Why Foluke chose a Master of Data Science at Federation University Australia

Foluke’s journey as a mature-age student started in South Africa — balancing studies, work and family responsibilities — all while studying a bachelor’s degree in information technology, followed by one in commerce. 

“I’ve always been self-motivated about developing my skills. I explored different areas of IT and completed various online courses and professional training to gain practical skills and better understand where my strengths and interests were. Over time, my previous studies, practical learning and interest in problem-solving naturally led me towards Data Science. I saw it as an area where I could combine technology, analytical thinking and data to solve real-world problems”, said Foluke. 

Data can reveal patterns, predict trends and solve complex problems. But for Foluke Brown, its greatest value has always been much simpler than that. 

Behind every dataset is a person. 

Behind every statistic is a story. 

And with the right insights, data has the power to improve lives. 

That's what inspired her to pursue a career in data science. Rather than using data purely to drive business decisions, she hopes to use it to make a meaningful difference, particularly for women and children. 

“Data Science is not only about working with numbers or technology; it provides an opportunity to use evidence and insights to understand problems and contribute to solutions that can positively impact people's lives”, said Foluke. 

Finding the right university to help her achieve that goal became one of the most important decisions she would make. 

Like many international students, Foluke spent months comparing countries before deciding where to study. Australia quickly stood out, not only because of its internationally recognised universities, but also because it felt like somewhere she could see herself building a future. 

"I considered all the countries before choosing Australia," she says. 

"Australia has some of the finest universities in the world... I love the culture, the diversity of meeting different people." 

Once she had chosen Australia, the next question was where she could gain more than a qualification. 

She wanted practical experience. 

She wanted industry connections. 

Most importantly, she wanted to graduate with the confidence to step into the workforce knowing she could contribute from day one. 

As she researched universities, Federation University Australia stood out for a different reason. 

Rather than focusing solely on classroom learning, the Master of Data Science offered opportunities to develop practical skills through industry learning and the University's Co-operative education (Co-op) program. 

"One thing that attracted me to Federation University is the fact that Federation University focuses on industry learning through the technology pack and the Co-op placement for students," she says. 

She was equally encouraged by something less tangible but just as important. 

"I also saw that Federation University prioritise students... they allow students to be heard." 

For Foluke, choosing where to study wasn't about finding the biggest university or the busiest city. 

It was about finding a place where she could build the technical expertise, practical experience and confidence to become the kind of data scientist she wanted to be. 

Looking back, she believes she found exactly that. 

Where learning becomes experience

Choosing a master's degree was never just about gaining advanced technical knowledge. 

Foluke wanted to graduate knowing she could apply what she'd learned in a professional setting, solve real problems and confidently step into the workforce. 

That made practical learning one of the biggest factors in her decision. 

For many students considering a Master of Data Science, one of the biggest questions is whether the course will lead to meaningful employment after graduation. Employers increasingly look for graduates who can demonstrate practical experience alongside technical capability, making opportunities to work on real industry projects an important part of postgraduate study. 

That's where Federation University's Co-operative Education (Co-op) program stood out to Foluke. 

Designed to connect eligible students with industry, the program gives students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in professional workplaces while they study, helping them develop practical skills, build professional networks and graduate with valuable industry experience. 

For Foluke, the benefits extend beyond strengthening her résumé. 

"Why the Master of Data Science is worth the investment is because I have the opportunity to learn, to practice what I'm learning," she says. 

Rather than spending years learning theory before entering the workforce, she's developing the confidence to solve authentic problems throughout her degree. 

"My course, Master of Data Science, is absolutely moving me to that goal of me becoming a data scientist." 

As an international student, another aspect of the Co-op program also appealed to her. 

Studying overseas is a significant financial commitment, and balancing living costs with university study is something many students carefully consider before moving to Australia. 

Federation University's paid Co-op placements offered reassurance that students could gain valuable Australian industry experience while also receiving financial support. 

"Financially... it's very, very valuable for an international student because you're studying abroad," she says. 

"Apart from students gaining real-world experiences, we also get paid. So these funds also do assist in a way to fund studies." 

