Meet EngD alumnus Fernando: “You’re not just working, you’re also learning”

Meet Fernando. Fernando is an alumnus of the EngD program in Data Science at JADS. In this interview, he shares why he chose the EngD program over a PhD or a commercial job, and what made JADS the perfect place for his professional growth. He also talks about the unique learning environment at JADS, the valuable skills he gained, and his experiences as a trainee. Discover what he is doing now and how the EngD program shaped his career. Don’t forget to scroll down to watch the video where Fernando shares more about his journey at JADS!

Why did you chose JADS?

“To me, JADS is really a specialized center for data science. We live and breathe data science in this building, both from an academic setting and through collaborations with different companies.

I was also drawn to the unique atmosphere of the place. JADS is located in a historic building with a deep educational legacy, which I found very inspiring. The fact that the convent that previously owned it wanted to ensure it remained a place of learning made it even more special.”

Why did you chose the EngD program?

“I wanted a program that would allow me to apply my knowledge in real-world scenarios rather than just focus on theory. The EngD was the perfect fit because it balances both academic learning and industry experience.

I was also excited about the opportunity to work on practical applications while still being part of a learning environment. It felt like the best way to develop both my technical and professional skills.”

Why did you chose this EngD program instead of an PhD program?

“I definitely debated between doing a PhD and an EngD. In the end, I chose the EngD because I wanted a more hands-on approach.

A PhD is longer and focuses deeply on answering a specific research question. While that’s great for some, I wanted to build practical applications and develop solutions that could be used in the industry. The EngD still has a research component, but it’s more focused on creating real-world impact.”

Why did you chose the EngD program instead of a full time job?

“At that time, my priority was to develop and grow my skills rather than just earn a higher salary. The EngD program is unique in that sense—you are not just working, you are also learning.

It’s a rare opportunity where you are paid to learn, rather than paying for a course. That made a huge difference to me. It felt like an investment in myself and my future.”

What appealed most to you about JADS?

“The international environment was one of the highlights. The program brings together people from different backgrounds, which means you are constantly exposed to different perspectives. That really helped me grow.

Also, the community at JADS is fantastic. It’s not just about studying and working—we had a great social environment, with Friday drinks, events, and opportunities to connect with different generations of EngD students. It really felt like a close-knit network.”

What is the most valuable thing you learned at JADS?

“The biggest thing I gained was confidence. Before joining the EngD program, my knowledge was mostly theoretical, and I wasn’t sure how well I could apply it in real-world situations.

At JADS, I learned to take on challenges, adapt, and keep learning. One of the most important lessons was that being a data scientist isn’t just about technical skills—you need communication, teamwork, and stakeholder management skills as well. Those soft skills are just as crucial as the technical ones.”

How did you experience the working environment at JADS?

“The working environment was very open and collaborative. There was always room for discussion and learning, and I felt that people were willing to help each other grow.

The international nature of JADS also made it very dynamic. Working with people from different cultures helped me develop a broader perspective and approach challenges in new ways. It was a very supportive and stimulating environment.”

What did you do after your graduation?

“I continued working at the company where I did my final project—NXP. I was really happy with both the company and my team, and I wanted to continue developing the application I had worked on.

Now, I’m working on a data science project within the IT department at NXP, and I’m excited to keep growing in this field.”