Unveiling Talent: Francisca Passos Share her Journey to Success in the Curiosity Cup
Last April marked the conclusion of the latest Curiosity Cup, showcasing talented participants from around the globe. Among them were Francisca Dias Passos and Francisca Abecasis, two outstanding students from ISCTE Business School in Portugal. As part of the team "Byte Me If You Can," they presented a project titled "Necessitating an Understanding of Diverse Attitudes Towards the European Union," which earned them a Runner-Up position in the Data Preparation category.
In this interview, we’ll delve into the journey that led to their success. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Francisca Passos, a graduate in Economics, to learn more about her experience and insights from the competition.
Student Experience
Why did you apply to study at ISCTE and specifically ISCTE Business School / MSc in Business Analytics?
I applied to study at ISCTE Business School for the master’s in Business Analytics because I was specifically searching for a master's program in the data science and analytics field. Among the universities offering such programs, ISCTE stood out to me. The courses offered are particularly compelling and align well with my background in economics, as they do not require extensive prior knowledge in programming. I have always enjoyed solving problems, and the emerging field of data analytics presents a unique challenge. Businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of data analysis, and I am eager to contribute to this evolving landscape by identifying problems and developing solutions.
Tell me about your university experience. What types of courses did you take? Was there one course that really sparked your interest in Data Analytics?
During my university experience, I took a variety of courses, including Exploratory Data Analysis, Predictive Analysis, Prescriptive analysis, Analytical Methods in Big Data, Unstructured Data Analysis, and Database Management. These courses were particularly important for my academic and professional development. Among them, predictive analyses stood out to me the most. I found it fascinating due to its wide range of applications, from predicting customer churn and diagnosing diseases to optimizing direct marketing strategies. The possibilities with predictive analytics are truly endless, and it ignited a deep interest in the field for me.
How did studying MSc in Business Analytics affect your thinking about what you will do once you graduate?
Studying for the Master in Business Analytics has profoundly shaped my perspective on my future career. It has shown me that I can enter a wide range of sectors. For instance, I'm currently working on a thesis in the medical field with the help of cardiologists, which is something I never would have anticipated. This experience has demonstrated that by understanding the business context and collaborating with experts, you can leverage data to achieve remarkable results across various industries. Above all, this program has made me a more creative thinker and problem solver.
At what point did you learn about SAS? Did you take any SAS-oriented courses in university?
I did not have any SAS-oriented courses during my studies. However, we had a seminar conducted by a SAS professional who has connections with our master's program director. During this seminar, we were introduced to SAS and the SAS Curiosity Cup. We applied the knowledge he shared with us and learned the rest on our own as a team.
Looking back on your education path, were there any roadblocks or problems you encountered? Anything you’d do differently?
Looking back, I don't regret my bachelor’s degree because I believe the knowledge I gained is still valuable. Before starting my master's program, I was initially apprehensive about my level of knowledge in the field of data analytics. I had concerns that I might not be adequately prepared. However, I found the course to be very accessible and engaging. While my master's program emphasizes low-code approaches and SAS allows for low-code usage, I want to prioritize learning a programming language. It's something I would personally pursue to significantly enhance my skills in the data industry that I am passionate about entering.
What other advice would you give to a university student thinking about wanting to learn about SAS?
If you're interested in learning about SAS, start by mastering the fundamentals of data analytics and statistical analysis. Get familiar with data management and manipulation techniques. Utilize SAS's online courses, tutorials, and certifications to gain practical skills. Consider participating in workshops or competitions like the SAS Curiosity Cup for hands-on experience. Keep exploring different applications of SAS across various domains to broaden your expertise and career opportunities in analytics.
How did you come to hear about the Curiosity Cup?
I first learned about the Curiosity Cup during a seminar hosted by a SAS representative, Jos van der Velden. This seminar provided an introduction to SAS tools and included information about the SAS Curiosity Cup.
Why did you decide to compete in the Curiosity Cup?