For Foluke, those opportunities reinforce why she believes practical learning is one of the most valuable parts of studying data science. 

Every project, every industry experience and every new challenge brings her closer to the career she imagined before she ever left home. 

Growing into a confident leader

While the technical skills she's developing will shape her career, some of Foluke's biggest growth has happened outside the classroom. 

Since arriving at Federation University, she has taken on leadership roles as an Equity, Diversity and Social Inclusion Advocate and as a member of the Student Senate, experiences that have introduced her to people from different cultures and encouraged her to speak up with confidence. 

"Federation University has not only helped me academically, I have grown physically and mentally," she says. 

"This opened me to connect with people... which has made me gain more exposure, more confidence in myself." 

Those experiences have broadened her perspective in ways she hadn't anticipated. 

Working alongside students from diverse backgrounds has helped her develop communication and leadership skills that will be just as valuable in her future career as the technical knowledge she's gaining through her degree. 

She's also built friendships and connections that have made Australia feel like home. 

"I have connected, gained friends from different cultures and diversity," she says. 

Looking back, Foluke believes those opportunities have shaped the kind of professional she is becoming. 

She's still building the technical expertise needed to work in data analytics. 

But she's also developing the confidence, leadership and cultural awareness that will help her work with people, communicate complex ideas and use data to create positive change for the communities she hopes to serve. 

Finding a place to belong

Moving overseas to study means adapting to far more than a new course. 

There's a different culture to understand, new friendships to build and the challenge of creating a sense of home in an unfamiliar country. 

For many international students, those first few months are about finding somewhere they feel comfortable, both inside and outside the classroom. 

For Foluke, that happened when she arrived at Federation University's Mount Helen Campus. 

"I just love the scenery," she says. 

"I love the calmness around the Mount Helen campus." 

After spending time in busier environments, the regional campus offered something she hadn't expected: space to slow down. 

Surrounded by native bushland and open green spaces, Mount Helen provided a peaceful environment where she could focus on her studies while enjoying a slower pace of life. Walking between classes became a chance to recharge, while the welcoming campus community made it easier to settle into life in Australia. 

Another unexpected benefit was the flexibility the University offered. 

After beginning her studies at another Federation University location, Foluke appreciated being able to transfer to Mount Helen and continue her degree without disrupting her studies. 

"I love the flexibility that Federation University offers," she says. 

"I was able to transition to another Federation University... because I just love the scenery. I love the calmness around the Mount Helen campus." 

That flexibility allowed her to choose the study environment that suited her best, reinforcing that there is no single university experience. Every student can shape their own path. 

Looking back, Foluke believes those experiences outside the classroom have been just as valuable as what she's learned within it. 

A future built on purpose

When Foluke first started researching universities, she wasn't looking for the biggest campus or the highest rankings. 

She was looking for somewhere that would help her build a meaningful career. 

Today, she's well on her way. 

Her Master of Data Science has given her opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations, prepare for industry through the Co-operative Education (Co-op) program and develop the practical skills employers value. 

Outside the classroom, leadership opportunities through the Student Senate and Equity, Diversity and Social Inclusion Advocate program have helped her grow in confidence, broaden her perspective and build lasting friendships with students from around the world. 

Together, those experiences have reinforced that studying overseas is about much more than earning a qualification. 

It's about becoming the person you want to be. 

Her advice to future students reflects everything she's learned since arriving in Australia. 

"If you want to get more practical exposure; you just don't just learn by the books. You want to do what you learn." 

She also encourages future students to trust their own path. 

"Take it one step at a time. Not everyone's journey is going to be the same." 

For Foluke, that mindset continues to guide everything she does. 

The student who arrived in Australia hoping to build a career in data science is leaving with far more than advanced technical knowledge. 

She has developed leadership skills, built a global network of friends, gained valuable industry experience and discovered the confidence to apply her knowledge in meaningful ways. 

Most importantly, she's moving closer to the goal that inspired her to study data science in the first place: using data to improve people's lives. 

Every dataset she analyses in the future will represent more than numbers. 

It will represent people. 

And that's exactly why she chose this path.