Tatsushi Hayaki

MSc Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Econometrics (MORSE), 2022
Senior Statistician, J.D. Power

Tell us about your current job. Describe what you do on a typical day.

I am currently working as Senior Statistician at J.D. Power’s Tokyo office. J.D. Power is a research and analytics company headquartered in the US, providing independent benchmarking of consumer satisfaction across various industries. Our benchmark studies provide clients with insights to identify their strengths and areas for improvement. We also offer consulting services to help our clients enhance their customer experience.

In my role, I am responsible for overseeing and validating research designs and methodologies to ensure our data-driven insights are unbiased and accurately reflect the reality. My daily tasks typically include data processing, quality checks, statistical modeling, implementation and development of internal automation tools, etc. Oftentimes, my role also involves providing statistical consultation to internal teams as well as external clients.

I particularly enjoy my daily exposure to learning opportunities from the team of data scientists in a global working environment. Recently, I also have had opportunities to oversee the research implementation of our studies for the ASEAN market.

 Tatsushi_Hayaki

 

 

Why did you originally apply to Birmingham?

Prior to enrollment at UoB, I worked in the public sector at an antitrust agency before transitioning to a consulting job at Deloitte. My primary focus at the time was quantifying various economic issues using econometric techniques. This included assessing damages caused by cartel cases, measuring economic ripple effects of infrastructure developments, estimating traffic volumes, etc. Over time, I became more eager to expand my expertise beyond economics and build a broader skillset in data analytics—particularly in mathematical optimization, machine learning, and other modern statistical approaches. My goal was to leverage these methodologies to solve real-world problems and support business decision-making.

For this aspiration, the MSc degree program in Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Econometrics (MSc MORSE) stood out as an ideal fit. It offered a comprehensive exploration of data utilization, balancing rigorous mathematical theory with practical applications. I saw this program as an ideal bridge between my economics background and the new analytical fields I was eager to explore. I found it unique, with no other similar alternatives. Its one-year, intense course structure also appealed to me, as did the opportunity to study in English-speaking environments in the UK’s second largest city, where the cost of living was reasonable compared to other major cities as well.

What skills from your degree do you think you use most in your current job?

While specific module contents may not necessarily have direct links, the skills I gained from my degree program have been invaluable until now. First and foremost, the ability to communicate complex concepts in English definitely constitutes a great asset of mine. That has allowed me to engage in technical discussions with my senior colleagues and explain those concepts to non-expert counterparts concisely in a professional setting. The second is the mathematical literacy in statistics and other relevant fields. In any jobs where you use statistical software, it is easy to fall into the trap of simply running pre-defined commands without fully understanding the mechanisms behind the scenes. I think my degree program has helped save me from this pitfall. The third is the programming skill. Regardless of the language, being able to read, build and implement algorithms effectively is advantageous in any statistical settings.

We Are Birmingham Alumni

How has your career developed since graduating from the University of Birmingham? Did you need to take additional training on top of your degree?

It has been around three years since I graduated from UoB. In terms of areas outside the scope of my degree program, I initially felt the need to familiarize myself with knowledge in quantitative psychology, especially areas such as factor analysis, structural equation modeling, and other related concepts in my current job. Adaptation to different statistical languages was also an imminent issue. That said, I was fortunate to have had opportunies to work closely with my managers and senior colleagues, who are full-fledged experts in the field with decades of experience and relevant higher academic degrees. Their supports have been valuable for me to acquire the necessary expertise in my current role.

What were your favourite things about Birmingham the city? How did it compare to your expectations?

I appreciated the unique charm of Birmingham the city, especially with its beautiful red-brick buildings and stunning scenery around the campus, which felt quite different from my home country. When I felt tired or stressed, I would go jogging along the river or take a walk through the pleasant park near the campus. I also enjoyed spending time at the City Library and the University Museum. Cycling around the city was my favorite leisure activity of my time there. I even air-shipped my own bike from my home country! It was a fun and convenient way to refresh and explore the city, which provided a refreshing escape from academic pressures. I did have the opportunity to join the cycling club, though I wish I had had more time to get more involved in extracurricular activities.

What are your fondest memories of the University and what would you say to anyone currently considering studying at Birmingham?

The dissertation project was the highlight in my student life. I enjoyed discussing the topic with my supervisor, who was supportive throughout the project. His enthusiasm surely resonated with my curiousity in the topic, which made this experience even more rewarding. Attending the Math Seminars where PhD students presented their work was also a great opportunity to learn and engage in the field. On a lighter level, working on assignments for the common modules with my classmates/flatmates is also one of my good old memories. It was simply fun to team up and tackle difficult problems.

What would you recommend students should do at university, over and above their academic study, to make them more employable in the graduate market?

This may sound conceptual, but I would recommend students make the most of their university experience—academically, socially, and professionally. Regardless of whether they pursue an internship, every experience they engage in during university contributes to their personal and career growth, just as much as their academic efforts. I would also encourage students to stay appreciative of all the support from mentors, friends, and family, as well as to recognize the invaluable opportunities to learn and grow.

 

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