Developing future data & AI professionals
How hands on industry projects form part of the answer to the critical quandary
Curriculum, teaching objectives and learning outcomes are constantly evolving. Part of this evolution is presenting students with opportunity to apply this knowledge in a practical and industry related setting. That’s where industry projects come in.
Here at SAS Australia we working with a wide range of further education institutes to offer the industry project program, And a recent example includes offering students the opportunity to solve a mortgage industry challenge with AI powered by SAS Viya. The experience provided students the chance to apply what they are learning I the classroom and develop more industry focused skills.
The Set Up
Students were asked to complete a mortgage portfolio risk management analysis using AI models and techniques. The were given access to SAS Viya to apply these analytics techniques on large volumes of data and challenged to assess borrower risk profiles more accurately. And to analyse multiple factors, including credit history, income stability, and market trends, in order to provide a data and AI informed lending decisions to minimise risk exposure.
The Approach
Over a 10-week period, students followed the analytical lifecycle - data analysis, visualization, modelling and deployment. SAS worked closely with the group to provide professional support and mentorship in how to use AI and SAS Viya. And how to take into account business drivers such as how to adapt to changing market conditions and emerging risks, and why continuous monitoring is a key performance indicator to informing lending strategy adjustments.
“Participating in this project enhanced my professional profile, developing essential skills in problem-solving, collaboration, effective communication, project oversight, and cohesive teamwork across varied functional areas,” said Lin.
“This was an immersive experience that allowed me to apply the comprehensive academic knowledge I've accrued during my university journey, all while being mentored by industry professionals from SAS.”
The Outcome
Through internships, and collaborative projects, students can gain practical experience in applying AI and advanced analytics techniques to real-world challenges. By providing the opportunity to solve an industry project, students not only acquire practical technical skills but also develop a deeper understanding of industry's dynamics and complexities.
And industry’s commitment to nurturing future talent contributes towards solving the Ai and analytics skills gap. By investing in the development of future analytics professionals, industry strengthens its own talent pipeline and contributes to the growth and sustainability of the broader analytics community. Through knowledge sharing, collaboration, and mentorship, industry fosters a culture of innovation and continuous learning.
