In this GCI Alumni Interview Series, we feature past participants of the Global Consumer Intelligence program and share their experiences, learning journeys, and career growth after joining GCI.
This article features Obine Tobi Ludget Rodérick, a first-year Digitalization and Data Science student at Sèmè City Institute of Technology and Innovation from Benin. Through this interview, Obine shares what motivated them to join GCI, the skills and knowledge gained through the program, and how the experience has contributed to Obine’s academic and professional journey.
Q1: Please introduce yourself
(In English)
I am from Benin. After finishing secondary school, I wanted to pursue training in data science because my goal is to become a data scientist. During that school year, our academic advisor told us about the GCI program, and I decided to apply.
(In French)
Je suis béninois. Après la fin du collège, j’ai voulu me former en data science parce que mon objectif est de devenir data scientiste. Au cours de cette année scolaire, notre responsable pédagogique nous a parlé du programme GCI, et j’ai décidé de postuler.
Q2: What motivated you to join GCI?
(In English)
What pushed me to join GCI was the fact that I was already planning to train in data science, and I wanted to have my first certified, international training experience. GCI seemed like the perfect opportunity to combine both.
(In French)
Ce qui m’a poussé à rejoindre GCI, c’est le fait que je comptais me former en data science et que j’avais envie d’avoir ma première expérience de certification avec une formation à l’international. GCI m’a semblé être l’opportunité parfaite pour combiner les deux.
Q3: What skills, knowledge, or experiences did you gain through GCI?
(In English)
GCI introduced me to Python and to data science using Python it was a whole new world for me. During the first year, we learned to analyze and visualize data with R, and GCI also introduced me to machine learning. Beyond the technical skills, GCI broadened my understanding of how data science is adapted and applied in the business world.
(In French)
GCI m’a introduit à Python et à la data science avec Python c’était un tout nouveau monde pour moi. Au cours de la première année, nous avons appris à analyser et visualiser des données avec R, et GCI m’a également introduit au machine learning. Au-delà des compétences techniques, GCI a élargi ma compréhension de l’adaptation et de l’utilisation de la science des données dans le monde du business.
Q4: How has GCI helped you in your academic or professional journey?
(In English)
GCI provided me with a solid foundation in data science during my studies, which allowed me to approach my studies at SCITI with more confidence and a clearer vision of my goal: to become a data scientist.
(In French)
GCI m’a fourni de solides bases en science des données au cours de mon cursus ce qui m’a permis d’aborder mes études à SCITI avec plus de confiance et une vision plus claire de mon objectif : devenir data scientist.
Q5: What was the most memorable part of your GCI experience?
(In English)
A memorable moment from GCI was when I learned that I had been selected as “outstanding.” I was truly moved, and thanks to that, I had the chance to take my first trip to Japan.
(In French)
Un souvenir mémorable de GCI, c’est quand j’ai appris que j’étais sélectionné comme “outstanding”. J’étais vraiment ému, et grâce à cela, j’ai eu la chance de faire mon premier voyage au Japon.
Q6: What would you say to someone considering applying to GCI?
(In English)
I would tell anyone hesitating to just go for it GCI is a great opportunity. It’s true that having classes in English wasn’t easy for me at first, but I persevered, and it was worth it.
(In French)
Je dirais à quelqu’un qui hésite de foncer GCI est une super opportunité. C’est vrai que pour moi, les cours en anglais n’étaient pas faciles au début, mais j’ai persévéré, et ça en valait la peine.
Thank you, Obine, for sharing your GCI experience with us!
Through the GCI Alumni Interview Series, we hope to highlight the diverse stories of our alumni and show how GCI supports students and professionals in developing practical AI, data science, and business skills for the future.
If you are interested in GCI World Program, please check the details:
Please also read others articles featuring our outstanding students:
https://weblab.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/global_expansion/gciworld_alumni_interview/