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Learn about the experience of MSc Data Science and Public Policy student Courtney
Tell us a bit about yourself, and your background.
I am from just outside of Boston, Massachusetts in the United States. This past May I graduated from Loyola Marymount University where I double-majored in International Relations and Psychology with a minor in Modern Greek Studies.
Why did you apply to Economics Department, UCL?
As my program falls into both the Political Science Department and the Economics Department, I was very drawn by the impressive research being done by both departments, especially that of the Policy Lab.
What do you like best about your course so far?
The best thing about my course so far has been the smaller class size which has allowed us to have more in depth and meaningful discussions in our courses. This has also allowed us to make deeper connections with each other and our professors.
What is the rest of your cohort like?
The cohort has a great range of experiences with others coming straight from undergraduates like myself, those who are taking a career break after a few years, and those who have been working for close to ten years. This diversity of experiences has led to many interesting conversations about the different motivations people have for taking this program.
What is the teaching and learning like?
The teaching is a mix of lectures, seminars, and tutorials. Often in the lectures professors will discuss broader concepts with a few real-world examples. In the courses more focused on data programming, professors often present code for us to follow along with and how it can be applied to different situations. Seminars and tutorials involve deeper dives into assigned readings and going over solutions to weekly problem sets.
What are your career aspirations and how do you envisage the programme helping with these?
In the future I would love to work for a global NGO or IGO as a policy analyst. I believe the skills that I am acquiring in this program will help me gain a deep understanding of how policies come to be and how to use data to understand their impact.
What’s your favourite spot on campus to relax or hang out with friends?
My favourite spot to hang out on campus with friends is the Print Room Café.
Give us your top three things to do/see/go to in London.
My top three things to do in London are to walk around the parks, especially Richmond and Hyde Park, go to shows in the West End, and explore all of the great museums.
Who inspires you and why?
My grandma has always been one of my biggest inspirations. I spent a lot of time with her when I was young and even then, I could see the passion she brought to everything she was involved in. Even now, as she nears 85, she approaches new things with a sense of curiosity and willingness to learn. She enjoys life in a way that I think everyone should.
If you could implement one policy in the world today, what would it be?
If I could implement one policy in the world today it would be to implement free early childhood education for all.