Masters student — Leticia Leal

After working on community projects that encourage girls and women into STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) careers, Leticia secured a scholarship to study the MSc Data Science and its Applications at the University of Essex

Why did you choose this postgraduate course and institution?

My academic background is in engineering, where data analysis and informed decision-making were central to addressing challenges and driving change in professional settings.

This experience sparked my interest in deepening my knowledge in these areas, which led me to pursue this postgraduate course.

The choice regarding Essex was focused on the academic excellence levels, especially related to the course I'm enrolled in.

What was the course application process like?

It was a huge challenge. There is not much information in Brazil because only a few students have access to international opportunities, so I did not have many role models or mentors I could count on. Also, I already had a professional position, so I had to balance all the priorities to make sure everything would work out. Fortunately, it did.

How did you secure your Women in STEM Scholarship?

The application process for the scholarship was straightforward because it was very well described and easy to follow. Before applying, I already needed an offer from the university and to answer questions regarding leadership, why I chose to study in the UK, and how to motivate more girls and women to pursue STEM careers.

I already had a lot of stories to tell in that area. I had been working with communities near my region for the past five years, and was already involved in many projects to motivate girls and women to pursue STEM careers. This was definitely something that helped me during the process because my past experiences fit perfectly with the expected outcomes of the scholarship.

Tell us a bit about the course.

It's a conversion course into the field of technology, but this one is specifically for students who already have a STEM background. It has a good foundation regarding coding skills and statistics, but it also approaches advanced topics with a lot of emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. My goal is to apply the knowledge acquired in the area of climate justice, especially for women.

How is the course assessed?

The formats vary depending on the modules, but in general, they include:

• tests
• coursework
• exams.

How does postgraduate life differ from that of an undergraduate?

I believe the expectations placed on postgraduate students are significantly different. At the postgraduate level, there is a greater emphasis on:

• applying knowledge in a practical or professional context
• critical thinking
• independent learning.

Students are expected to use more initiative, manage their time more effectively, and engage more deeply with their field of study.

What do you wish you'd known before embarking on postgraduate study?

I would have liked to know more about the structure and learning environment of higher education in the UK. It was surprising at first to encounter the variety of teaching formats, such as lectures, practical classes, and lab sessions, and to understand how each serves a different purpose in the learning process.

Adjusting to this system required some time, especially coming from a different academic background where learning formats were more uniform.

What are your plans for after graduation, and how does this course fit in with your career ambitions?

I have been thinking about pursuing a PhD to continue working on the project I designed for my dissertation. The knowledge acquired in this experience has provided me with new horizons to keep working in this field that I am so passionate about, such as the applications of data science and mathematics regarding climate justice.

What advice would you give to other women considering studying a STEM subject at university?

• Be confident in your ability to learn. In STEM subjects, this mindset is essential, even more than having all the answers. It's about being willing to grow and tackle complex problems.
• Stay motivated by finding purpose in your goals. Having a clear sense of direction helps you stay focused and resilient, especially during demanding times.
• Prepare to face challenges along the way. Embrace them as opportunities to develop personally and professionally. Overcoming obstacles is the key to real growth.
• Surround yourself with people who inspire you. This is especially true for women who are breaking barriers in their fields. Their presence and perspective can be empowering, and they often serve as a strong reminder that you're not alone on your journey.

Find out more

• Explore scholarships and bursaries.
• Read about diversity in the tech industry.
• Consider studying the MSc Data Science and its Applications at Essex.