Abel Oghenero Akeni

Abel Oghenero Akeni, an international alumnus, had already spent seven years in a related field before deciding that it was time to progress and take on bigger challenges in exploring the world of AI and data science. He now works as a Data Analyst for the UK Government.

Why did you decide to do a postgraduate course?

A postgraduate course, particularly the one in Solent University, presented the prospect of broader career opportunities through the acquisition of specialised skills. I had spent 7 years in the industry, leading different pieces of research and data analysis workstreams; it was time to move on, take on bigger challenges and explore the world of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science.

What was the best thing about your course lecturers?

The accessibility and approachability of the lecturers were exceptional. Their courses were modelled to solve real-world problems and prepare us for work. For example, one module included a requirement for us to critique up to 4 machine-learning models before deciding on one to solve a forecasting problem we were given. This was a recurring theme in job interviews; for each piece of analysis, I was often asked what alternatives I considered and sacrificed and why.

Have your studies helped you with your current role?

The skills acquired in building machine learning models and working in more depth with Pandas in Python for large datasets have empowered me with the confidence needed to thrive.

I currently support the £12 billion Energy Bills Support Scheme as an analyst facilitating delivery of £400 to approximately 30 million UK households. In one instance, I had to conduct an analysis using Python to identify areas with the poorest redemption rates to support the program’s policy and communications team in conducting remedial action.

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of studying a postgraduate course?

I would say take the practice exercises very seriously as they are indicative of the kinds of data-driven problems you would be solving. Keep a personal professional development log of soft and hard skills and analytical techniques you have practised in a particular month. Above all, start your application early.

Tell us a bit about your experience as a postgraduate student?

As a mature student, I had to maintain a delicate balance between coursework, research, working part-time and a personal life, to maintain a healthy work/life/study balance. Solent University provided a mix of academic and non-academic opportunities. I got to network with colleagues from other countries as part of a volunteer group that organised the 2022 Solent’s Python Quiz competition and as part of another team that delivered the Solent Computing and Artificial Intelligence Department (SCAIDs) conference in same year.