The last Curiosity Cup edition ended last April. Among the standout participants were Francisca Dias Passos and Francisca Abecasis, two talented students from ISCTE Business School in Portugal. Competing as part of the team "Byte Me If You Can," they undertook a project titled "Necessitating an Understanding of Diverse Attitudes Towards the European Union." Their impressive work earned them the Runner-Up position in the Data Preparation category. In this interview, we dive deeper into their experience, insights, and the analytical journey that led them to this remarkable achievement.
Francisca Abecasis (FA) has completed a bachelor's degree in Management, while Francisca Dias Passos (FDP) completed hers in Economics. They crossed paths during their MSc in Business Analytics at ISCTE, where SAS plays an active role. It was here that they were encouraged to participate in the SAS Curiosity Cup. I had the chance to meet them at the SAS office in Madrid, where they shared their experiences and connected with some SAS colleagues. Here’s what we discovered from our conversation.
Let's meet Francisca Abecasis
Student Experience
Why did you apply to study at ISCTE and specifically ISCTE Business School / MSc in Business Analytics?
I chose ISCTE because it is an internationally recognized university. Seeking a fresh perspective, I wanted to pursue my master's degree at a different institution from where I completed my undergraduate studies. After exploring various Business Analytics programs, ISCTE's offering stood out to me the most. The ISCTE Business School has a strong reputation for effective operations, supported by feedback from close contacts and my own online research.
I specifically chose the master’s in Business Analytics because I have been fascinated by technology since I was young and because this field has seen significant growth in recent years and is highly sought after in the job market. I believe that combining my background in management with data analytics will (and already has) create valuable opportunities and benefits in my career.
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 time at the university, I had the opportunity to take a variety of courses that provided a solid foundation in data analysis and management. Some of the relevant subjects included Exploratory Data Analysis, Unstructured Data Analysis, Database Management, Predictive Analytics, Prescriptive Analytics, and Analytical Methods in Big Data.
Among these, Predictive Analytics particularly sparked my interest. The course covered a wide range of topics (as for example: decision trees and regressions), but what truly caught my attention were the Machine Learning techniques. The ability to use algorithms to predict future trends and behaviors fascinated me and solidified my passion for this field.
How did studying MSc in Business Analytics affect your thinking about what you will do once you graduate?
Studying for my Master’s made me realize that this field is much broader than I initially thought. I learned that it's possible to work in any area, from medicine to law, leveraging data analytics. However, the most important takeaway for me was the realization that it is crucial to pursue a career in something you truly enjoy. This realization has influenced how I think about my future career, highlighting the importance of doing what you love.
At what point did you learn about SAS? Did you take any SAS-oriented courses in university?
My university did not include any SAS-specific courses, but we did have a seminar led by Jos Van der Velden, a professional from SAS. During this seminar, we were introduced to SAS Visual Analytics through a hands-on workshop.
Finding the tool practical and intuitive, I decided to further my knowledge independently by taking an online course available on the internet: SAS Visual Analytics 1 for SAS Viya: Basics
Looking back on your education path, were there any roadblocks or problems you encountered? Anything you’d do differently?
In group projects, it was sometimes challenging to manage different personalities and traits that I didn't identify with. Another difficulty was dealing with periods of high evaluation demands, whether exams or project deadlines. However, I believe that despite these challenges, I managed to stay calm and handle the situations effectively.
What would I do differently? I think nothing, because everything turned out well in the end. Each experience was part of my journey and served as a learning opportunity.
What other advice would you give to a university student thinking about wanting to learn about SAS?
I believe learning SAS is a great investment. It encompasses a variety of techniques, from data visualization to the application of Machine Learning models. As mentioned earlier, I find it to be an intuitive tool with good UX/UI, making it user-friendly. Additionally, there is a wealth of online documentation available, including courses and PDFs, making it accessible for self-study. Obtaining certifications in SAS is also highly valued in the job market. Many companies are actively seeking candidates who are proficient in this tool, which can significantly enhance your career opportunities.
How did you come to hear about the Curiosity Cup?
