Aindrila Basu

Aindrila Basu studied Data Science and Analytics MSc and was awarded the Consumer Data Research Centre prize for her dissertation. Since graduating in 2022, Aindrila has started working as a Data Scientist at Sagentia Innovation. She works with clients in the food and beverage sector, focusing on analysis and machine learning solutions. 

Why Leeds?

Aindrila decided to study her Masters degree in the UK, as the UK offers 1 year Masters courses and there are a large number of job opportunities available. While looking at universities, she carefully considered the course structure and modules offered.

Aindrila explains: “The modules offered by the Data Science and Analytics MSc programme at Leeds resonated well with me. I felt that the course was well rounded with mathematical as well as computing modules, and therefore I would gain all the skills required to be a Data Scientist by doing my Masters at the University of Leeds.”

I felt that the course was well rounded with mathematical as well as computing modules, and therefore I would gain all the skills required to be a Data Scientist.

Tailor your degree to suit your interests

As a Data Science student, Aindrila worked on a variety of projects dealing with statistical analysis, data visualisation, and data analysis, as well as projects involving deep learning, computer vision, and natural language processing. 

Reflecting on her course, Aindrila said: “University of Leeds allowed me to select modules based on my interests rather than providing a fixed curriculum for everyone. I believe this helped me to only study the modules I required and was interested in. I also felt that I had enough help and guidance throughout the course, and I am thankful for it.”

Winning the Consumer Data Research Centre prize

Aindrila was awarded third prize in the Masters Dissertation Scheme 2022 by the Consumer Data Research Centre (CDRC).

The CDRC scheme provides the chance for students to work directly with industry partners on their dissertation project, and to link students’ research to important retail and ‘open data’ sources. Aindrila worked with Kainos Group on her dissertation project: Recommender Systems: Implementation and Evaluation. 

As one of three winners, she had the opportunity to present her research at an academic conference and received a £250 prize.

She said: “The most interesting project I worked on was my Masters dissertation project which involved designing a recommender system for a fashion retailer. Recommender systems have now become best practice for e-commerce businesses. So, building one from scratch was definitely exciting.”

The most interesting project I worked on was my Masters dissertation project which involved designing a recommender system for a fashion retailer.

“I believe this experience was very unique and provided me with a bit of practical experience. I worked with large commercial open-source datasets and focused on solving problems in the real world, which I would not have been able to do otherwise. I believe studying at Leeds helped me get this opportunity which in turn helped shape my career. I am successfully employed as a Data Scientist now, implementing all the skills I gained through the course and my dissertation.”

I worked with large commercial open-source datasets and focused on solving problems in the real world.

Societies and clubs

Aindrila joined the Indian Students Association and participated in events organised by them. She said: “Arriving from a different country with a completely different background, I was quite overwhelmed with my course. I was very new to Data Science, and I focused all my energy into the course. I am grateful for all the opportunities the University offered.”

“I also explored the city quite frequently with my friends. I had some precious moments at Old Bar watching Formula 1 races with my friends. I also worked part-time at Leeds United Football Club, Headingley Stadium and First Direct Arena.”

A vibrant student city

Leeds is a large city with many attractions. Aindrila particularly enjoyed her tour of the Royal Armouries Museum. She said: “Leeds is a safe and beautiful city to live in, with a lot of good restaurants and stores.” 

She lived in a private residence, which was fairly close to the University as well as to the city centre and the train station. “It made my travels, to York, Sheffield and Manchester very easy. I love photography, and I would just roam around the city and taking pictures.”

Advice to future students

Aindrila’s advice to anybody considering studying Data Science and Analytics MSc at Leeds is to “select modules with careful consideration. Don’t choose modules based on what you think is important, but based on which skills are needed in the industry. The modules should also align with their own interests. The university has a great faculty and a well-rounded course structure. It also provides opportunities to interact with employers in careers fairs. I believe taking this course would be very helpful if someone is looking to be employed as a Data Scientist.” 

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