What I like most about the Bachelor in Data and Business Analytics is the focus on applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. Alongside our studies, we are assigned numerous projects which directly relate to current trends in the market or industry. As well as completing these projects in class, we also have the opportunity to pursue projects with companies in the industry, allowing us the opportunity to gain real professional experience.
Likewise, I attend many events run by the professional clubs at IE University. They invite people from a variety of companies in different fields—with vast professional experience—to speak to students. We are able to learn about the reality of different professions and understand more about our own aspirations for the future. These events help to bring the real world of business into the academic world of IE University. Moreover, students are offered the chance to attend advanced seminars in a range of topics, related to both their professional careers and further afield.
Breaking new ground as a woman in technology
Before coming to IE University, I had some reservations about studying this degree, due to my own preconceptions about the type of people I would find on the program. Nevertheless, I was inspired on my first day visiting IE University to see that Rafif Srour is the academic director. For me, it’s amazing to have such a pioneering woman at the forefront of IE University’s Bachelor in Data and Business Analytics, as it tears down stereotypes about who is able to pursue a career in technology and business and promotes an atmosphere of inclusivity. Rafif is such a supportive and motivational program director and I find her incredibly inspiring.
At times, it can be daunting and challenging to be a woman in such a heavily male-dominated field, but I passionately believe that all women have something unique to offer the industry. If we only ever hear the perspectives and ideas that come from men, technology will never advance! Ultimately, gender is unimportant—what does matter is the person you are, how hard you work, and the goals you set for yourself. Personally, I’m proud of the results I’m seeing in my own career. At the end of the day, the most important thing is feeling proud of your work and owning your success.
The next generation
I would encourage any future student to pursue their passions when studying the Bachelor in Data and Business Analytics. It can be challenging to pursue a career in the field of technology—it involves long hours of coding and in-depth practical understanding—so being driven and hardworking is a must. To make the most of their time at IE University, I would encourage everyone to go the extra mile in the projects they pursue. IE University is a safe and supportive environment to try new things, and with the support of the professors, now is the perfect time to experiment.
Most importantly, you need to be open-minded. This is a very fast-paced and ever-changing industry; today I am coding Python, but tomorrow that language could be dead. To enter this field, it’s vital to be flexible, motivated, and constantly on the lookout for new ideas.
IE University: a place to share ideas
One of the things I love most about studying at IE University is that we have the chance to meet so many people from around the world. Even as someone who has spent their entire life in Madrid, studying at IE University allowed me to experience so many new perspectives from around the world. At the end of the day, we each have a limited understanding of the world, based on where we were born and raised. As a student community, we are constantly exchanging our differing perspectives, hearing new ways to understand issues, and learning to embrace diversity.
In the field of technology, I think that this diversity is especially important because we always need new mindsets, new ways of thinking, and new ideas. You only find those through listening to people from diverse backgrounds. As an industry, we need as many people to bring ideas to the table as possible. When you bring together two contrasting points of view, that is when change starts to happen!