Massey University’s data analytics programme is the first academic institution in New Zealand to get a 'Big Data' sponsorship from SAS.
The agreement will provide students with SAS certification credentials, research funding and internship opportunities at some of Australasia’s largest firms.
The sponsorship agreement will enhance Massey’s Master of Analytics programme, New Zealand’s most business-focused analytics degree, says programme leader Leo Paas.
Massey joins the ranks of internationally-renowned business schools like the University of Melbourne and Oklahoma State University which are also recipients of the SAS sponsorship.
“Our students will not only get a Master of Analytics but also SAS certification for many of its licensed courses,” says Paas. “These are the most widely-used analytics software packages for big data applications and therefore highly sought after by employers.”
SAS New Zealand general manager Geoff Beynon, says the programme aims to help address the skills shortage, but also provide SAS skilled business graduates “who will hit the ground running”.
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Paas says the’ sponsorship will ensure that Massey’s academic programme continues to be cutting-edge and in line with business practice.
“SAS’ business insights will ensure our lecturers remain up-to-date. It’s important we know what’s happening out on the frontline so we can teach the latest methods and address the challenges companies face through our research.”
Students will also benefit from research grants and access to SAS’ global network of clients, he states.
At the end of our programme, students will complete a real analytics project for their employer or another company, says Paas.
“This sponsorship will allow us to expand those projects by opening up options for travel or to purchase additional data sets,” says Paas.
“The SAS network includes many of the leaders in data analytics, so the opportunity to get our students into those firms to undertake internships and research is really important. That is the sort of experience that makes you really employable.”
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