Ukrainian postgrad student Valeriia Melnyk recently completed her Master’s in Finance & Business Analytics at SETU. She talks about the programme’s flexibility and the support she received from staff and students across campus.
"I was faced with frustration and uncertainty when I moved to Waterford due to the war in my home country. In this challenging time, I am deeply grateful to the Irish people for their support of Ukrainian students, who can continue their education in a safe environment."
SETU Student, Valeriia Melnyk
Academic life before SETU
During my high school years, I knew I had to act on my desire to positively impact the world. This determination, combined with my love for mathematics, led me to study computer science. I completed my bachelor's degree in Kyiv, Ukraine where I graduated with first-class honours. Outside of college, I worked as a web programming teacher and gained valuable experience working as a PHP developer.
Motivations for applying for the programme
My desire was to have a positive impact on the world of computer science. I was looking for a master's degree programme that could provide the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in data science.
Modules that will benefit Valeriia most
Modules such as Business Intelligence, Programming for Data Science, and Statistics have equipped me with the skills to explore the realms of data analysis and interpretation, while Corporate Financial Analysis and Trading the Financial Markets have provided me with a solid foundation in finance – further enhancing my understanding of this field.
Advice for adult learners considering the programme
The advantage of this master's degree is that it combines the financial sector and IT technologies, but it also presents a challenge as it may not allow for an in-depth exploration of each sector – unlike a dedicated master's degree in either finance or data analytics. My advice is to be confident that you want to research not one but both of these fields. It is also worth noting that the lecturers at the university are very competent and are always ready to help you with studying additional material if you wish.
A safe learning environment
I was faced with frustration and uncertainty when I moved to Waterford due to the war in my home country. In this challenging time, I am deeply grateful to the Irish people for their support of Ukrainian students, who can continue their education in a safe environment. I would also like to express my gratitude to SETU, particularly the course leader Katie Scallan and Ukrainian officer Illia Ilin, who provided invaluable assistance and guidance throughout my academic year. Additionally, I extend my appreciation to both my lecturers and the Counselling Service for their endless support.
