Dimitrios Tsiaras

Why did you apply to the University of Bradford? What was your first impression of the university and the city? What did you enjoy most about your time in Bradford?

After my Bachelor’s degree in Physics, I wanted to use the acquired analytical thinking and problem-solving skills in a more pragmatic way. Hence, I chose a technology driven and data-related MSc Programme (MSc Big Data Science and Technology) that could cover my needs within a highly ranked University’s faculty; Faculty of Engineering and Informatics (FEI) at the University of Bradford.  

Initially, I didn’t know what to anticipate from the city or the University. Thankfully, everything turned out to be well above my expectations, especially with the tasteful and affordable food at the city!

Why did you choose that particular course?  What did you like and enjoy most about your course?

The programme is interdisciplinary, which was the key-factor for my selection, including advanced software development, big data systems and analytics, and machine learning. The combination between theoretical and practical aspects of both computer science and analytics was what I enjoyed the most; along with the great support I received from my professors. 

What tips would you give to prospective students about the course at University of Bradford and the university itself?

Seizing the available opportunities within the faculty/department, gaining knowledge of programming and data analysis, be open-minded and getting out of your comfort zone are the best practises to grow yourself and stand out of the crowd. Devotion of time will pay off, be optimistic and courageous, failure will come but is part of the learning process and a step closer to success.  

How did Career and Employability Services support you during your time at University?

I am grateful for the great support I received from Career and Employability Services (CES) throughout the year (even during the summer season).  Being an active volunteer (Career Ambassador) in CES gave me the best possible resources for my CV creation and further develop key soft skills such as networking with employers, working and collaborating as an effective member of the Career Ambassadors Team and planning and organising.

In addition, meeting people like the Lead Career Consultant for FEI and the Careers Information and Communications Coordinator has given me the kind of support and confidence needed for my graduate applications.

Tell us about your current job

As a Cloud Data Engineer in Next’s Business Intelligence Department, I design, develop and maintain Microsoft Azure-based solutions according to business requirements. Defining technical requirements, development, testing and documentation to support productionised solutions, alongside the operations support team and within an Agile framework is also required. Finally, sharing knowledge, offering input and assistance to the wider team whilst building my skills are the greatest parts of what I daily do. 

What action did you take to improve your employability whilst at University?

I accepted a Machine Learning job at the Department of Computer Science for two months, and as mentioned above, I volunteered as a Career Ambassador at CES for two semesters. The latter gave me the soft skills needed in industry while the former, the initial technical skills required for a similar role. Both contributed to get a summer internship at Thames Water as a Data Scientist for my Master’s Dissertation.

What advice would you give to current students wishing to enter this type of career?

Being driven and an optimist, even at stressful times will make a huge difference among others. ‘Ithaka is the destination, but knowledge’s Odyssey will educate you the most’.