Angela Lum-Neh

Angela has a background in the area of data science and by receiving a Commonwealth Shared Scholarship she able to come and study for the MSc Financial Technology (FinTech) at the University of Stirling.

What first attracted you to choose the University of Stirling to study your course?

With my background in data science, I was in search of a FinTech course with an integration of data science. The University of Stirling stood out as one of the very few universities in the UK with this combination. The innovative and practical nature of the course coupled with the fact that the different modules aligned perfectly with the skillset I wanted to develop sparked my interest in the course.

What are the benefits you found as a result of studying at Stirling?

Studying at Stirling has helped me to develop specific skills and knowledge in areas such as open banking and machine learning, which are highly demanded skills in today's FinTech industry.

My studies at Stirling have also opened up several other opportunities for me. Being someone who is passionate about entrepreneurship, I got the chance to participate in Stirling's Student Enterprise Enhanced Development (SEED) programme, which has helped me further develop my skills in building a start-up and also to engage with other aspiring entrepreneurs. I also joined the DataLab community in Scotland and participated in some of their events which have helped me build a network with other data professionals across Scotland.

What specific feature(s) did you like most about the course?

I really like the fact that most of the modules are hands-on involving projects hence, I was able to gain practical skills. Additionally, the small class size of the course makes it easier to have one-on-one support from the tutors. Another feature which I enjoyed was the presentations which made the course interactive and engaging.

What advice would you give to prospective students considering coming to Stirling?

If you're considering studying here, go through the course content online to ensure that the modules offered match your interest. There is a lot of support from the staff and opportunities for you to develop your skills while you are here. Grab these opportunities, and you'll have a great experience while studying here.

If you enjoy studying on a calm and beautiful campus, you'll definitely enjoy the serenity of Stirling. You can also quickly head to Edinburgh or Glasgow for more adventures.

What impact do you think your studies will have on your future career?

I am considering setting up a FinTech start-up. The skills acquired from my studies will position me to help businesses, especially FinTech start-ups, and leverage data to build innovative solutions. In the long run, I hope to set up a FinTech company that will help drive access to credit in Africa through the use of data.

Final thoughts?

Studying at Stirling has given me the opportunity to explore the UK, build a professional network and build friendships with other scholars. It has been an exciting and fulfilling journey.