Predictive Analytics to be the most challenging as it involved heavy Python coding to produce Deep Learning solutions. Despite how difficult it was, it was incredibly rewarding.
As for Operations Analytics, I can’t say I loved it but our lecturer’s effort into the course content made it a worthwhile module. I learnt and gained a lot from the module as a result. Thank you Zhenyu!
Term III
Two terms later and Term 3 is already in full swing.
This term is solely based on our dissertation write up, requiring us to be independent in structuring our routine and workload. *Gulps and prays.*
We have been assigned to an existing company to solve a business problem for them, using the information we learnt from previous terms. Time seems to be moving faster than I can blink, and I am sad realising that it will all be over soon. I have met some incredible people – fellow students and faculty – and have made memories that I will cherish forever and never forget. I think I finally got the university experience I have always wanted, and it has made my time at UCL’s School of Management that much more special. I am excited and a little nervous for what’s ahead, but I know it is a chapter I am looking forward to.
Best of luck to next year’s cohort – know you have at least one stranger in this world rooting for you to succeed in all that your heart desires. You have got this!
Global Impact Week 2023 in Dubai
As part of the UCL School of Management’s mission to create leaders for the complex, interconnected world of the future, there was an opportunity to spend a week in Dubai, UAE.
This was a chance to immerse in local culture, networking with some of the region’s leading organisations and think tanks, and understanding the different business etiquette in the region. We managed to capture the Global Impact Week 2023 in Dubai.
UCL SoM is dedicated to helping students thrive in their careers, providing international experiences, both in-person and online, and in London and overseas, to create a global mindset that is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Lean more about MSc Business Analytics.
