Leveraging LIS Expertise in the World of Data Science

At the London Interdisciplinary School (LIS), we provide expertise in data science, helping students gain critical skills in core analytical areas – many of whom have gone on to enjoy successful careers.

As the data science industry continues to grow, so will the demand for experts in this field. Fortunately, LIS delivers all the resources students need to develop soft skills, practical experience and a real-world understanding of the data science field.

This guide explores LIS's expertise in data science, how we prepare students to secure jobs after graduation, and real-world applications of LIS for data science. 

Table of Contents

• The Rise of Data Science in a Changing World
• How LIS Prepares Students for Success in Data Science
• Developing Leadership Skills for Data-Driven Careers
• Real-World Applications of LIS Expertise in Data Science
• Why Choose LIS for Your Data Science Education?

Data science jobs have become increasingly important in most industries. Businesses rely on these professionals to help them make data-driven decisions and understand their insights. 

The demand for data science professionals has experienced significant growth in the UK. Between 2013 and 2018, job advertisements for Data Scientists and Advanced Analysts increased by 231%, compared with a 36% increase in UK-based job postings. 

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With so much emphasis on data, companies are integrating data science into their day-to-day operations to enhance efficiency and innovation. For instance, London-based hedge fund Man Group developed ArcticDB, an internal tool designed to manage and analyse massive amounts of financial data, facilitating superior investment strategies.

With advancements like these, the demand for data scientists will increase, especially as technology and AI evolve. As a result, students who want to excel in this field must ensure they have all the skills they need to stand out in the job market. 

Here is how LIS prepares students to become successful in data science and what they can expect when joining our degree programmes. 

Interdisciplinary Learning

At LIS, we are all about interdisciplinary learning. In contrast to equipping students with skills to excel in one career field, LIS provides resources to help students gain critical skills in core areas. Students will gain expertise in problem-solving, critical thinking, and leveraging creative solutions to everyday challenges throughout their degree programs. Our approach blends knowledge of data science, analytics, psychology, economics, and philosophy. 

Opting for our bachelor's degree programme to become a data scientist, these are a few of the topics you'll cover:

• Thinking through Data: Covering principles in data science, statistics, and machine learning, explore how to find patterns in data and draw conclusions. 
• Inequality: Dive into epistemology, problem-framing, pitching, and public speaking.
• Sustainability: Understand stakeholder mapping, working with external organisations, and drawing connections between complex concepts.
• Technology and Ethics: Explore data studies and legal and political theory. 
• Image and Systems: Discover visual communication through information mapping, videography, and photography. 

At the end of this programme, students will have the opportunity to gain practical skills and complete a capstone project. For their capstone project, they can choose any problem they are most passionate about. 

Career Resources

LIS professionals benefit from tailored career resources that help them transition into the workforce much easier and quicker. Students receive guidance and support from a dedicated academic coach throughout their degree. Coaches work with students in small groups and can also facilitate 1:1 support when necessary. LIS also provides career mentors, helping students define their career goals and establish the skills and networks they need to excel. 

Students will regularly meet with their career mentors, who will guide them through their studies and answer any questions or doubts. Qualifying students can also participate in LIS internships, earning funds while gaining practical experience. Our students have worked with companies such as Tech Nation, Making Design Circular, Fidelity International, Innocent Drinks, and KPMG. 

Leveraging career resources, students will find launching a data science career much more straightforward. They can prepare themselves for what potential employers are looking for and how to gain a competitive edge in the job market. 

Wellbeing Services

LIS provides extensive well-being services to ensure a well-rounded academic experience. A 2020 survey revealed that 64% of students felt their studies and university lifestyle negatively impacted their well-being. This statistic highlights the need for supportive measures within academic environments.

In response, LIS delivers well-being resources to help create a positive learning experience throughout your journey. All LIS students can access a dedicated welfare advisor who offers ongoing student guidance. Our welfare advisors can also connect students with counselling, financial advice, personal development workshops, and NHS services. 

While studying to become a data scientist can be very pressure-inducing, LIS's well-being resources allow students to progress quickly through their programs. 

Financial Aid

LIS is committed to making education accessible through various financial aid options. These solutions ensure that students from diverse backgrounds can access interdisciplinary learning without financial barriers. Here are a few of the economic solutions LIS provides:

• Financial support bursary: LIS offers bursaries between £1,000 and £7,000 based on household income, care experience, severely adverse circumstances, and estrangement. 
• Hardship grants: Students who experience sudden economic challenges can apply for financial support on a case-by-case basis. 
• The LIS Foundation: LIS has established a charity of up to £1,000 based on low household income. 

With financial support, students from all backgrounds can gain the skills they need to launch successful data science careers. 

These are a few top leadership skills for analytical and data-driven professionals. 

Critical Thinking

Data-driven careers require professionals to analyse complex information and make informed decisions. At LIS, students hone their critical thinking skills through hands-on projects that integrate real-world challenges, enabling them to approach data science problems from innovative perspectives. For example, information science professionals often rely on data to solve everyday issues, and critical thinking allows them to accomplish this. 

Communication and Collaboration

Data-driven careers demand excellent communication skills for presenting insights and leading diverse teams. LIS prepares students to effectively convey complex data insights and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, an ability that museum professionals possess as they work to bridge knowledge gaps across varied audiences.

Project Management Skills

Managing large-scale projects is a critical skill in data science roles. LIS emphasises project management skills through structured coursework and real-world simulations, empowering students to oversee data-driven initiatives from conception to execution. This skill set is increasingly valued in sectors such as college and university libraries, where data informs strategic decision-making.

Information Resources Management

Data-driven careers often involve the effective curation and utilisation of information resources. LIS equips students with the expertise to organise, manage, and analyse vast datasets, a foundational skill for leaders in data science. These abilities align with the standards set by the American Library Association, ensuring students are prepared for various data-focused roles.

