The SAS Global Academic Program is committed to building an AI, analytics and technology enabled workforce. As noted by the World Economic Forum “Future of Jobs” 2023 report, it’s why we support students learn the analytical and critical thinking skills, alongside AI and Big Data knowledge to close the STEM skills gap.
Stars such as Benn. Benn is a successful Machine Learning Engineer, whose journey into AI and data science began with his fascination of the role data plays in organisational decision making.
Benn started his career as a software developer for an energy company. The data-centric projects ignited his curiosity, motivating him to delve deeper into data utilisation. And of course, his background in software engineering laid a solid foundation to learn new knowledge and develop new skills and move into the data science field.
Choosing to study a Master of Data Science that included real-world projects was a critical decision. As well a core data science skills, the program emphasised the importance of effective communication and how to prepare for different ways of engaging and discussing insights and outcomes with data science teams vs stakeholders. A crucial skill in his current role as a machine learning engineer.
SAS was at the heart of Benn’s learning journey, as teaching with SAS was part of how the Masters’ program taught application and practical skills, the kind often sought out, by industry. The SAS Skill Builder for Students provided extended learning pathways to develop visualisation and AI/analytics skills and of the SAS Academy of Data Science was at the heart of developing his data science skills.
As a Machine Learning Engineer, Benn now leverages the skills learnt through his degree and these learning programs, to construct models that answer specific questions being asked by the business to discover hidden insights from the data which then add value to the products and services offered to the business’s customers.
Reflecting on his learning journey and career path, Benn emphasises the value of learning practical skill and knowledge, as investing time to understand why, what, and how, to apply these skills, and to showcase the inspiration derived from the impact the work that you deliver has, changed the nature of the discussions he had during the hiring process and ultimately career outcomes.
