The Data Lab and MBN Solutions are encouraging organisations across the country to host MSc data science students from Scottish universities on a summer placement.
Organisations of any size are eligible to apply for the scheme. Some previous participants have included the Scottish government, CYBD, RBS, and Volunteer Scotland.
Brian Hills, head of data at The Data Lab, said: “Scottish organisations are seeing the value data can bring from processes to forward-planning, and there is an increasing demand for talent that can support these needs.
“Our MSc programme provides students with practical skills to support Scotland as it unlocks new potential using data, and the placement is an instrumental part of the experience. We encourage any organisation with a need to problem-solve using data science to apply for the scheme.”
Companies benefit through the new skills and value that students deliver during their projects, and students gain a unique experience that makes them industry-ready by the time they graduate.
– Dr Kepa Mendibil, University of Stirling
The placement programme has been running for four years, and sets up work placements for data science master’s students in Scotland. The Data Lab funds MSc courses across 11 Scottish universities, and works with public, private and volunteer sector organisations to offer real-world experience to students.
Dr Kepa Mendibil, programme director – MSc Data Science for Business, University of Stirling, said: “The Data Lab placements are a great example of industry and academics working in partnership. It is one of the main reasons why we are able to attract such high-quality students to our programme and provides companies with fast-track access to talented data scientists.
“Companies benefit through the new skills and value that students deliver during their projects, and students gain a unique experience that makes them industry-ready by the time they graduate. Many of our students have been offered full time positions after the completion of the projects and this is clear evidence of the success of the placement programme.”
Participating universities are:
- University of Aberdeen
- University of Dundee
- University of Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Napier University
- University of Glasgow
- Glasgow Caledonian University
- Heriot Watt University
- Robert Gordon University
- University of Stirling
- University of Strathclyde
- University of the West of Scotland
The deadline for applications is April 30. More information on the summer placement programme can be found at thedatalab.com/news/2019/are-you-a-business-with-an-idea-for-a-student-placement-project