From Psychology to Data Analysis: Graduate Maria Ermolaeva on the Master's Program in Data Analytics and Social Statistics (DASS)

Maria Ermolaeva graduated from the Data Analytics and Social Statistics (DASS) Master's program and now works as a behavioral analyst. She shared her impressions of studying in the program at the webinar.

Maria Ermolaeva

Кафедра психоанализа и бизнес-консультирования: Менеджер

Tell us about yourself. What did you do before you entered the program?

I am a psychologist by my first education, I worked as a psychoanalytic and organizational consultant. I was always interested in psychodynamics in teams, but I wanted to strengthen the analytical component in my work. By the time I entered, I already understood a little about data analysis – I knew how to program in R and understood the basics of statistics. This is my third master's degree, but it was here that I found what I was looking for – the opportunity to synthesize psychology and data analysis.

Why did you choose this program, what expectations did you have, and how did they relate to reality?

When I was choosing a master's degree, many programs offered a traditional set of disciplines, but here the interdisciplinary approach immediately caught my eye. I liked that the training was practice-oriented – you study a method and immediately apply it in your field. Another plus is the students' different academic experience. We had doctors, economists, linguists, political scientists – this created a unique environment for exchanging experience.

When I enrolled in the DASS program, I expected it to be challenging and academic. And in this sense, my expectations were fulfilled — the program is really very intense, it requires serious concentration, self-organization and real interest. But many things exceeded expectations.

For me, the program has become a space where you can come with your professional focus, with your idea and not face formal constraints, but, on the contrary, find support, space for development and intellectual partnership. There is no clear "teacher—student" hierarchy here. Everyone is a colleague for each other. It's very inspiring.

What did you work on in your diploma?

My topic sounded unusual for a data analysis program: "Leader's Values and Their Role in Forming Group Dynamics." My friends were even surprised: "You study analytics, but you write like a psychologist!" But this was its own peculiarity – I combined data analysis methods with psychology. In the study, I used real data, applied statistical models and received interesting conclusions about the connection between values and leadership potential.

Was it difficult to combine it with work?

It is possible to combine, but it is not easy. I studied and worked, so I had to set priorities. The most difficult moment is to find time. But the program provides flexibility: lectures are available in recording, and with classmates we organized a common calendar with deadlines to support each other.

What did this program give you?

1. Deep analytical skills – we learned to work with different tools (R, Python).

2. Team experience – although I am more of an individual player, I had to interact with colleagues here, and it was useful.

3. Opportunity to develop your idea – the program gave a methodology to turn a hypothesis into a full-fledged study.

What do you particularly remember from the courses, projects, or interactions with teachers during your studies?

First, of course, the course on network analysis. For me, as a psychologist, studying the connections, interactions, and structures of these interactions is especially exciting.

Secondly, the protection of educational projects. It was amazing for me to realize how truly diverse the audience is. Someone works in medicine, someone is involved in international politics, someone came from linguistics. And everyone has very interesting ideas! This is a unique intellectual environment in which you want to be and develop.

There are a lot of deadlines, and I remember that too. It really needs discipline, endurance, and internal motivation. But this is exactly what creates the feeling that you are not just learning, but going through some exciting path.

I would like to say separately about the interaction with teachers and management. These are some unreal people — incredibly responsive, attentive, always ready to help, prompt, and support. It's a very respectful space.

A set of disciplines. It is truly diverse — everyone can find something for their research task, interest or professional vector. The most useful tools for me were, of course, data analysis tools. Now I have a whole wealth in my arsenal.: statistical methods, visualization, modeling, working with large amounts of data.

And finally, I consider it very valuable that during my studies I managed to cultivate a team player. To cope with volume, deadlines, and complex tasks, you often need to come together, discuss, and find solutions together. And it turned out to be effective and inspiring.

Кому вы бы могли порекомендовать поступить на программу?

I would recommend this program to those who really want to learn how to think differently. Those who have a keen interest and inspiration, some kind of research question, a project, an idea and a desire to realize it all in a real way, with meaningful depth. This is definitely not a program for ordinary students, but it is very suitable for those who want to learn how to work with data systematically, apply models not blindly, but meaningfully and at the same time maintain a human, meaningful view of their topic. If it's important for you to understand why you're doing all this, how it works, and also if you can call yourself a passionate and inspired person, you're definitely here.

Full recording of the DASS webinar "What kind of listeners do we dream of?"