Ethical Leadership

With the rise of data-driven decision-making, ethical considerations are critical. LIS instils a sense of responsibility in its students, preparing them to lead responsibly in managing sensitive data. This moral approach to data science is vital for professionals across every industry, from libraries to corporate sectors.

LIS's interdisciplinary solution to data science has provided numerous students with formal information management and data analysis training, preparing them for successful careers in multiple fields. 

Here is an overview of how LIS has helped learners accomplish their professional goals through data science. 

For more real-life examples of how our students have applied data science techniques, visit our repository. There, you’ll find a collection of student projects ranging from climate, technology, education, and community. 

Environmental, Social and Governance

Specialising in Art, Computer Science, Math and French, Haadiyah Cassam gained formal training in data science to progress into environmental, social and governance (ESG). Through LIS, Haadiyah chose not to narrow down her focus by studying for a traditional university degree. Instead, she let LIS help her build on her current knowledge.

"The fact that LIS was small and new added to its appeal — there was something exciting about being part of a pioneering program, building an educational experience that matched a novel approach to solving complex problems.” – Haadiyah Cassam.

During her time at LIS, this student completed two hands-on internships, requiring her to put his data science skills to the test. At MTR Elizabeth Line, Haadiyah could extend her data analysis skills by analysing extensive datasets that provided actionable insights for operations and timetabling. 

In her second role at The Good Economy, Haadiyah developed a resource database to help clients align their investments with sustainable outcomes. Ultimately, these data science skills enabled Haadiyah to deepen her understanding of ESG without only equipping her for one career field. 

Finance

Achieving A Levels in Physics, Maths, Chemistry, and AS Economics, Ethan Tungpalan leveraged data science skills from LIS to launch a career as a Data Analyst at one of the Big 4 firms in their Deal Advisory Service Line. Initially, Ethan intended to pursue engineering at Warwick. However, after learning about LIS's interdisciplinary approach, Ethan opted for us as he believed LIS was more aligned with his interests and character.

"The support here has been incredible, unlike anything I've experienced at other institutions. From bursaries and workshops to financial and emotional support and career development, they've provided everything. Part of me is apprehensive about transitioning away from LIS because they've been so helpful." – Ethan Tungpalan.

Consumer Analysis 

Vishal Mistry is another happy LIS student who gained expert skills in data science for an analytical-oriented career. This student held A Levels in Maths, Physics, and Computer Science and chose LIS to understand data better. Vishal applied the data science skills he learned from LIS in his final capstone project, "The Ultra-Processed Problem." This project explored misunderstandings surrounding ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in the UK. 

Vishal designed and conducted a survey to assess consumer behaviours and knowledge about food and food processing. He analysed this data using data science techniques, natural language processing, and statistical analysis to understand public perceptions, knowledge, and behaviours regarding UPFs. In addition, he developed a systems map to visualise the interactions between consumer behaviour, industry strategies, social impacts, and government actions. 

Vishal's entire capstone project reflected the data skills he learned throughout his LIS programme.

"Honestly, LIS excels at attracting a diverse array of talented and inspiring individuals, each bringing unique perspectives and outlooks. Simply being part of this community has been an immense learning experience, shaping me in ways I have yet to fully unpack." – Vishal Mistry.

There are many reasons why students choose LIS for data science. Here's an overview of how LIS can help you. 

An Innovative Solution to Studying Data Science

The primary aspect that makes LIS a top choice for data science education is our interdisciplinary approach. Students can learn the fundamentals of data science and how to apply this to an extensive range of problems across every industry. They can also leverage an understanding of digital technologies, creativity and critical thinking in core areas. As a result, students can work in law firms, schools, hospitals, offices, or even school libraries. Our method aims to help students gain well-rounded skills in data science and beyond. 

Access to a Supportive Community

At LIS, we prioritise building and maintaining a supportive student community. We work to keep our students connected, encourage diverse perspectives, and share different ideas and problem-solving techniques. Students can co-create events and establish clubs, societies, and traditions. Our social events include:

• Film nights
• End-of-term parties
• Students and staff competitions
• Open mic nights

We also have the following sports and interested-based clubs and societies:

• Football
• Climbing
• Boxing
• Music
• Podcasting
• Exploring cultures
• LGBT+
• Art

In attending social events or joining clubs and societies, we hope to help students find a healthy study-life balance. 

Available Financial, Career and Wellbeing Resources

Completing a bachelor's degree can be very stressful for students in terms of finances, career planning, and well-being. At LIS, we do our best to provide an inclusive environment for students and help them thrive throughout their degree programmes. Eligible students can apply for our scholarships, bursaries, and financing options, while all students can access career and well-being resources.

Through these resources, students can ensure they get the support they need to launch successful careers after graduation. Students will receive guidance from counsellors, career coaches and the LIS community to prepare them in the best way possible. 

Practical, Hands-on Learning 

Practical learning is a critical component of every student's journey at LIS. Our bachelor's and master's degrees programme covers soft and technical skills. Students will complete a capstone project at the end of every year to reflect the qualitative and quantitative expertise they've learned throughout their programmes. In addition, we broker summer paid internships for eligible students, allowing them to gain real-world experience and make the transition into the workplace after graduation less daunting.

Building the Future of Data Science with LIS

With LIS, aspiring data scientists can gain interdisciplinary skills and the ethical data management skills they need to succeed in every industry. Students can also gain well-rounded skills in data science, including critical thinking, communication, project management, ethical leadership, and information resource management. 

We have helped many students develop expert data science and analytical skills to advance their degree programmes and launch successful careers. 

Ready to choose LIS and deepen your understanding of data science? Contact LIS today