Meet our alumni: Sasha (Aleksandra) Satikova

What's your current job title?

I'm the Lead Data Scientist at Tottenham Hotspur (Spurs) within the Football Insights and Strategy department. I'm relatively new in the role, and I'm building the club's data science capability. 

My work helps the club's management make evidence-based decisions, which is quite a novel approach in football. Data science can strengthen the club in many areas, from scouting and performance analysis to long-term squad planning. It can help us gain an edge in the transfer market and identify future players. 

What did you study at UCL Computer Science and during which years? Looking back, what stands out as a highlight or memorable experience from your time here?

I did my Master's in Financial Risk Management in 2016-17. For my industry placement, I worked for a law firm, applying portfolio theory and machine learning to model associated risks. The project became my thesis and was the high point of my Master's. 

How did you get from graduating from UCL CS to where you are now?  

I didn't go into finance, which, in hindsight, worked out even better for me. I joined Accenture as a consultant. I worked my way up to Data Science Consultant before deciding to move in-house. Manchester City (Man City) Football Club headhunted me after the manager from my Master's placement recommended me. I'll always be grateful for that.

Tell us more about your industry placement

I really enjoyed working with the law firm for my UCL Industry Exchange Network project (UCL IXN). I had no knowledge of law and was asked to create a proof of concept for a product that the firm could use. It was actually life-changing - not only because the recommendation from my manager led to my career in football but because it taught me how important data is in every industry. 

It also gave me a huge confidence boost. When Man City reached out, I thought, "If I could work in law, I could probably work in football too". Now, I've come full circle, offering UCL IXN projects to UCL Computer Science Master's students.

How did you get into computer science? 

I studied maths and statistics for my undergraduate degree and did coding as part of that. I wanted a career where I could use maths in a practical way. I thought finance would offer job security and make use of my coding and mathematical skills.  

What is one achievement you are particularly proud of?

Getting into football and being able to work with very influential people in the industry. 

What's it like being a woman in computing and football, two traditionally male-dominated industries?

There weren't many female role models working in both computer science and football. Sarah Rudd was Vice President of Analytics and Software Development at Arsenal, but that was when I was an undergraduate. I never met her and she's now in a different industry. Marina Granovskaia, the former sporting director of Chelsea, broke barriers and is a role model to me.

I found inspiration in tech companies - there are incredible women at Google and Meta. Premier League clubs are now hiring more women in fields like performance analytics and recognising the valuable contributions and different perspectives that women offer.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

I actually wanted to be a violinist, but I realised it wouldn't be a secure career. Of course, music and maths are deeply connected.

Do you know other languages aside from English?

I also speak Lithuanian and Russian. I'm trying to learn Spanish, but the Duolingo owl is not very happy with me!

Tell us something you like about being in London

I've worked a lot in Europe and Africa, and London is unique. You can move from one postcode to another and it can feel like a completely different place; it's like a collection of towns in one city. You also meet fascinating people here. Typically, people who come to London from abroad are pursuing big dreams and are very open to talking. Every now and then, you'll meet someone really inspirational. 

What advice do you have for fellow alumni who are starting out on their career path?

Remember to be patient. Work hard and do your part and opportunities will come.