Joseph Nyajuoga, Örebro University, Sweden
What inspired you to choose an EMOS-labelled master’s programme for your studies?
My decision to pursue an EMOS-labelled master's programme was driven by my interest in statistics and its dissemination. I have always been fascinated by figures that represent economic performance, such as the inflation rates reported by Eurostat. These types of statistics intrigue me in terms of how they are derived and used in the policy-making process, as they are not only theoretical but also socially relevant. With an EMOS degree, I receive the necessary training that I could leverage when working with organizations that produce official statistics.
During your studies, have you participated in any activities dedicated to EMOS students?
Yes, I recently participated in the EMOS Coding Lab 2024, and it was an amazing experience. Collaborating in teams with students from other universities gave me an excellent opportunity to learn and exchange ideas. We were specifically tasked with reproducing the published statistics from Eurostat’s webpage, which gave us hands-on experience interacting with the Eurostat API to extract data from their database. The coding was done in R, which significantly sharpened my programming experience. GitHub was then used to host our final work, which deepened my familiarity with Git operations. I strongly believe that this experience has given me a an edge in my future career prospects.
Have you already completed your EMOS internship?
No, I have not completed my internship yet. I plan to do my internship at Statistics Sweden during the spring semester of 2025, in my final year of study.
Would you recommend a fellow student to choose the EMOS track at your university?
I highly recommend the EMOS track at our university to other students. The program offers a unique combination of rigorous statistical training and practical applications in the field of statistics. It is incredibly valuable for anyone interested in a career in data-driven policymaking or public sector analytics. In addition to the core curriculum, EMOS students can also participate in various activities such as coding labs, webinars, and hackathons, which I believe enhance the overall study experience and help build a network with experts. There is also an opportunity to intern with institutions that produce official statistics, such as Statistics Sweden (SCB) and other organizations across Europe, which is a great way to gain international experience.
Has your EMOS study experience prepared you for your future academic and career pursuits?
I still have a year left in my studies, but my experience in the EMOS program has shown great promise in laying a strong foundation for my future academic and career pursuits. I am confident that this final year will add the finishing touches to an already solid preparation.
September 2024
>> Find out more about Örebro University