In line with our commitment to nurturing the next generation of data scientists, this summer, we welcomed eleven interns to Population Data Science.
Our ongoing dedication extends to supporting not only data scientists but also researchers, developers and communications specialists. Our internship program facilitates exposure to a diverse range of opportunities, with interns actively acquiring real-world experience, gaining access to anonymised data, and utilising technical systems/platforms. Our award-winning team provided mentorship and guidance, allowing interns to develop their skills and gain valuable experience for their future careers.
To delve deeper into the interns’ motivations, acquired skills, and overall program experiences, we took a moment to catch up with each of them.
Name: Iwan White
Studying: BSc Mathematics
Line Manager & Mentor: Dr Helen Daniels & Associate Professor Rhiannon Owen
Project title: Biomarkers as diagnostic tests in Alzheimer’s disease dementia
What motivated you to apply to the Population Data Science summer internship programme?
I applied for the internship as a career in data science interested me, and I wanted to gain an insight into working as a data scientist to understand if it was a good career option.
What have you learned, and what experience have you gained?
My coding, research, literature and presentation skills have improved massively throughout the internship. I have also gained excellent experience working in a professional environment and invaluable career advice from my supervisors.
What would you say to someone considering applying next year?
I would definitely recommend this internship. The internship is challenging, but your supervisors are always able to help guide you through the process. It is very rewarding as you can solve real-life medical problems that potentially will help thousands of people. It is also an excellent opportunity for you to apply the skills you learn at University and boost your career massively.
What’s next after your internship?
Following my internship, I will enter my second year of mathematics at Warwick University. As a result of the internship, I have a clear insight into what modules I should take next year, and I am excited to try to find similar opportunities next summer.
Name: Sambhav Dave
Studying: MSc Advanced Computer Science
Line Manager & Mentor: Artur Zinnurov & Ting Wang
Project title: Python Package Development for Concept Library Client
What motivated you to apply to the Population Data Science summer internship programme?
The overall subject area motivated me to apply for this internship.
What have you learned, and what experience have you gained?
I have gained a significant number of technical skills that I didn’t know before. I have gained industry-level software development experience as well. This will surely help me in my future career.
What would you say to someone considering applying next year?
I’d say go for it, Big YES! Make sure to be consistent if you are selected. Take small steps and keep asking questions to your peers whenever you are stuck.
What’s next after your internship?
I will join as a Teaching Assistant at Swansea University whilst resuming the second term of my MSc degree.
Name: Celyn Williams
Studying: BA Journalism, Media & Sociology
Line Manager & Mentor: Chris Roberts
Project title: Working to enhance engagement and amplify impact for SAIL Databank outputs through a multi-channel and multi-media approach
What motivated you to apply to the Population Data Science summer internship programme?
My motivation for applying for this summer internship stemmed from my desire to gain insight into marketing, an area in which I needed more experience. Applying to work within the SAIL marketing team motivated me to learn more about the marketing process and understand the vital work happening within Population Data Science. Despite having no background in data science myself, I saw this internship as a chance to step out of my comfort zone and gain a greater understanding of marketing from a different perspective.
What have you learned, and what experience have you gained?
During my internship, I have not only learnt about the internal processes within the SAIL marketing team but also had the opportunity to collaborate with individuals throughout Population Data Science and the wider University. This meant that every week, there was an opportunity to learn something new and gain insight into various roles and fields of knowledge.
Additionally, participating in this summer internship has allowed me to develop vital skills for my future, not only in practical skills but also in personal development. It has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and has enabled a drive within me to widen my career prospects for the future.
What would you say to someone considering applying next year?
Absolutely, I highly recommend applying. Even if you don’t have a background in data science, it’s a fantastic way to broaden your horizons and gain valuable insights into a range of different projects and expertise. This experience has the potential to open new doors, offering a unique perspective on various fields. It’s definitely worth pursuing!
What’s next after your internship?
I plan to travel to Australia and Southeast Asia in the next few months, but once I return, I would love to gain more experience in marketing and take the skills I learned to the next level.
Name: Trafford Bage
Studying: MSc Computer Science
Line Manager & Mentor: Hazel May Lockhart-Jones & Richard Hier
Project title: Working on the SeRP project
What motivated you to apply to the Population Data Science summer internship programme?
I wanted experience in a relevant sector and needed to see how a real team tackled problem-solving. Specifically, the data science role appeared interesting as it was working with real data and purpose.
What have you learned, and what experience have you gained?
I’ve learnt a lot about how teams operate in this industry and how things are planned and resolved. I’ve also learnt some crucial components of web application development, which will be valuable experience when I leave University.
What would you say to someone considering applying next year?
I’d say they should just focus on learning what they can and ask for help much more than I did!
What’s next after your internship?
I am returning to University to continue Computer Science for my fourth and final year. After that, I will be looking for jobs similar to what I’ve been doing here around the Swansea & Cardiff area.
Name: Samuel Marshall
Studying: BSc Computer Science
Line Manager & Mentor: Dr Justin Biddle & Richard Hier
Project title: Working on the SeRP project
What motivated you to apply to the Population Data Science summer internship programme?
Data science is a fascinating field, so I was excited at the possibility of applying my programming skills to such an impactful domain.
What have you learned, and what experience have you gained?
I have learnt a lot about what goes into developing a web application and have gained valuable experience from working in a team environment.
