Jan Maciejowski
What I like most about IE University is how practical it is. In many other settings, it’s all theory, and the workplace is the first time you encounter practical tasks. Here, that’s not the case—and it’s a huge plus. If you’re curious about learning, IE University is designed to help you dive deeper. If you get hooked on a topic, you can always ask classmates or professors and they’ll happily assist you. There are also many opportunities to join projects, clubs and extracurricular activities that interest you. It’s cool that you can try new things and work with some of the biggest companies in the business, especially when you’re still shaping your interests and career path.
"The Bachelor in Data & Business Analytics meets all my needs for a data analytics program. I like that it offers a wide range of career paths after graduation, which is valuable in today’s job market."
Harnessing the full potential of data
Like many people, Jan Maciejowski had only a basic understanding of math before joining the Bachelor in Data & Business Analytics. However, he knew he wanted to pursue his interest in data, and studying at a respected university outside of his native Poland was always his long-term plan.
Joining IE University wasn’t Jan’s first experience of Spain: he had already spent summers vacationing here during his childhood and knew that pursuing his studies here would benefit more than just his data skills. “I wanted to learn the language to a fairly communicative level, so it only made sense to study here,” Jan explains. But what truly sealed the deal was the variety of quality programs available here. He immediately zeroed in on the Bachelor in Data & Business Analytics, excited to explore the “incredible, sometimes almost magical” uses of data he’d heard about.
“The Bachelor in Data & Business Analytics seemed to meet all my needs for a data analytics program.” He liked that it not only provided a defined route to pursuing his interest, but also unlocked multiple career paths after graduation. What’s more, it didn’t require a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics or programming—the program would help students build it instead.
According to Jan, “What’s nice about the Bachelor in Data & Business Analytics is that you can come in with basic knowledge and be equipped with the necessary skills to be fully prepared for a future job as a data analyst or data engineer.” The program achieves this through an approach that combines in-class learning with practical immersion, as well as an excellent faculty that represents years of expertise and industry insight. Additionally, innovative courses cover a spectrum of relevant topics, “so there’s something for everyone.”
Jan’s favorite courses turned out to be those related to statistics and machine learning. He’s enjoyed getting the chance to deepen his understanding of algorithms and how they work while also seeing just how much they influence everyday life today. What’s more, he’s confident he can now develop innovative AI- and machine learning-based solutions to predict certain outcomes—a valuable skill set in today’s increasingly digital world.
However, what’s most impressed Jan is the teamwork element of the program, which he says is a common thread in every class. “Group work provides hands-on experience, something many universities lack.” He credits it with also enriching his learning journey by providing opportunities to dive deeper into course content and connect with his peers. “I’ve gained valuable experience in working with others, which is crucial for my professional career.”
Most importantly, Jan’s learned how to develop and implement creative solutions on the go through group projects. As a result, he has become a more agile and adaptable leader, armed with creative-thinking and problem-solving skills that are highly in demand today. “These courses and projects equip you with many tools that help you fully leverage data to extract the most valuable insights,” he says.
That said, Jan’s IE Experience has involved more than just academic and professional growth. Many of his fondest memories are of spending time and having fun with friends he’s made at IE University. He expanded his circle through extracurriculars like the Finance Lab, which provided an interesting glimpse into a possible career path. Now in his fourth year, Jan’s mind is understandably focused on the future; he hopes to pursue a master’s degree in finance or economics, fields where data analysis is a natural fit.
“The adventures we create here—the time spent together in classes and group work— might seem like just work, nothing fancy, but that’s truly when you get close to your friends.” This collaborative growth is Jan’s biggest takeaway from his journey at IE University. He advises future students to embrace the opportunity to meet new people and grow together, and believes the best way to succeed in this is by just being yourself. “Don’t be shy—just be your true self and you’ll quickly feel at home in the IE Community.”