Myra-Louise BAMDÉ
I joined EPF through the Franco-Quebec program. During my internship in Quebec in my second year, I was introduced to data science through a project in a factory focused on Industry 4.0. This experience significantly boosted my interest in the field, which I further explored during another data science internship in my third year.
Initially, I was torn between several majors. Eventually, I opted for the Data Engineering major due to its comprehensive approach to current issues and its diverse skills set. This major equips us to be versatile professionals, proficient in software development, mathematical reasoning, cloud computing and machine learning.
The structure of the major allows each student to tailor their learning journey. Projects vary in complexity, offering opportunities to gain foundational knowledge in various areas or specialize deeply in specific domains. By the end of the program, we can handle the entire data lifecycle from conceptualization and data collection to visualization, analytics and predictive models’ creation (commonly called artificial intelligence).
The teachers, many of whom are industry professionals, are always available to answer our questions. Semester projects, conducted in collaboration with companies, tackle real-world challenges. The fourth year focuses on acquiring practical skills, while the fifth year delves deeper into advanced skills, preparing us confidently for the job market. Moreover, during the fifth year, I undertook a professionalization contract at PwC, allowing me to apply the expertise built directly within the company environment: I had the opportunity to develop a data platform for an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance, which refers to the three central factors in measuring the sustainability and societal impact of an investment) project, as well as serve as a Data Quality Manager, incorporating concepts of data governance.
The skills I have developed during these two years have significantly contributed to my professional growth within my company. They have enhanced my understanding of job expectations, whether in I.T., communication, or project management. Moreover, several of my peers have smoothly transitioned into PhD programs, underscoring the versatility and depth of the Data Engineering program. Others have taken up positions as data analysts, data engineers, or machine learning engineers in various sectors (bank, pharmaceuticals, energy, transports, constructions, …) because data is in demand everywhere.
