Jessica Arkesden

Jessica Arkesden is a Masters student at the University of Leeds student who studies Urban Data Science & Analytics MSc at the School of Geography.

Having graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in Economics in 2015, Jessica made the decision to come back to Leeds in 2023 for her Masters.

After spending the last few years working in different insight and analytics roles across several sectors and progressing into a leadership position, Jessica decided it was time to develop her knowledge. She explained: “I was conscious that the landscape was changing, and that data science was becoming more important.

“I decided that I needed to formally upskill to stay relevant in this changing market, and wanted to take advantage of the breadth and depth that a Masters degree could offer to explore all my potential future options.”

I decided that I needed to formally upskill to stay relevant in this changing market, and wanted to take advantage of the breadth and depth that a Masters degree could offer to explore all my potential future options.

Choosing a Masters

Having enjoyed working in geospatial insight for a national retailer, with quite a focus on location intelligence, Jessica decided to develop her skills further in this area by taking up further studies in this area.

Reflecting on her career, Jessica explained: “My last role was in geospatial insight for a national retailer, with quite a focus on location intelligence. I really enjoyed this and felt like there are lots of opportunities out there to work more deeply in this area.

Again though, I wanted to be able to have more technical skills to be able to understand and deliver more insight led through data science rather than just analytical insights. The Urban Data Science and Analytics degree seemed to have the perfect blend of technical data science skill development alongside more applied and practical learning focusing on urban challenges.”

Solving real-world problems

The Urban Data Science & Analytics MSc course offers students the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of the methods and approaches of data science and learn how to apply them in understanding cities and setting urban policy. Jessica enjoyed the practical elements of the course that allowed her to see how she could use the theory learned to solve real-world problems.

Reflecting on her experience, she said: “I really like the idea of the teaching and assessment methods being more practical based, having lots of time to hone your coding skills and build up a portfolio of work. The bits I have enjoyed most about this degree are modules that combine that practice of coding with solving real-world problems. It is really easy to see how what we are learning will be relevant in a job outside of academia.”

The bits I have enjoyed most about this degree are modules that combine that practice of coding with solving real-world problems. It is really easy to see how what we are learning will be relevant in a job outside of academia.

Inspiring teaching

Jessica said the quality of the facilities and the level of teaching were among the reasons she has enjoyed studying Urban Data Science and Analytics at Leeds so much.

Having studied as an undergraduate student here at the University of Leeds from 2011 to 2015 Jessica has been able to see just how much the University has changed: “In just a few years, it is pretty impressive how much has changed in terms of facilities whilst still feeling like the same campus.

The modernisation of the Edward Boyle library makes it a really good space to study, and the Postgraduate-only area is brilliant for finding a quiet space or for completing group work. The computer labs at the School of Geography are really well-equipped too with computers capable of handling data science tasks if you do not have a laptop of your own to do this on.

In terms of teaching, it's really interesting to see the breadth of research areas within the School of Geography, as well as the collaboration with other schools. There is a lot of cross-over between this degree and other specialisms, and it is good that is recognised in some of the modules with guest lectures from other academics.”

Support for your future

Following her graduation Jessica wants to pursue her ambition of taking on a leadership role within the geospatial industry, having acquired the skills necessary to develop her career through her Masters at Leeds.

Looking to the future, Jessica said: “I have never been and will never be much of a planner! I tend to take opportunities when they arise that offer a challenge based on my interests at that time. Right now, I'd say I hope to move into a geospatial-focused role, ideally leading a team again as this is one of my strengths and something I really enjoy.

I'd like to be able to apply my new skills, especially if this helps drive change in a business and supports them to make more informed, data-led decisions. Building on all my career experience so far, I am excited to see what comes next!”

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