Opening new doors as a master’s graduate

Wearing many hats in his professional life, Master of Analytics alum Young Dau has enjoyed rapid career progression since graduating from RMIT.

With a Bachelor of Accounting and Finance and five years’ work experience under his belt, Young decided to undertake postgraduate study to advance his career and stay ahead of the curve in the digital age. 

Pursuing a Master of Analytics at RMIT has since proven instrumental to his career, leading Young to his current position of Advanced Analytics and Data Science Consultant at National Bank of Australia (NAB), while he has also recently published and launched his first non-fiction book.

We sat down with Young to find out more about his postgraduate experience and his journey as an RMIT alum.

From accounting and finance to data science

Transitioning from accounting and finance to becoming a consultant and data scientist has been a journey of growth and perseverance, according to Young. 

His early career saw him in various roles within financial services, where he gained experience in financial consulting, banking operations, and helping individuals and businesses manage their own financial needs.

But after developing a deep understanding of complex financial trends within the banking industry, Young aspired to transition into data science and analytics, which motivated his return to study.

“After working for five years and completing my [undergraduate] degree in accounting and finance, I wanted to equip myself with the tools and skills to bridge finance with data analytics, which led me to pursue a Master of Analytics at RMIT,” Young said.  

“RMIT's focus on innovation and its advanced analytics curriculum aligned perfectly with my career aspirations to transition into data science and analytics roles within finance.

“I took the leap to upskill, learn analytics, and embrace new technologies. I’m proud of the effort it took to adapt and excel in a constantly evolving industry.”

How RMIT expanded Young’s horizons in the banking industry

Young said undertaking RMIT’s Master of Analytics allowed him to build on his foundations in finance and put him a step ahead in his industry, where he has had roles at three of Australia’s big banks over the last six years.

The program blends the disciplines of computer science, engineering and business, and equips students with the skills to use data to make informed decisions and solve critical, real-world problems.

“Once I completed my master’s degree at RMIT, I was able to combine my accounting and finance background with the power of data analytics, significantly enhancing my career,” Young said.

“[I developed] the ability to analyse data and apply it in real-world financial scenarios, which transformed my approach to banking and consulting.  

“That [advanced knowledge] gave me an edge in my career, allowing me to offer more strategic and analytical insights and innovative solutions to clients, making me a more valuable asset in the banking industry.”

Adding motivational speaker and author to his resume

The master’s program has helped Young progress his career in more ways than one.

He has since embraced roles as a mentor and motivational speaker—a direction he has wanted to pursue since migrating to Australia from South Sudan as a 12-year-old— as well as recently publishing his first non-fiction book.

“My own migration experience taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of community. It inspired my passion for empowering others, especially migrants, to navigate financial systems and secure their future,” Young said.

“Completing the Master of Analytics gave me the confidence to embark on larger projects, such as writing my book, ‘From Ground Up: A Financial Empowerment for African Migrants in Australia’, where I combined my professional expertise with personal stories to inspire and uplift my community. 

“It seeks to provide a roadmap for African migrants looking to take control of their finances and shares not only my story but also the stories of other African migrants who have successfully built their lives in Australia.

“It is a celebration of resilience, determination, and triumph, highlighting the unique challenges and successes faced by our community.”

Find out more about Young’s journey and purchase his book online

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