Abhijeet Madhusudan Rao, MSc Data Science and Analytics

Abhijeet Madhusudan Rao is a graduate of the MSc Data Science and Analytics at University College Cork. He is from India.

What made you choose Ireland and UCC, and how has/did the experience matched your expectations? 

I chose Ireland because of its strong and growing technology ecosystem, with a significant presence of global tech companies and good long-term career opportunities for graduates. The country’s position as a European tech hub made it an attractive destination for both learning and professional growth. 

UCC stood out to me primarily because of its well-structured curriculum, which offered a strong foundation in data analytics and practical, industry-relevant skills. The program aligned well with my goal of building both theoretical understanding and applied expertise. Additionally, the university’s historical connection to George Boole, whose work underpins modern computing, was a meaningful bonus and added to the appeal. 

The experience has largely matched my expectations. The program was academically rigorous and emphasised practical problem solving, especially through my thesis work. While adapting to a new education system and independent learning style was initially challenging, it ultimately helped me grow both academically and personally. 

How has your experience been settling into life in Ireland, especially in terms of community, culture, and feeling at home? 

Settling into life in Ireland was a bit challenging at first, especially getting used to a new culture and living independently. It took some time to feel comfortable, but things gradually improved. 

Even though I didn’t have many group projects, I still built connections through regular interactions with classmates and spending time together outside college. I also worked part-time and did an internship at the Boole Library, which helped me meet different people and feel more integrated into the community. 

These varied experiences made a big difference. Over time, Ireland started to feel more familiar and comfortable, and I was able to find my own routine and sense of belonging. 

What has been the most positive or surprising part of studying and living in Ireland so far? 

One of the most positive parts of my experience was the balance between academics and everyday life. The course itself was practical and pushed me to apply what I learned, especially during my thesis, which was very rewarding. 

At the same time, living in Ireland was a unique experience. What surprised me the most was how friendly and approachable people are, both within the university and outside. Small things like casual conversations, helpful interactions at work, and day-to-day experiences made settling in easier over time. 

I also appreciated the overall pace of life as it felt less rushed, which gave me space to focus on my studies while also adjusting to a new environment and becoming more independent. 

How did your time studying here shape your personal growth and confidence, and how has that influenced the career path you are on today? 

My time at  UCC  helped me become more independent and comfortable handling uncertainty. Moving to a new country and managing academics, work, and daily life on my own pushed me to be more disciplined and adaptable. 

Academically, the course, and especially my thesis work, helped me build confidence in my problem-solving abilities. Working through challenges and completing a full project from start to finish gave me a strong sense of capability. It was also a rewarding experience to have my work published as part of conference proceedings. 

This played a direct role in shaping my career path. It helped me transition into a software engineering role, where I continue to apply the same mindset, learning continuously, solving problems step by step, and staying consistent even when things feel uncertain. 

What kinds of career support: such as internships, industry connections, or guidance from the careers team—have been most valuable to you during your time here? 

The support I received was mainly a combination of academic mentorship and general career resources. 

UCC provided career support through career fairs and careers services, which offered guidance on CV preparation and information about companies hiring on campus.  These resources were useful in understanding the job market and preparing for applications. 

On the academic side, my thesis supervisor was extremely supportive. He ensured I had access to the right resources and provided consistent guidance throughout my thesis. Working closely with him not only helped me deliver a strong project but also led to my work being published as part of conference proceedings. He also offered me a Research Assistant opportunity in his team, which was a strong vote of confidence and reflected the quality of work I was able to produce during my time there. 

Overall, the combination of available career resources and strong academic mentorship played a key role in shaping my confidence and career direction. 

 Tell us about one moment from your time here that makes you smile when you think about it? 

One moment that stands out to me is towards the end of my thesis. It was a bittersweet feeling. On one hand, I was happy that everything I had worked on was finally coming together, but at the same time, it felt strange that the whole journey was coming to an end so quickly. 

I remember feeling both excited and a little uncertain, asking myself “what next?” after finishing my master’s. Despite that fear, I still chose to move forward, even without having complete certainty about what would come next.  

Looking back now, it makes me smile because I can see that the struggle was worth it, and that phase played a big role in getting me to where I am today. 

What do you wish you had known before coming here that would reassure or excite future students? 

One thing I wish I had known earlier is that things take time, and everyone’s journey looks different. In the beginning, it can feel like you’re not making enough progress, whether it’s settling in, building connections, or finding opportunities. For some people, things may even take longer than expected, and that can be difficult. Looking back, I realise it’s not necessarily failure, but part of the process. A lot of things that felt uncertain at the time started to make sense later. 

More importantly, this experience prepares you to handle life on your own. You become more independent, resilient, and comfortable dealing with uncertainty. By the end of it, you realise you’re not the same person who started the journey, you’ve grown and evolved in ways that go beyond academics. 

I would also say that building a network and finding opportunities takes effort. It doesn’t happen automatically, you have to step out of your comfort zone and make use of what’s available. 

At the same time, I would reassure future students that if you stay consistent and keep putting in the work, things do come together. The journey might feel slow, but it shapes you in a way that stays with you long after your degree.