I learned about the Curiosity Cup from Jos Van der Velden and Ricardo Galante, both SAS experts, who gave a seminar at ISCTE that I attended. At the end of the session, they introduced the competition, and Jos even offered to be a supervisor for anyone interested in participating.
Why did you decide to compete in the Curiosity Cup?
I was intrigued by the Curiosity Cup during the seminar but didn't think much about it afterward. Just a few days before the registration deadline, the director of my master's program spoke to me and two of my colleagues. He encouraged us to join, saying it would be a great chance to apply what we'd learned during the Master and that we should consider enrolling. Thanks to his suggestion, we decided to go for it, and I'm very glad we did.
Tell me about your Curiosity Cup experience. What did you learn?
Competing in the Curiosity Cup was an incredible experience. Our project focused on understanding diverse attitudes towards the European Union using the Eurobarometer 2021 survey and advanced SAS analytics. Throughout the competition, I learned a lot about teamwork, time management, and the practical application of analytics techniques. We delved into cluster analysis and decision trees, uncovering insights about the factors influencing EU perceptions. This hands-on work helped me understand how to translate theoretical knowledge into real-world problem-solving.
What additional knowledge did you learn by competing for/in the Curiosity Cup?
By participating in the Curiosity Cup, I gained a deeper understanding of advanced analytics tools and how to used them through SAS. Specifically, I learned how to use SAS Visual Analytics to build clusters and develop decision trees. This competition pushed me to explore new approaches to data visualization and communication of insights. It also enhanced my ability to analyze complex datasets, identify patterns, and draw meaningful conclusions that can inform policy and decision-making.
How did competing in Curiosity Cup help you with your MSc in Business Analytics?
Competing in the Curiosity Cup reinforced and enhanced the knowledge I was gaining in my Master's program. It provided a practical context for applying the theories and techniques we were learning in class. The hands-on experience with real data, such as the Eurobarometer survey, allowed me to see how analytics can be used to address significant societal questions. This experience was invaluable in solidifying my understanding of how to use analytics to drive decision-making in real-world scenarios.
How did competing in the Curiosity Cup affect your thinking about what you will do once you graduate?
The Curiosity Cup opened my eyes to the vast possibilities within the field of analytics. It made me realize that I could apply my skills in various industries and roles. It also reinforced my desire to work in a dynamic and challenging environment where I can continue to grow and learn.
How has competing in the Curiosity Cup encouraged you to continue your university and career journey?
The experience of competing in the Curiosity Cup has motivated me to keep pushing forward in my academic and professional pursuits. It gave me confidence in my abilities and showed me the importance of continuous learning and improvement.
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?
Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and curiosity are essential qualities for aspiring analytics professionals. Given the fast-paced nature of the field, where today's demands can differ significantly from tomorrow's, staying updated is crucial. Being detail-oriented ensures accuracy and reliability in data analysis, while analytical thinking enables professionals to interpret and leverage data effectively. Curiosity drives continuous learning and adaptation to new tools, techniques, and market trends.
As mentioned before, attention to detail, analytical thinking, and curiosity are crucial for aspiring analytics professionals. The Curiosity Cup nurtured these qualities by challenging us to dig deep into data, think critically about our findings, and remain curious about new methods and techniques using SAS. The competition environment also emphasized the importance of teamwork and effective communication, which are essential for success in the field.
What other advice would you give to a university student thinking about competing for/in the Curiosity Cup?
I would highly recommend participating in the Curiosity Cup. It is a fantastic opportunity to apply what you've learned, gain practical experience, and work on real-world problems. The competition can be demanding, but it is incredibly rewarding. Prepare to work hard, stay curious, and be open to learning not only from available documentation (whether videos, articles, etc.) and professors, but also from your teammates. It is also important to choose a theme that you are passionate about, as this will keep you motivated and engaged throughout the competition.
Most importantly, enjoy the experience and take advantage of the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
If you enjoyed this interview, don’t miss the second part where we get to know Francisca Dias Passos and don't miss the Curiosity Cup
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