Master of Applied Data Science
Founder, Goodgigs
Pratik got a true kiwi experience during his time at UC! The Indian national interned at Stats NZ and is furthering his studies with a Master of Applied Data Science (MADS).
"I wished to learn more skills, more platforms and understand complex business problems to solve data science challenges. I would like to spearhead an organisation"s analytics team and be the go-to person whenever data holds the key to solving problems."
Motivated by the idea of innovation in solving problems, Pratik was encouraged to pursue higher education at UC.
"I was always enthralled how the data-driven world has changed our lives. Innovation drives and I had the strong desire to obtain the required skills in order to solve data-driven problems and data science was the answer."
Throughout his time at UC, Pratik found his degree structure well organised with the perfect balance between theory and practice.
"One of the things I enjoy the most is to step out of my comfort zone and learn every day. I see myself as a life-long student and being in Data Science always helps me to learn, unlearn and re-learn in every aspect."
Choosing to study at UC wasn"t difficult, with the flexible nature of the MADS degree giving Pratik more study options.
"The MADS course is flexible and one can choose from a broad range of courses from areas such as GIS, Finance, and Humanities based on their preferences. These were the top reasons I opted to study at UC.
"UC has a student-friendly environment and has students from diverse ethnicity. People smile at each other and are always open to strike up a conversation. Lecturers are friendly and they promote research-based study. The libraries at UC provides flexible space and varied resources for research and studies."
Pratik has taken advantage of the many useful support services UC offers.
"UC Careers have helped me build my CV and also directed me to keep an updated Linkedin profile. These workshops are conducted throughout the year and I would recommend students to attend these workshops and seek advice from the experience personnel."
It"s a big step moving overseas, but the spectacular scenery in New Zealand definitely made it easier for Pratik!
"The good thing about living in New Zealand is you are just an hour"s drive away to the most scenic landscapes, tramping tracks, and beautiful beaches."
During the summer break, Pratik scored an internship at Stats New Zealand. This is one of the real-world opportunities available to master"s students at UC.
"I had got placed as a summer intern at Stats NZ which helped me work on real-world problems. Working at Stats New Zealand gave me a good exposure to the kiwi work culture."
One of the more incredible experiences for Pratik was being the representative for UC at the University Scholars Leadership Symposium (USLS 2018), which was hosted by the United Nations in Bangkok, Thailand. The six-day symposium brings together university students from around the globe for leadership development, networking, and discussions of international humanitarian and sustainability goals.
"It was inspiring to share the same space with 1,056 other delegates across 87 countries from diverse walks of life. Several renowned Humanitarian and motivational speakers like John Wood, David Begbie, Geraldine Cox, and Simerjeet Singh, among others, shared their views on social change through education, leadership roles, call to action – taking small steps to bring about change and volunteerism. By the end of the conference, we were all left inspired with new ideas of social enterprise, bringing change within our own communities.
"It was a truly humbling experience and I would like to thank Professor Jennifer Brown and the Mathematics & Statistics Department for providing me the opportunity to be a part of the USLS 2018 Symposium."
Pratik is currently working as the founder of GoodGigs to help people discover live events at an intersection of art, culture, and data.