I decided to compete in the Curiosity Cup because learning SAS, one of the most widely used software in the industry, is crucial for my skill development as a student. Participating allowed me to gain hands-on experience with SAS, enhancing my proficiency in data analytics tools. Additionally, with limited professional experience, I saw it as an opportunity to strengthen my resume. Our professor's encouragement also motivated me to participate in the competition.
Tell me about your Curiosity Cup experience. What did you learn?
Participating in the Curiosity Cup was an enriching experience that broadened my skills in SAS. I learned how to create clusters, decision trees, and effectively visualize data. One of the highlights was writing a scientific article, which taught me the importance of clear and concise communication in research. We also aimed for creativity in our competition video, but learned the valuable lesson that sometimes less information can be more impactful. Overall, the competition provided practical insights into both technical analytics and effective communication strategies.
What additional knowledge did you learn by competing for/in the Curiosity Cup?
Competing in the Curiosity Cup provided me with deeper insights into our chosen topic on the perceptions of EU citizens towards the European Union. Through our research, I gained a better understanding of how these perceptions vary based on demographic, social, and political factors. It was fascinating to uncover how diverse backgrounds and viewpoints contribute to shaping attitudes towards the EU, highlighting the complexities within public opinion.
How did competing in Curiosity Cup help you with your MSc in Business Analytics?
Competing in the Curiosity Cup boosted my confidence in learning new subjects and deepened my motivation to expand my knowledge. It provided practical experience in research, data analysis, and teamwork—all essential skills for my Master's in Business Analytics. The competition also improved my ability to utilize diverse resources effectively, enhancing my academic curiosity and readiness to tackle challenges in my studies.
How did competing in the Curiosity Cup affect your thinking about what you will do once you graduate?
Competing in the Curiosity Cup has significantly influenced my post-graduation plans by solidifying my interest in pursuing a career path focused on data analytics and business intelligence. The experience exposed me to real-world applications of data analysis techniques and reinforced the importance of continuous learning in staying relevant in the field. It has motivated me to seek out opportunities to further develop my skills in analytics tools like SAS and has sparked my interest in exploring roles that leverage these skills in industries where data-driven decision-making is crucial. Overall, participating in the Curiosity Cup has helped clarify my career aspirations and provided a roadmap for my professional development after graduation.
How has competing in the Curiosity Cup encouraged you to continue your university and career journey?
Competing in the Curiosity Cup has motivated me to pursue SAS certifications and explore career opportunities in companies that rely on this software for analytics, enhancing my prospects in the field of business analytics.
What qualities do you think are the most valuable in aspiring analytics professionals? How have these qualities been nurtured by competing in the Curiosity Cup?
I believe creativity and being a team player are crucial qualities for aspiring analytics professionals. Participating in the SAS Curiosity Cup has significantly nurtured these qualities for me. It encouraged me to explore new topics—in our case, politics—and collaborate effectively with teammates and a professor. This experience has expanded my ability to think creatively and work collaboratively, skills that I consider essential for my future career development.
What other advice would you give to a university student thinking about competing for/in the Curiosity Cup?
For university students considering competing in the Curiosity Cup, especially those like me who may not have had extensive prior knowledge of SAS, I found it to be a very intuitive software. With a foundation in statistics and data analytics, you can effectively participate and gain valuable experience and knowledge. Engaging in the competition demonstrates proactive learning and a willingness to expand beyond the classroom, which can positively impact your academic journey. It also highlights your curiosity, a crucial trait in our industry.
For students already familiar with SAS, the Curiosity Cup offers an opportunity to delve into new topics that may not be covered in university courses. It allows you to showcase your business acumen and expertise in a specific area, providing a platform to shine and distinguish yourself. Overall, participating in the Curiosity Cup is a rewarding experience that enhances both your technical skills and your professional profile.
To follow in Francisca’s footsteps, don’t miss the chance to participate in the next Curiosity Cup edition!
