Soumik Basu
Artificial Intelligence MSc
Testimonial
May 2021 intake
Please could you begin by introducing yourself?
My name is Soumik Basu and I’m a graduate of the online Artificial Intelligence MSc from the University of Leeds.
What have you been doing in terms of your careers since finishing your undergraduate degree?
After finishing my undergraduate degree back in 2006, I started my career as an IT professional in the data domain. I gathered 14 years of experience in data and analytics before deciding to join the online MSc at Leeds. Currently, I’m working as a Global Enterprise Data Architect with a company called Campari. In my role, I create the roadmap for my company to become a data-driven organisation.
What experiences at the University of Leeds do you think have helped with your career and will help you in the future?
In my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work in almost all areas of data like data-modelling, ETL, reporting, and data governance. I also got the opportunity to work in various roles as a Developer, Designer, Solution Architect and Enterprise Architect. I wanted to enrich my experience with cutting-edge, technical AI skills so I enrolled on this online Artificial Intelligence course.
Why did you choose to study online? How did you find the experience of completing a degree off-campus?
Being a working professional and father of a young child, I really needed flexibility with regards to my study time. I also didn’t want to waste my time commuting or to interrupt the school run, so I found the online course was a great solution.
Why did you choose to study Artificial Intelligence and why did you choose the University of Leeds?
My reason for choosing AI was to hone my experience with futuristic skills. Before choosing the University of Leeds, I did a lot of research. A few aspects I considered were the choice of subjects on the course which were purely AI focused unlike other courses, the university’s ranking in computer science, the faculty’s research areas, reviews on LinkedIn, the blending of cultures in the student cohort, and my general positive experience of talking with the Enrolment team.
What was the best aspect of the course or university?
The best aspect of the course is that it’s very much practically oriented and you will learn very new topics including those explored in research papers published in 2019–2021.
What would you say to students thinking about studying the same course at Leeds or following the same career path?
I’d definitely recommend joining the course. It may be a bumpy road to get started as you need to learn nine different subjects, but you will one-hundred percent enjoy it.