Maximizing Opportunities: Jullien’s Journey at RWTH Business School
When Jullien Beaufond from Panama enrolled in the M.Sc. Data Analytics & Decision Science (DDS) program at RWTH Business School, he was eager to combine academic learning with real-world experience. Today, he’s a great example of how blending theory with practice can lead to a successful career in data analytics.
First steps as a RWTH Business School Student
Starting a new academic chapter can be both thrilling and overwhelming. For Jullien, choosing the DDS program at RWTH Business School marked an important milestone. The program stood out to him not only for its academic depth but also for its practical focus and the emphasis on collaboration and innovation, offering something beyond traditional options he considered in the US, UK, and Spain.
“The support I received, especially in my first year, was incredible,” Jullien recalls. “From the orientation sessions to the opportunity to engage with professors and peers on campus, I immediately felt part of a community that genuinely cared about my development.”
The DDS program, with its balance of computer science, mathematical optimization and artificial intelligence, business courses, and analytics projects, gave Jullien a well-rounded foundation. He also appreciated the opportunity to participate in a German language course, which allows students to immerse themselves in the local culture while gaining key professional skills.
Building a Network: Connecting with local Companies
Networking is vital for any career, and RWTH Business School ensures students have plenty of opportunities to engage with industry leaders. For Jullien, events and projects organized by the school - such as company presentations, workshops, and collaborative coursework - were instrumental in building his professional network.
One highlight was the Analytics Project course, where Jullien and his classmates worked closely with Deutsche Post. Guided by a PhD professor in Operations Research, the team tackled a real-world case, presenting research progress and solutions to a stakeholder from the company. “It was a great experience to combine classroom learning with practical application while engaging directly with industry professionals,” Jullien shares.
In addition, Jullien participated in a company visit to Geotab, a leader in fleet management technology, during his second semester, which became a turning point in his career. This visit introduced him to the company’s innovative work in fleet management, vehicle big data and analytics, eventually leading to his internship there.
Finding the Right Opportunity: From Career Day to Internship Offers
Jullien’s internship search benefited greatly from RWTH Business School’s career support. The school’s Career Day, held in 2023, brought together students and a range of companies, offering networking opportunities and insights into different industries.
“Career Day wasn’t just about meeting companies - it was about learning what employers really value and building connections,” Jullien explains. While Geotab wasn’t present at the event, Jullien had engaging conversations with other companies, leading to several interviews.
This experience, combined with his earlier connection with Geotab during the company visit, eventually led Jullien to apply for and secure an internship with them.
Gaining Hands-On Experience: Jullien’s Internship at Geotab
Jullien’s internship at Geotab was a transformative experience, where he worked on analytics projects that combined data science with real-world business challenges.
“The internship allowed me to apply the skills from the DDS program to impactful projects,” Jullien shares. He utilized knowledge from technical courses, such as optimization models, machine learning, and algorithms, while honing soft skills like teamwork and communication.
The experience also gave Jullien insight into diverse work environments. “I got to work with teams at different levels - local German teams, European teams, and international groups. It helped me understand the German work culture and the global opportunities available in Aachen thanks to RWTH’s University Hub,” he reflects.
During his second Career Day at RWTH Business School in 2024, Jullien shifted from job seeker to company representative for Geotab, sharing his experiences with students and offering valuable insights. This role gave him a new perspective on what employer's value in candidates.
Building on this experience, Jullien wrote his master’s thesis, "Development of a Context-Based Trip Clustering Methodology for Energy Economy Assessment," for Geotab. This further strengthened his connection with the company and solidified his expertise in data analytics and fleet management.
Key Takeaways: Lessons Learned and Tips for Future Students
Reflecting on his journey, Jullien emphasizes the importance of staying curious and proactive throughout your studies. “Make the most of every opportunity - whether it’s a workshop, a networking event, or a class project,” he advises.
Jullien also highlights the value of learning German or, at least, learning to understand it. “Even if you’re not fluent, being able to understand the language makes a big difference in both social and professional settings. It gives you more networking opportunities and helps you integrate better into the German culture and job market.”
He encourages future students to embrace challenges, build strong connections, and take full advantage of RWTH Business School's resources. “There’s so much to gain from the program, but it’s up to you to seize those opportunities.”
If Jullien’s experience has inspired you, it’s time to start your own journey. The DDS program offers a unique blend of academics, hands-on experience, and networking.
Take the first step - explore the DDS program at RWTH Business School and apply today!
