With a background in Mechanical Engineering, Wisdom decided to make a change after his degree into Information Technology. Wanting to boost his employability, he joined the MSc Data Science course at the University of Salford with a view to building a career in the tech space. Read on to hear more about his story, and how he feels his course is going to help him achieve the career he’s working towards.
Wisdom Etiuma in his role as a student ambassador
Why did you choose to study at Salford?
There were 3 reasons I chose the University of Salford. Firstly, I was impressed by the versatile payment plan they offer to international students that allows them to pay a portion of their fees and then split the remainder into as many as 7 separate payments. I think this initiative showed that they were interested in creating an atmosphere where students can study without fear of overwhelming fees. Secondly, I chose the University of Salford because it offers one of the best data science course packages with comprehensive forays into Artificial Intelligence and Statistics and boasts one of the highest employment rates for courses in the United Kingdom. Thirdly, I chose the University of Salford because I adore the city of Salford and looked forward to living here.
What made you want to study your course? How did you come to study your subject
I had a background in Mechanical Engineering but I had transitioned into Information Technology in the years following my bachelors and I was looking to obtain a masters in that line to boost my employability.
Tell us a bit about your course. How would you explain your course to someone who knows nothing about it?
Data Science is basically about collecting huge heaps of data from everyday people and occurrences, and processing this data to produce actionable information otherwise known as Wisdom. For example, you can collect data about the temperatures, humidity and cloud patterns from the last 20 occurrences of rain, and with this data, you can say that when you see similar patterns in the future, there is a high chance of rain and carrying an umbrella would be wise.
“The University of Salford is diverse, inclusive and offers lots of support to all backgrounds and needs.”
Wisdom Etiuma
How did you learn on the course?
There are online lectures carried out by both the course lecturers and guest speakers, as well as physical workshops where we carry out practical applications of the things we are taught. We are also given the opportunity to carry out projects which are graded to form our assessment ensuring that the course is hands-on and assimilated.
What support is available for you throughout your studies? What are the teaching/school like?
The lecturers are friendly and approachable and they emphasise that students can reach them by mail with any challenges during the course of the session. There are also drop-in sessions organised twice a week to allow students interact with their lecturers physically and get help in any aspects of the course that they might struggle with. There are also course representatives chosen from amongst the students to aid in getting feedback and solving any issues that may arrive. These all meld together to create an atmosphere where students can always feel supported.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of studying here?
I would tell them to go for it! The University of Salford is diverse, inclusive and offers lots of support to all backgrounds and needs. There are societies that cater to everyone and you will never feel left out. It is also perfectly safe with campus security and the safezone app.
What does a typical day in your life look like?
A typical lecture day starts with me attending online lectures by 9am for 2 hours and then attending a 3 hour physical workshop later that day by 1pm or 4pm depending on my batch to do practical work. I usually use the hours inbetween to get on campus and then revise the workshop manuals for the day in preparation for the workshop. After my workshop, I spend time that evening to go through any further reading on the topic including studying real life applications of the topic on YouTube or reviewing more advanced applications that might have been touched on but not fleshed out for sake of time. And that’s my day!
How many days a week are you on campus for teaching? How do you split your time between campus and your own learning/preparing for assessments?
I am usually on campus for teaching twice a week. I sometimes attend a drop-in session when I have questions which may push it to 3 days every once in a while. I typically devote my lecture days to course work and activities and ensure to spend every minute of that day focused on lectures/learning or assessments.
What do you think of the facilities and equipment? Is there anything you particularly enjoy using?
I adore the facilities. They are modern and have cutting edge technology. But what I particularly enjoy using are the laboratory workstations. This is because they are the only workstations on campus that feature 2 screens per workstation which is perfect for working while reviewing materials or instruction manuals and I make sure to take advantage of this as often as I can.
What is your favourite thing about being a University of Salford student?
My favourite thing about being a University of Salford student are all the facilities and discounts that I get from being a student here. From access to the sports facility at a giveaway price to all the food, drink and entertainment discounts.
Where do you want your degree to take you? What is your dream job and how do you think your degree will help you get there?
I dream of building a memorable career in the techspace by combining information technology with automobile engineering. I think studying a masters at the University of Salford is the one of the defining moments in this dream and will open the doors for me to make this dream a reality by offering me access into the information technology workspace from which I can begin to carve out my path.
