The Data Analytics Bootcamp Workshop took place from 13 to 17 May 2024 at Hotel U Crlíku in the village of Tetčice near Brno. “Swam presented the work of a team that had processed data on the sentiments of people tweeting about Covid-19 during the pandemic and linked it to their economic situation at the time. Swam’s presentation was everything a good presentation should be: It was well-structured and richly illustrated. Swam explained his work confidently and clearly,” said Jan Slovák, the guarantor of Data Analytics, a unique Bachelor’s study programme at MUNI, after the workshop.
For Swam, the Bootcamp is a great opportunity to work and study in a hybrid mode, similar to an MBA. We asked Swam about his experience with our Bootcamp, which is also part of the application process for the Data Analytics course at MUNI, funded by project NPO_MUNI_MSMT-16606/2022.
Swam, how are you enjoying taking part in our Bootcamp?
It is great. People at MUNI are very helpful and they really care about us. The mentors are real experts and the welcome office’s approach is very professional and friendly. Everything runs smoothly. And it’s all for free, so it’s a great opportunity to apply your skills in working with data and delve deeper into data science. And if you succeed in the Bootcamp and invest in your future, the Data Analytics programme is exceptional, similar to an MBA – an amazing combination of industry experience and academic mathematical thinking. It offers great opportunities to study and work at the same time. As I have a full-time job, I prefer to study online, in a hybrid form. I haven’t found this type of Data Science study programme anywhere else in the world. Although I have almost finished my Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and European Politics at the Faculty of Social Sciences, I will be happy to study Data Analytics at MUNI as well. The programme offers exactly what I am looking for.
What parts of mathematics do you need to develop to gain a competitive advantage in your area of expertise?
If you work in data analytics, maths may not seem necessary at first. But if you really want to go deep, it is essential to know how the underlying mathematics works. Particularly in data science, you need to be well-versed in linear algebra and probability, because machine learning is all about probability. The Data Analytics programme at MUNI offers everything: mathematical thinking, technical skills, programming, AI, machine learning and so on. The programme can help me learn how to communicate better with AI. While I learn about data science from many sources, the mathematical thinking and technical skills offered by this bachelor's programme will help me work more easily and smoothly in many aspects.
Swam, you already work for a company that deals with AI and linguistics in the finance sector. How is your career progressing? What makes you so passionate about data science?
I would like to pursue data analytics further in my career. Last year, I was working at AT&T in process project management and data analysis. I had to manage a full data analysis process to help our project succeed and I realised I liked it. Even in my current position, I have tried to apply my data science knowledge to ensure smoother reporting. I would like to dive deeper into data analytics and continue working in this field. The need for data analysis is emerging in many fields, and the role of AI is increasing dramatically. People often worry that AI will replace them in their jobs, but I think that the new Data Analytics programme at MUNI is opening the door to the coming AI era. It is a very future-proof choice.
Meet Swam Pyae Paing
Swam describes himself as a young leader with experience working in civil, social and international institutions. He is ready to contribute to the success of the organisations he works for. He has expertise in data analysis and data-driven decision-making. He believes that his strengths lie in being highly organised, responsible and skilled in effective communication, strategic analysis and project coordination, as well as having a positive attitude and excellent communication, IT, critical thinking and leadership skills.