The Industry-to-MSc-to-PhD Journey in Data Science

Abstract

This talk presents a personal and professional journey from embedded software engineering to postgraduate study in Data Science and ultimately doctoral research. It reflects on the transition from industry practice to academic inquiry, highlighting the skills, challenges, and mindset shifts involved in moving from engineering solutions to research questions.

The session will also discuss the realities of PhD life — from developing resilience in the face of rejection and uncertainty to presenting work at international conferences and engaging with the global research community — offering MSc students a candid perspective on doctoral study and academic development

About the speaker

Daniel Sikar began his career as an embedded software developer before joining the part-time MSc Data Science programme at City St George’s, University of London in 2018. After completing the MSc in 2021, he was awarded an industry-funded PhD studentship focused on Autonomous Systems Safety, supported by Intel.

Having recently submitted his doctoral thesis, he is currently awaiting his viva. His research investigates metrics and operational thresholds for determining when autonomous systems can be safely trusted to operate independently and when control should be returned to human operators.