USER STORIES

Q: Which bachelor's degrees did you consider and why?

During my high school years, I focused on technological education. So, when it was time to choose my bachelor's degree, I knew I wanted something related to technology. I considered Industrial Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and even Chemistry! However, my high school advisor made me realize that although I was drawn to analytical thinking, I also needed a human aspect in my daily life... and I had to find a career that would fulfill both needs. Unfortunately, the options I was considering at the time did not meet that requirement. That is when Law came into the picture... Business Analytics came later, as I discovered this alternative towards the end of my final year of high school.

Q: When did you start thinking about a career in analytics? Did you have any skills or talents that led you in this direction?

As a result of career guidance tutorials at my school, I had to start thinking about which career I wanted to combine with Law. I wanted to pursue a double degree that would challenge me and allow me to acquire knowledge that could somehow improve the lives of those around me. One thing was clear: Economics and International Relations were not the answers. I was searching for a degree that would allow me to not abandon my scientific inclinations... and when I discovered that UFV offered the Business Analytics + Law program, I did not hesitate for a second. I understand that it is an unconventional degree, as it combines vastly different skill sets, but I enjoy the duality. I appreciate applying both reflective and argumentative reasoning, such as in the legal field, and analytical knowledge expressed through models and probability. If I were to identify a talent, it would not be a remarkable aptitude for mathematics and statistics, but rather the ability to simplify complex situations into more concrete terms, applying formulas or models to understand and tackle the challenges they present.

Q: How has university helped you?

UFV is a university that instills a strong humanistic approach in its students. Its main goal is to shape UFV students into service-oriented leaders. This mindset extends to data as well: analytics not only extracts information from massive amounts of data but also uses the knowledge gained to improve society.

Additionally, the partnership between the college and SAS fosters a dynamic environment of learning, innovation, and progress, driving advancements in research, technology. We can also obtain valuable data analytics certifications through this collaboration.

The combination of these aspects gives UFV Business Analytics students a clear competitive advantage in terms of education and uniqueness when entering the workforce.

Q: Tell us about your current thesis project. What skills have you put into practice, and what have you enjoyed the most?

In collaboration with UFV, SAS, and the Gender Violence Division of the Ministry of Interior, my thesis project delved into a pertinent and urgent issue, granting me access to invaluable data that would have otherwise remained inaccessible.

The core focus of my thesis was the meticulous examination of criminal profiles and the assessment of recidivism probabilities among high-victim offenders, who repeatedly victimize multiple individuals. Through thorough analysis, I explored their recidivism rates and the nature of the violence perpetrated. The Ministry of Interior expressed satisfaction with my findings and the applied models, as they provided valuable insights consistent with existing information. Knowing that my work could genuinely contribute to enhancing victim protection within the Ministry was immensely gratifying during both the research process and the defense of my thesis.

Nevertheless, I encountered a significant challenge in comprehending how my thesis could contribute to the knowledge base of the VioGen division. The Ministry already had numerous procedures, applicable laws, and protocols in place for analyzing case risks and ensuring optimal protection for victims. Consequently, aligning the problem with the appropriate analytical language and addressing it enabled me to enhance my proficiency in SAS and adopt a legal-analytical mindset, thereby overcoming this challenge.

Q: What advice would you give to a university student considering learning SAS? Is there anything you would do differently if you were to start your education again?

I would advise individuals to approach university with a serious mindset right from the start. It is evident that many students are not fully aware of the value of becoming SAS Certified or the diverse range of applications SAS offers. Even after two years of learning SAS, I have only scratched the surface myself. It is crucial to begin learning SAS with the understanding that effort and perseverance yield long-term rewards. If you find yourself stuck, don't hesitate to seek help. Consistency in learning will take you much further than expecting immediate mastery.

Reflecting on my educational journey, I wouldn't change anything if I were to start again. I believe in actively pursuing and maximizing the opportunities provided by the university in terms of academics, employment, personal growth, and social interaction. Over the course of four years, I have transformed into a different person, and I take pride in my achievements across all aspects of my education. Prior to commencing college, when I participated in Becas Europa, a talent program jointly organized by UFV and Banco Santander, one of the academic directors advised us, "Don't just go through university, let university go through you." That is precisely what I have done.