Ahmad Mustakim Mohamad MSc Statistics with Applications in Medicine, 2016

I think the thing I enjoyed most about studying this degree is that we learnt both the applied and the theoretical side of the subject. So during the first half of my degree we learnt the theoretical side of it, and then in the second half of my degree we applied that theory using data and data analysis

 

Why did you choose to study at Southampton?

I think the reputation of the University was certainly a big factor in my decision to study here. Southampton is a very vibrant city, but it’s not too big, so you still have a feeling of collegiality and it’s easy for you to meet new friends. That’s why I studied both my undergraduate and my postgraduate here.

What did you study at undergraduate level?

At undergraduate I studied a BSc in Mathematics and Actuarial Science and then I decided to stay. I chose to stay at Southampton because I wanted a career in something more applied and the opportunity was here so I just grabbed it.

How has the support from the University been?

There is quite a lot of support here at Southampton. My lecturers were always willing to help me out with anything. You can always just go and knock on their door to see if they are available to help with both academic and personal problems, and they are very helpful. The best support that I got here was in preparing my CV. In order to “sell yourself” to employers, you have to have a good CV, and I got support in writing my CV from scratch and it’s now at a very good standard.

What have you enjoyed about studying here?

I think the thing I enjoyed most about studying this degree is that we learnt both the applied and the theoretical side of the subject. So during the first half of my degree we learnt the theoretical side of it, and then in the second half of my degree we applied that theory using data and data analysis, so it’s quite hands on and the experience you get is quite important, I think, for a career in statistics.

What was the social life here in the university?

I think the social side here is quite good. If you want to watch a movie, for example, you can just catch a bus and go to the cinema, and there’s such a close community so you can meet up with friends really easily.

Where you involved in any extracurricular activities during your time here?

During my four years I was involved with the Malaysian Student Association and I was also involved with the Investment and Finance Society and I learnt a lot during my time there.

What are your plans for the future?

I plan to do a PhD at some point, but currently I’m working so hopefully there will still be an opportunity for me to do my PhD after that. I hope to focus on a more hands on aspect of Medical Statistics during my PhD, perhaps focusing on disease and trying to identify a factor than can either prevent or cure a disease.

What advice would you have for students about to start their degree at Southampton?

I think whoever comes to study here will have a very good experience. I would just say try and enjoy yourself but at the same time try not to ignore your studies, make a lot of friends. I have both local and international friends now, you can meet a lot of people here so just go and meet people and talk to them, you might be surprised by what you find.