Driving success in AI: Trang Quynh Phan’s story

Trang graduated in 2022. When asked why she decided to study a Master of Artificial Intelligence at La Trobe, Trang said it was the subjects that were the biggest deciding factor. During her time in the degree, Trang gained the knowledge and skills to thrive in the evolving data science field.

‘I had been looking at a few curriculums in a few universities and the curriculum at La Trobe is different because it offers deep learning, natural language processing and computer vision subjects, which do not appear in many other curriculums.

‘Additionally, the program is focused on the labs, and I hoped to get a lot of hands-on experience in both the programming and the technology,’ Trang said.

Trang found the program’s emphasis on labs to be particularly rigorous and valuable, investing more time in the practical aspects of the coursework than the traditional lecture-based sessions.

Trang said the program equipped her with a strong foundation in natural language processing (NLP), deep learning and computer vision, along with essential programming skills. These skills not only played a significant role in her job interviews but also seamlessly translated into her current role as a senior data analyst.

‘Because I just graduated last year, I was taught the latest technology at the time, so it gave me the foundation to pick up and to understand new technologies later,’ Trang said.

She highlighted machine learning, deep learning and natural language processing as the key areas that she found most applicable to her career. Moreover, the program instilled in Trang a broader perspective on the ethical and societal implications of AI in the context of data science and business analysis.

Through a dedicated subject on the topic, she gained a better understanding of the need to exercise caution when implementing AI solutions. While acknowledging the value of learning from lectures, she expressed the importance of real-life examples and experiences to fully comprehend the ethical and social aspects that arise in a person’s professional journey, particularly when working with emerging technology like AI.

For those considering enrolling in the Master of Artificial Intelligence program, Trang had some valuable advice. She emphasised the importance of having a genuine passion for AI and the willingness to invest considerable time and effort into understanding its concepts and honing programming skills. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest advancements are paramount in the rapidly evolving field of AI, and Trang encouraged prospective students to embrace a mindset of lifelong learning.

‘But it is not for everyone – it requires a lot of effort to understand the concepts and a lot of time to practise,’ Trang said. ‘You [have to be] willing to spend a lot of time to prepare – not only at uni, but also in the future because you have to learn continuously throughout your life.’

Trang said that above and beyond technical skills, La Trobe’s Master of Artificial Intelligence also fosters a culture of continuous learning, giving students the foundational knowledge and inspiring students them to learn more about the world of AI as it evolves, enabling them to stay abreast of the latest developments.

Trang’s career and education progression into her role as a senior data analyst at an Australian telco leader exemplifies the value and impact of the program on her career. The program’s comprehensive curriculum, particularly its focus on rigorous labs, equipped her with the necessary skills to thrive in the workplace.