Uzoma Onyema

Why did you apply to the University and why did you choose that course?

When I made the decision to immigrate to the UK to study and settle, I did a careful search to choose a university that would support me to achieve my career aspirations, and I found that the University of Bradford has a strong track record in engaging and supporting graduates to develop successful careers. I was impressed with the University’s ranking on Social Mobility Index as Number 1. Also, being an international student, I found the University of Bradford’s record of diversity and social inclusion very impressive, with the University named ‘The Times and Sunday Times University of the Year for Social Inclusion’ at the time I did my search.

I chose to study MSc Applied Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics because the great opportunities I have found are available in this area. Some people have described data as ‘the new oil’, and rightly so. When I resolved to study Artificial Intelligence/Data Analytics, I did a painstaking check of the universities in the UK that offer the programme. I was attracted by the University of Bradford’s offering of the MSc Programme as a conversion course, with a practical or industrial application focus, and a placement route. That was super brilliant to me!

What steps did you take to improve your employability whilst at university and/or after you graduated?

While at the University, I took advantage of every opportunity the university provided to gain and improve my employability. I attended and participated actively in career webinars and workshops the university organised, and I applied the learning I got from each. Some of the programmes, like the Career Booster, gave us the excellent opportunity to interact with industry leaders and practitioners. I learnt a lot of vital soft skills from active participation.

Further, I participated in the University’s Accelerated Students Entrepreneurship Programme (ASEP). This was a great experience for me, teaching me both technical and non-technical project development and management skills. I also worked on campus as a Student Ambassador, and this provided me with UK work experience that some employers require.

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

I received fantastic support from Career and Employability Services Team. When I got shortlisted for interview for the role with City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, I took advantage of the 1:1 interview preparation sessions that the team offer. The training and support I received from the team is invaluable not only did I learn vital interview skills, but also my confidence was boosted.

Tell us about your current job and what makes you successful in securing the job?

When I joined Bradford City Council in October 2022, I worked with the Policy, Performance, Partnerships and Research Department which sits in the Office of the Chief Exec. Currently, I am on the Council’s Transformation and Change Team. I am also a member of the Council’s Data and Intelligence Governance Steering Group, which is responsible in providing governance, supporting transformation, and ensuring data driven decision-making across the Council.

I have been fortunate to work on several significant data analytics projects to support decision-making around the safeguarding of adults, promoting safer communities, and monitoring of equalities, diversity, and inclusion across the entire District.

I have also worked on the Council’s culture project which would measure the performance of UK City of Culture 2025 and other cultural programmes of the Council’s culture partnerships.

I was chosen for this job because I stood out from other candidates. I worked hard to prepare for each stage of the recruitment process, taking advantage of the help and support available at the University through the Careers and Employability Team each step of the way.

I apply the technical knowledge I gained from my course every single day in my job as a Data Analyst. I use the analysis tools I learned and used at the University of Bradford, which give me the ability and credibility

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

My advice to anyone wishing to enter this field is to develop crucial soft skills like problem-solving, research, effective communication. Learn to look for non-obvious insights from your data! It’s like being a detective! Go beyond the surface of your data, that’s what really makes you a great analyst.

And very importantly, take advantage of the opportunities available to you at the University. The modules of this course at University of Bradford are carefully chosen and developed; you get to work on valuable practical assignments. Work hard on each module assignment and project. Not only do you gain advanced technical skills, but you learn how to apply the knowledge and skills in real business and industry situations.

But to every student at the University, irrespective of which programmes they are doing or what career objectives they have, I’ll say this – ‘Take advantage of the excellent support the Career and Employability Team offer. If you do, you’re more likely to achieve your career goals’.