What would you say to someone considering applying next year?
It’s definitely worth applying! Everybody is very welcoming and supportive, and you get to learn new skills and work on projects as part of a team. I have had a great time over the last twelve weeks and highly recommend the internship to anyone considering it.
What’s next after your internship?
I will be carrying out my fourth and final year of Computer Science at Swansea University, where I will work on a project combining game development with computer-generated music.
Name: Kellie Robinson
Studying: BSc Software Engineering
Line Manager & Mentor: Dr Alex Lee & Dr Joss Whittle
Project title: DB2 migration and new query engine configuration
What motivated you to apply to the Population Data Science summer internship programme?
I was forwarded the application from my academic mentor, and I decided to apply for a few reasons, mainly to build confidence. During my school years, I struggled to give my best effort, and whenever I fell short of perfection, I considered it a failure, which eventually led to a loss of motivation. I skipped school, had no support from my teachers and ultimately decided I wasn’t smart enough for academia. However, I took the plunge and decided to go to University, but shedding this self-doubt has been a gradual process.
What have you learned, and what experience have you gained?
Through this internship, the most important thing I’ve learned is that it’s okay not to know what you’re doing. Asking for guidance, figuring out problems, and slowly building skills through mistakes is the only way to learn.
What would you say to someone considering applying next year?
Push yourself. If you think, ‘I can’t do it, other people have better skills, I’m not clever enough, I’m not confident enough,’ then those are all reasons why you should do it.
There’s no better place to be out of your comfort zone than in a University internship, where the staff are there to support and guide you.
What’s next after your internship?
I’m finishing my final year at Swansea University in Software Engineering. I’ve been offered a part-time contract with the University, continuing my work over the next academic year. Following that, I hope to be lucky enough to be offered a full-time position here.
Name: Rowan Dash
Studying: BSc Software engineering
Line Manager & Mentor: Dr Joss Whittle & Dr Alex Lee
Project title: DB2 migration and new query engine configuration
What motivated you to apply to the Population Data Science summer internship programme?
I was interested in the roles available and was recommended to apply by one of my lecturers, to whom I’m very grateful for the opportunity.
What have you learned, and what experience have you gained?
I’ve expanded my knowledge of programming, systems and industry techniques.
What would you say to someone considering applying next year?
Go for it! You’ll learn a lot and meet a bunch of incredible and talented people who work together and support each other wonderfully.
What’s next after your internship?
I am continuing my studies in my 3rd year of Software Engineering at Swansea University. Meanwhile, I will be working part-time, one day a week, continuing the work I’ve been doing here while continuing as a teaching assistant in the Computer Science department.
Name: Joe McLaughlin
Studying: MBBCH Graduate Entry Medicine
Line Manager & Mentor: Hoda Abbasizanjani & Associate Professor Ashley Akbari
Project title: DB2 migration and new query engine configuration
What motivated you to apply to the Population Data Science summer internship programme?
I was motivated to apply to the program when I heard about it from someone working at SAIL Databank. I have been keen to work for SAIL or gain some work experience with the Population Data Science team – ever since I heard about it when I joined Swansea University.
What have you learned, and what experience have you gained?
Data centres such as SAIL are the future of healthcare research, and I am glad to have gained experience in using SAIL within the early stages of my career.
What would you say to someone considering applying next year?
You should definitely apply! Even if you are unsure whether you have the required skills you should apply, passion and interest are just as important as technical skills, which you can and will learn on the way.
I have really enjoyed my time as part of the Population Data Science team and found the research project that I worked on engaging and interesting.
What’s next after your internship?
I am starting the 3rd year of Medicine here at Swansea University, so I have many placements and studying ahead of me. I hope to continue working on Data Science projects throughout the remainder of my course and use my newly acquired skills to engage with medical research and hopefully be part of more research!
Name: Mohammed Shamsudeen
Studying: BSc Epidemiology and Population Health
Line Manager & Mentor: DrHywel Turner Evans & Carys Jones
Project title: Usage of Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (WIMD) in routine data research
What motivated you to apply to the Population Data Science summer internship programme?
I applied for the internship because it aligns with my interest in population health research and my aspiration for a career in population data science.
What have you learned, and what experience have you gained?
I developed my skills in data analysis using R and gained experience working in a multidisciplinary team. I also gained an understanding of SAIL Databank’s information governance policies and procedures, which gave me insights into data protection and confidentiality.
What would you say to someone considering applying next year?
The internship provides an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience and put classroom knowledge into practice while working with collaborative and supportive mentors. It also provides networking opportunities and a sense of the work environment.
What’s next after your internship?
I plan to pursue a career in population data science, building on the skills and experience I gained during the internship.
Name: Deepak Pant
Studying: BSC Data Science
Line Manager & Mentor: Associate Professor Rod Middleton & Elaine Craig
Project title: Interactive Dashboard building for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
What motivated you to apply to the Population Data Science summer internship programme?
I applied for the Population Data Science summer internship programme because of my passion for data science.
What have you learned, and what experience have you gained?
During the internship, I learned to work with large datasets, apply statistical methods, and collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
What would you say to someone considering applying next year?
I’d say, “Absolutely, go for it! It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain real-world data science experience. Be prepared to learn, collaborate, and explore new technologies.”
What’s next after your internship?
After the internship, I plan to pursue a career in data science, applying the skills and knowledge I’ve gained to solve practical problems.