Jonny Cooper MSc Operational Research 2016, 2017

Data Scientist

Throughout my three months at Airbus, working within the Smart data analytics plateau, I learnt valuable skills that I have since been able to apply in my role as a Data Scientist. During my project, I was taught industry leading data analysis methods, including Machine learning, data exploration and data manipulation, I also learnt ways in which one can apply these skills to cutting edge technological advancements in the real world. Airbus, through my Msc dissertation project, gave me the opportunity to develop my mathematical and computational ability, as well as my ability to work in such a fast paced and exciting environment.

 

In winning the 2018 OR Impact Award, I feel incredibly proud of my work. It also shows the emphasis the University of Southampton put on the effect and impact OR has on the real world, and their drive for staying at the forefront of the area.

Southampton University are leaders in OR, providing an extensive coverage of applied and theoretical knowledge. The links the university have with industries utilising OR help lay the foundations for potential careers.

The academic support I received was fantastic, helping where needed, but not spoon-feeding the answers. After a year out from University, I was worried I would potentially be behind compared to those that had come straight from their undergraduate studies - with the help of the lecturers, this was not the case!

The course was very applicable to real world scenarios, allowing me to step into a related role after graduating with ease. The campus is in a great position and always had a friendly atmosphere, so it was easy to focus my mind on my work.

A lot of the courses had great projects, which allowed me to develop my team working and collaboration skills, in particular, the Case Studies module gave me an insight to problem solving as a team.

Looking back on the year, the opportunity to work for an industry leading design and manufacturing company in aerospace was incredible. It really opened my eyes to how Operational Research can impact real world businesses and their projects.

I now work as a Data Scientist for a very forward thinking technology and data insight company, in particular, the aviation branch. The mathematical elements taught in my postgraduate course has given me a deep understanding of the methods I apply to my work on a day to day basis.