Hello! My name is Vrynsia, and I'm from Medan, Indonesia. I'm currently a second-year student at National College of Ireland studying the BSc (Honours) in Data Science which is an undergraduate programme offered by the School of Computing. One of the things I love most about Ireland is the friendly people and vibrant cultural scene. Whether it's the beautiful landscapes or the lively festivals, there's always something to enjoy here.
Why did you decide to study abroad in Ireland?
I decided to study abroad in Ireland because it's an English-speaking country in Europe with a strong reputation for high-quality education. Ireland is known for its innovative approach to education and has a strong presence in the tech industry, which aligns perfectly with my career goals in the data science field.
Why did you choose to study Data Science at NCI?
Data science is a rapidly growing field with vast opportunities. I decided to study data science because of my passion for solving complex problems, my interest in working with data to uncover insights, and my love for mathematics. The ability to influence decisions and drive innovation through data analysis is incredibly exciting to me.
I chose to study at NCI because of its academic excellence and industry partnerships. NCI offers a comprehensive data science programme that is both practical and theoretical, providing a solid foundation for my future career. Additionally, NCI offers academic support services in maths and computing, ensuring that students have the resources they need to succeed in their studies.
What is a typical day like as a BSc (Hons) in Data Science student?
Studying data science at NCI is both challenging and rewarding. Here’s a glimpse of my typical day:
- Classes: The classes are held face-to-face, allowing us to interact with our lecturers in-person every week. Timetables vary from year to year. Currently, I have classes four days a week from 9am to 5pm, with the remaining days dedicated to individual study.
- Diversity: The first year is considered a foundation year. We learn the basics, and we specialise in our field as the year progresses. We were placed in the same class with other students from computing courses, like the BSc (Hons) in Computing and the BSc (Hons) in Technology Management. This diversity enriches our learning experience, as we are first-years from various backgrounds.
- Content: The course content covers a wide range of topics including statistics, machine learning, linear algebra and data visualisation.
Are there any exciting projects you have worked on?
One of the most exciting projects I've worked on was a comprehensive analysis of COVID-19 trends using regression and principal component analysis (PCA). We conducted this research as part of an IEEE project. It involved gathering and analysing vast amounts of data to understand the patterns and trends of the pandemic. Through this project, I gained valuable insights into real-world data analysis and learned how to apply advanced statistical techniques to solve complex problems.
Do you have any tips or advice for students considering to studying abroad in Ireland and NCI?
For those considering studying abroad in Ireland and NCI, here are a few tips:
- Do Your Research: Understand the course content and structure before making a decision. NCI's website has detailed information on all their programmes, view the full list of courses here.
- Get Involved: Participate in campus activities and join student Clubs and Societies. It's a great way to make friends and immerse yourself in college life.
- Ask for Help: Take advantage of the many student support services offered by the College, especially for international students. The Pre-Arrival Programme and the Welcome Programme prepare students before their arrival and during their first few weeks in the country. Peer mentors organise activities exploring Ireland, mainly Dublin, which is a fantastic way to experience the culture and beauty of the island.
Studying abroad is a life-changing experience that broadens your horizons and opens up new opportunities.
If you’re passionate about data science and looking for a supportive and dynamic learning environment, NCI could be the perfect choice for you. Visit our International Hub to learn more about studying at NCI.
