I am a currently a student in the master’s degree program in data science.

Six years ago, after I decided to study industrial engineering and management, I had to choose where to study. After trawling internet forums and consulting with friends who were already at various Israeli universities, I decided that the Technion was the place for me. The fact that it offered high-quality studies together with close care and attention to students, a strong student union, and a good social life formed a winning combination, which has proved itself over the last six years I have spent at the Technion.

The data science and engineering program began as a program for outstanding students at the end of my second year at the faculty, and having gained familiarity with this field at my new place of work, I decided that transferring to the new program was the right choice for me.

My studies introduced me to a range of subjects and to cutting-edge research, and gave me tools for thinking out of the box, approaching problems from different angles, and finding solutions even it the problems seem intractable. I acquired various practical and theoretical tools for solving different kinds of problems, and I worked on many projects, some of them theoretical and some in industrial settings, which gave me the opportunity to implement the knowledge and tools I gained during my studies.

During the last year of my undergraduate studies and during my master’s degree, I worked on several projects of differing sizes under the supervision of faculty members specializing in different areas of research. Their supervision contributed greatly to my professional development; I had the benefit of experiencing multiple perspectives on problem solving, and gained practical experience in diverse research methods, including different tools for collecting, analyzing, and processing information.

I have no doubt that the individual attention I received from faculty members who supervised me and taught me over the years, alongside the high standard of teaching and supervision, greatly contributed to my ability to apply and utilize the knowledge I gained during my years of study.

Alongside my challenging studies, and perhaps also thanks to them, I made friendships that will stay with me for life. The events organized by the student union, with the support of the faculty and the Technion, created an excellent atmosphere and helped break up the routine of intensive study. These included parties, events spotlighting new research, events presenting job opportunities for students, and meetings with graduates who spoke about the careers they pursued after their studies, all of which made my years at the Technion richer and more enjoyable.

The decision I took six years ago was one of the best I have ever made, and I have no doubt that it will have a huge impact on the rest of my professional and personal life.