Discovering Data science and Marketing with Western Sydney University Professors

On September 14th, 2023, all students from grade 9 and 11 at Olympia met professor Francine Garlin, the Director of the Business Program, and Professor Kenan Matawie, the Director of the Computer Science and Statistics Program, Western Sydney University (Australia). Both of them are actively involved in teaching and research at the university, as well as leading projects for government agencies and companies. Their visit to The Olympia Schools not only provided a glimpse into "what university life looks like" but also offered a realistic view of the fields of Data Science and Marketing.

Under the theme "Innovative Marketing incorporated with social media analytics," Professor Francine Garlin introduced the Grade 11 Olympians to the mechanisms of building marketing strategies, the objectives of messages, and the tips to creating effective content aligned with marketing goals. The professor posed several thought-provoking questions about the necessary skills for the future, leading to the significance of Marketing and creative marketing combined with social media.

"How can companies utilize data and analyze it to better understand customers, develop more effective marketing strategies, and improve their services? How much creativity is needed for innovation in the marketing industry? How can small and medium-sized businesses lead in the competitive innovation landscape?" Asked professor Francine Garlin. Subsequently, the students formed groups to practice and showcase their creativity by coming up with brand names, logos, and slogans for a smart suitcase product that incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Two charming little gifts brought from Australia were presented by the esteemed professor to the two groups with the most voted practical exercises.

"The students were proactive in sharing knowledge and confidently engaging in discussions with the professors, which surprised and impressed the teachers from Western Sydney University with our Olympians' social understanding and knowledge in the field of economics and business," shared Ms. Ngo Minh Trang, the high school economics teacher.

During the session with students from grade 9 and grade 11 on the topic "The Power of Data Science: your journey begins here at high school with a strong interest in Math," professor Kenan Matawie provided a clear and realistic view of the field of Data Science and its applications in everyday life. Tran Phuong Nhi, a grade 11 student, was particularly fascinated to learn that major companies like Amazon and Netflix rely on data science to analyze users' behaviors, improve decision-making processes, and address ongoing challenges while enhancing business performance. "The impacts of data science are significant, affecting diverse industries. In the future, I want to study Finance, and today's discussions with the professor have been very helpful in guiding me on what I need to prepare for to pursue my field of interest", she said.