Navigating the Future: Ecem Demir’s journey through Data, Society & Organisations

Ecem Demir’s journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. Born in Gaziantep, Turkey, