Daniel Carlier - GA BSc (Hons) Data Science

When Daniel Carlier walks across the stage at P&J Live it marks the completion of his Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) in BSc (Hons) Data Science as well as juggling a busy family life with a full-time job.

The 42-year-old, who lives in Dyce, Aberdeen, works as a Global Pricing Specialist with Oceaneering. This was a position he secured during the completion of the final year of his course, and it also mean he gets to apply the skills he learned directly to his job.

Having secured first class honours, Daniel said the GA was a good chance for him to return to higher education and try and progress his own career. He had already studied in graphic design in the early 2000’s.

Daniel said: “I worked hard and enjoyed every module, nearly all subjects were applicable to my day job. I must thank my wife, Lisa, my work-based mentor, Anders, and my former supervisor, Andy. None of my achievements happened alone, I had a great support network for which I’m very grateful.

“Going back to university was a chance to apply myself having experienced several years in the workplace. I’d worked my way up in the engineering department through several roles and I needed a bigger challenge. My supervisor and I had discussions about progressing my career over several preceding months.”

Daniel said that a “real highlight” during his studies was the opportunity to use data from his employer to solver problems he faced as well as his excitement about learning more on subjects like Artificial Intelligence, machine learning and natural language processing.

He said his main focus is ensuring he applies what he learned at Robert Gordon University (RGU) into his new job. Daniel also praised the support he received from RGU and how it helped shape his learning journey.

Daniel said: “Now that I’ve finished I want to put what I have learnt into practice. I’m not long into my new role as Global Pricing Specialist and I view my workplace landscape through the ecosystem of company software and data and let me tell you it is full of opportunities. I feel incredibly privileged to be in my new role.”

“The support I received from each tutor and wider GA network was exceptional; always on the end of a chat or email and happy to help, and that meant the experience cultivated a safe space for learning, reflection and growth – which renewed my voice.”