MSc Responsible Data Science Scholar: Shahd Abdelhameed

MSc Responsible Data Science alumni Shahd Abdelhameed tells us how Law, Technology and Windsurfing will help her become a legal professional. Our MSc Law, Regulation and AI Ethics programme was formerly called MSc Responsible Data Science. 

What attracted you to apply to this programme? 

I was attracted to this programme given its interdisciplinary nature and I truly saw its value and need in today’s world. Having won two technology-focused hackathons, I wanted to transition into the tech space and I was unsure about how to do so with a law degree. This programme is the perfect opportunity to try and break into this industry, whilst developing new programming and analytical skills. Essentially, I wanted something new and challenging and I am confident that this programme will be just that and more!

How will the scholarship help you? 

This scholarship will help me financially with my student tuition fees. It will significantly reduce that financial burden and allow me to focus on my studies and university experience. Securing this scholarship is also a testament to my hard work, existing knowledge, and experience in this space already.

How have you found the Maths Bootcamp? Do you feel more confident now about maths than before?

The maths bootcamp was extremely useful and I am now more confident going into this MSc. It clarified a lot of concepts and covered new topics that I have not studied before. Also, several topics covered during the bootcamp have already come up during the first few weeks of the MSc programme. I really enjoyed maths at GCSE and A level and was glad to go back to it after three years of studying law. It is fun and challenging!

Is there a particular module you are looking forward to studying? Do you plan to join in on any employability events and societies?

I look forward to studying Storing and Managing Data as it encompasses very fundamental concepts that are key for data scientists. I also plan on joining the windsurfing society and the meditation society! Career development-wise, I aim at having a mentor this year through the mentoring programme with the careers network and plan to complete the postgraduate professional development award.

As an international student, do you have any exciting plans given Birmingham's great transport links?

Although I am an international student, I have already lived in Birmingham for 3 years whilst completing my undergraduate degree at the University of Birmingham. I hope to visit more cities in the UK this year and potentially visit more countries in Europe.

What do you plan to do in the future once you graduate? Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years thanks to the programme?

I aim to complete my Legal Practice Course after graduating from this MSc. I have a training contract secured with an international law firm in the UK, which I will be commencing in 2023. I aim to qualify as a solicitor, and in the future specialise in commercial law and have a focus on legal-tech or assisting tech start-ups. 

Is there any advice you would give someone considering applying to the MSc Responsible Data Science degree?

Research this course thoroughly, ask questions, and attend events to see if you would enjoy studying these courses. Be curious and try to self-learn by joining online courses for coding/programming to get a feel for what this course would entail. Build your experience and expand your skills beyond those gained in law school. Be up for a challenge and remember why you are doing what you are doing! Essentially, focus on the end goal but enjoy the process!