18/09/2024
At IE University, we're relentless about keeping our programs on the cutting edge. In response to today’s fast-paced market, we recently introduced three new computer science specializations: Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Solutions Management, and Tech Sales and Consulting.
The Master in Computer Science & Business Technology prepares participants for lasting success in a competitive landscape. It accommodates both students who want to enhance their technical expertise and business acumen, as well as those who have a business background and are keen to develop their tech skills.
We recently spoke with Sebastian Veldman, Academic Director of the Master in Computer Science & Business Technology. He shared his insights into the program and described how three new specializations further set it apart in the market.
A program that stands out
“Bringing business and technology profiles together creates a unique dynamic in the classroom,” Sebastian explains.
At its core, the Master in Computer Science & Business Technology is a careful balance between developing technologies and managing them.
For most current alumni, the biggest question was whether programming experience is necessary to excel in the program. But as Sebastian emphasizes, that is not the case: “You don’t need to be an experienced coder. If you already have the skills, we’ll help you sharpen them, and if you don’t, we will ensure that before graduation, you’re fully capable of building and designing using today’s top tools.”
The wide range of perspectives from diverse backgrounds is an additional perk of this skill-building program. Students have the chance to work with like-minded go-getters, learning from one another in hands-on experiences like datathons, the capstone project, internships, the Tech Venture Bootcamp and a Global Immersion Week visiting top technology companies like Tesla, Amazon, Microsoft and Google.
Students also enrich their learning with tech certifications from industry leaders such as Microsoft, AWS, Oracle and Google Cloud.
Introducing three new specializations
A specialization allows students to both personalize their academic journey and further explore their areas of interest. In the Master in Computer Science & Business Technology, learners establish foundational knowledge first before selecting their specialization.
The program now offers three unique specializations designed for modern needs.
Students can choose to specialize in Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Solutions Management or Tech Sales and Consulting. This move ensures they keep growing in the direction best suited for their goals.
Artificial Intelligence
The Artificial Intelligence specialization is designed for professionals ready to dive into advanced AI in various sectors. Students will gain hands-on experience in machine learning, data engineering, AI ethics and large-scale data solutions as they work to develop and implement AI-driven innovations.
“In this specialization, we take it beyond the foundational knowledge and show students how to design data-intensive applications, distributed systems and advanced architecture, all while learning to navigate neural networks, generative AI and AI governance,” says Sebastian. Students will be equipped to design and deploy cutting-edge technologies in an ever-changing world.
Cloud Solutions Management
Meanwhile, the Cloud Solutions Management specialization takes students on a deep dive into cloud-based systems and applications, from design and development to deployment and beyond. Pursuing this specialization imparts a deeper understanding of cloud infrastructures, including AWS, Azure and Google Cloud, alongside practical expertise in cloud architectures, microservices and Kubernetes orchestration.
Throughout this hands-on specialization, students work with scalable, secure and cost-efficient cloud solutions, acquiring the skills to tackle common digital transformation and operational efficiency challenges. By graduation, they’ll be equipped to oversee cloud migration strategies and optimize resource management in dynamic cloud environments.
Tech Sales and Consulting
Finally, the Tech Sales and Consulting specialization equips students to help companies solve various business challenges using tech. “As a consulting professional at Accenture,” says Sebastian, “I can speak to the demand of working at a global company and constantly being challenged with technological developments. That’s why we focus on building students’ business acumen.”
Students who pursue this specialization position themselves as experts in a lucrative niche. With a strong understanding of both business and technology, they’ll skillfully guide designers and development teams to meet—and exceed—client expectations.
Becoming market-ready
The Master in Computer Science & Business Technology prepares learners to understand the issues modern organizations face and find the best possible solutions.
As Sebastian points out, “Our aim is for students to confidently steer companies in a new direction with the technological knowledge they’ve gained throughout the program.”
The program isn’t just based on tech activities, however. It also covers practical projects, real business cases, up-to-date insights and expert-led exposure to today’s top tech. Students can also participate in Berkeley Immersion Week, a week-long, hands-on experience in Silicon Valley. Thanks to opportunities like these—plus the connections that IE University cultivates with the professional world—students will network with leaders in top-name companies and consulting firms and collaborate with them on real-world projects.
Sebastian encourages candidates to “roll up their sleeves and dive in” to develop a well-rounded profile. “Future leaders must be capable of moving between the technology and business domain. They should know how to position themselves in the middle of the two worlds.”
The future of biztech
After years in the industry, Sebastian knows that it’s constantly evolving in light of shifting market demands. “We will keep an eye on the skills employers are asking for and find new ways to provide the insights and knowledge necessary to meet those demands.” He adds, “We’ve seen tremendous growth in AI-enabled services, for example, and we’ve stayed on top of those trends. We’re ready to shift with the industry.”
The Master in Computer Science & Business Technology opens the door for students to build successful careers at the intersection of business, technology and design. “You need to understand how things are developed to stay ahead of the curve, and this program accommodates both the beginner as well as the highly experienced experts in tech.”
