Blog: A student's experience
20 December 2024
In our second blog post focused on MSc project experiences, we examine a student's journey through a DSA industry-led dissertation project. Richard Or, who worked on a data led MSc dissertation project with Cardiff-based Data Science Company Empirisys during the 2022/23 academic year, shared his insights with us:
Project Selection and Details
Richard's primary motivation for participating in a DSA industry-led dissertation was to gain practical industry experience before graduating. The DSA facilitated this opportunity through its partnerships with industry leaders. With a strong interest in Machine Learning, especially Natural Language Processing (NLP), Richard chose a dissertation topic offered by Empirisys.
His project aimed to leverage machine learning algorithms to extract patterns from large volumes of accident reports and identify their root causes. This method sought to replace the manual review of each report, providing valuable insights for future accident reporting and analysis.
Project Experience
Reflecting on his experience, Richard described his MSc dissertation as "brilliant" and likened it to an internship due to Empirisys inviting him to work at their office. This allowed him to collaborate with industry experts, providing a richer experience of working in a real-world industry setting.
His company supervisor, an experienced data scientist, offered exemplary support, which was crucial when Richard encountered issues with a machine learning algorithm.
The support from both his industry and academic supervisors ensured he could seamlessly switch to an alternative algorithm and complete the project successfully.
Results and Outcomes
Richard developed a prototype algorithm tool capable of identifying accident causes. The project aimed to demonstrate how the right algorithm could quickly and efficiently extract patterns and results from data, which it successfully achieved.
His dissertation's success allowed Richard to present his work at an industry conference in Birmingham, a particularly rewarding experience. Richard's project earned him a distinction, fulfilling his initial goal and marking a significant accomplishment.
What Happened Next?
Following the conference, Empirisys offered Richard a job, and he now works for them as a Data Engineer.
This outcome highlights the immense value of a DSA industry dissertation project to a student's career. Richard advises students considering an industry project to "grab the opportunity" because the experience is invaluable for their future graduation and career.
We are delighted with how well this project worked out for Richard and Empirisys and look forward to many more fantastic MSc industry-based student projects as the DSA continues to grow.
For more information about the Data Science Academy (DSA) and what we do, or if you are interested in proposing a project for next year, please contact the DSA Team via dsa@cardiff.ac.uk.