In our BSc Data Science & Society programme, students are pioneers who push boundaries and shape our future! What makes them choose such a cutting-edge path? Since February, we have been looking into this question with the series "Leading Change with Data Science - A Bold New Path." Each month, students share their motivation for joining and envision real-world application of the lessons learned. Today, we read about Nika's insight!

Hello, Nika! Thanks for joining us in this new blog series. Would you like to share what initially sparked your interest in the programme Data Science & Society?

Sure. At the beginning, I didn't have much experience with programming, but I've always found it fascinating. I could envision myself working behind a computer, and since I had experience with statistics and was good at it, I decided to explore it further. I was a bit hesitant about diving into something as technical as computer science, as it seemed overly focused on the technical aspects. Then, a friend of mine who was studying psychology in Groningen introduced me to the university, and that's how I stumbled upon Data Science & Society.

Were there any specific experiences or events that influenced your decision to pursue this field over more conventional ones (law, medicine, or international business...)?

It wasn't one specific event, but rather what others said that made me lean this way. I also thought about studying business, but I felt it was too general, not focused enough. Many people around me didn't think a business degree was very useful because so many people have it, leading to lots of competition. So, I thought maybe I should look into something more practical and that I enjoy more. That's when I started thinking about IT.

How did you weigh the pros and cons of choosing Data Science & Society against more traditional fields?

Pro's: It's been all positives so far! The programme dives deep and integrates data science with societal considerations. Plus, it offers practical experience in technical courses that I can directly apply in my future career. What's really great is how responsive the professors and programme director are to our feedback. They actually listen and make changes based on what we say, which we can see in the next block. This flexibility sets it apart from more traditional study paths, where the curriculum is often set in stone.

Con’s: Because it is quite interdisciplinary, you end up liking some subjects more than others. But that's probably the case also with any other programme.

Did your family or friends have reservations or expectations about your choice of Data Science & Society over more traditional paths? If so, how did you navigate them?

Overall, everyone has actually been quite supportive, just a bit unsure. My grandparents, for example, still don't quite understand what this field entails. Every time they ask me, "Can you tell me what it is you're studying?" I've tried explaining it to them multiple times! They sort of get it now. They trust that the programme will lead to good career opportunities.

While not everyone may immediately understand the focus of my studies, given that both my parents and even my grandparents are constantly surrounded by technology, they didn't really question the relevance of this path. To them, it's self-evident that the future lies in data, and that data science is a thriving field. I suppose it's simply accepted in our generation, so people are more supportive these days.

How do you envision making an impact or difference in society through your chosen field?

It really depends on the specific area I pursue after I finish my studies. But I've been thinking about some ideas. Data is everywhere, and how we use it matters a lot. We can use it to make positive changes, like in the environmental field. For example, finding better ways to use energy or protecting endangered species. We can also use data to keep track of things like global temperatures and ice levels.

Another important aspect is looking at it from a human rights perspective, especially when it comes to privacy. We need to find new ways to protect people's data and minimize any risks. Discrimination is also a big issue in data science today. We have to make sure that AI and language models are fair and inclusive for everyone.

For me, it's all about considering the impact on society and aiming for positive outcomes for the world.

Do you feel that current events, like the pandemic, influenced your perspective or determination to pursue this particular path?

Definitely. The pandemic has had a big impact on all of us. We've all had to deal with things like tracing apps. I found myself wondering, why do they need to know where I am all the time? Why do they need so much information about me? This experience made me want to learn more about what's happening with my data. While others might have been ready to move on, I felt a strong urge to understand.

PS The university website and curriculum also influenced my decision. It’s a nice website!