Ricardo Carvalho, University of Porto, Portugal
What inspired you to choose an EMOS-labelled master’s programme for your studies?
I decided to pursue the EMOS-labelled track in my master’s on the one hand because of my personal interest in social, political and economic issues, and on the other hand because I believe official statistics are more important than ever in today’s world. With the exponential rise of fake news, people increasingly distrust everything they see, and reliable data from official sources has become a cornerstone for rebuilding that trust. I see official statistics as a way to cut through the noise, providing clear, reliable insights that help people and institutions make better decisions-making and therefore I wanted to deepen my understanding of key indicators and learn how to work with trustworthy data sources within this framework.
During your studies, have you participated in any activities dedicated to EMOS students?
During my first year, I participated in the CodLab 2024 program. This experience was a fantastic opportunity to connect with colleagues from different countries and put into practice some of the concepts I had been learning in my master’s program.
In my second year, I took part in the 10th EMOS Workshop in Wiesbaden, 2024. This was an incredibly enriching experience, as it not only allowed me to once again connect with peers from universities across Europe but also provided the chance to engage with representatives from other EMOS master’s programs,
the EMOS board, and professionals from official statistics institutes.
Would you recommend a fellow student to choose the EMOS track at your university?
I would definitely recommend the EMOS track to my colleagues. It broadens the scope of our master’s by introducing different fields where data analysis can be applied, enriching our learning experience. Additionally, it provides a unique opportunity to connect with a network of peers and professionals passionate about data science and official statistics, fostering collaboration and career opportunities in this important field.
Has your EMOS study experience prepared you for your future academic and career pursuits?
Yes, I believe my EMOS study experience has been preparing me for my future academic or career pursuits. It has deepened my understanding of key indicators and taught me how to work effectively with trustworthy data sources, ensuring that my analyses are both accurate and reliable. Additionally, it has helped me
identify where and how the latest data science technologies can be applied in real-world scenarios, connecting the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications we usually face while studying. This experience has been equipping me with the tools and confidence to tackle complex data challenges
and make meaningful contributions in my future projects.
November 2024
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