As an international woman about to graduate as a Machine Learning and Data Engineer, I have come to deeply value the journey of persistence and carving out your own path. My experience has shown me that the tech field can be intimidating at first, but with determination and focus, opportunities are limitless!

Moi! My name is Houda Banyny, and I’m Moroccan, born and raised in Casablanca. In 2021, I made a bold decision to trade the vibrant, sunny days of my home city for the snowy landscapes of Rovaniemi, Finland. And let me tell you, it was one of the best choices I’ve ever made. Now that I am about to graduate this week, I wanted to share my honest thoughts and experiences from this journey.

I always had the idea that I wanted to study something related to technology, data engineering, and artificial intelligence in an English taught programme, but the choice of destination was uncertain. While exploring my options, I stumbled upon Finland as a potential study destination. At first, it seemed like a distant, different and far option from anything I knew. But as I came across the Machine Learning and Data Engineering (MLDE) programme offered by Lapland University of Applied Sciences for the first time, I knew I’d found my perfect match. Finland’s reputation for quality education, emphasis on well-being, and unique culture also drew me in.

With my growing interest in how technology is shaping the world, supported by my high school baccalaureate in mathematics, I knew this was the direction I wanted to take. The application process required putting together a few important documents, such as academic transcripts, a letter of motivation, and proof of English proficiency, as well as applying for a residence permit. While there was some paperwork involved, the process was straightforward, and I took it one step at a time.

With everything in order, I packed my belongings, said goodbye to my home, and set my sights on Rovaniemi. The journey was a mix of excitement and curiosity, and arriving here for the first time felt like the start of something truly special (and it absolutely was). While adjusting to the cold winters took some time, Rovaniemi offered so much more than just its icy charm. From the mesmerizing northern lights and snowy adventures to the serene summers with endless daylight and lush forests, every season brought its own kind of magic.

I also found myself resonating with the Finnish way of life, the balance, connection to nature, and quiet simplicity felt grounding and refreshing. The university’s welcoming environment and supportive teachers made the transition smoother, creating a space where I could focus, learn, and grow. Along the way, I formed meaningful friendships and unforgettable memories that will always hold a special place in my heart.

These experiences were enriched by getting involved in Finnish traditions, like the sauna culture and my first attempts at skiing (not very successful!). I also got to taste the unique local food, go berry picking, and join in on midsummer celebrations. Spending time outdoors, whether hiking in the forests or simply enjoying connection to nature, became a memorable part of my journey.

My coursework covered a wide range of areas, providing both technical expertise and practical skills. The degree included courses in specialised areas such as Industrial AI Expertise, IoT and Automation Systems, and Data Management and Programming, which focused on both theory and practical applications. I also completed core courses in mathematical foundations, business skills, and project management. Beyond technical studies, I joined Finnish language classes simply because I enjoyed the challenge, and they became a valuable way to connect with the local people, and better integrate into life in Finland.

The programme was intellectually stimulating, offering the perfect balance of rigor and flexibility, which allowed me to balance coursework, and an internship that began in my second year, providing me with the opportunity to apply classroom concepts to professional situations.

One of the most rewarding moments was completing my thesis, which focused on exploring how Natural Language Processing (NLP) can be applied to Supply Chain Management (SCM). I looked at key techniques like Neural Machine Translation (NMT) and Named Entity Recognition (NER) to better understand their role and potential in improving processes and communication within supply chains.

I chose to complete my degree in 3.5 years instead of the traditional four, a choice that reflects the flexibility and opportunities the university provides. Every student has the freedom to follow their own rhythm, and this path allowed me to stay focused, embrace challenges, and step into the next chapter of my life a bit earlier. While the journey was intense at times, it was incredibly rewarding and taught me valuable lessons about time management, and perseverance. Now, I am excited to step into a full-time position that allows me to apply everything I’ve learned during my studies and continue my journey of personal and professional growth.

As an international woman about to graduate as a Machine Learning and Data Engineer, I have come to deeply value the journey of persistence and carving out your own path. My experience has shown me that the tech field can be intimidating at first, but with determination and focus, opportunities are limitless!

I hope my journey can serve as encouragement for other women to take the leap into the world of technology and engineering. Success belongs to anyone who dares to dream, take risks, and put in the effort to shape their journey. I urge you to follow your dreams. Don’t let stereotypes or societal expectations hold you back. With hard work, dedication, and a bit of courage, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

Looking back on my journey, from researching Finland as a high school student to earning my degree in Machine Learning and Data Engineering, I can truly appreciate how far I’ve come. As I turn 21, embarking on a new decade of life, I reflect on how this path has given me not just technical knowledge but a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me. Finland has shown me that stepping into the unknown can lead to the most rewarding experiences, and I wouldn’t change a thing about the journey I chose.

From my roots in Casablanca to my time in Rovaniemi and now entering an exciting new chapter, I’m forever grateful for the opportunities, challenges and the countless people who have shaped me into the person I am today: my family, friends, teachers, mentors, colleagues, and everyone who has crossed my path.

Houda

MLDE21, Dec 2024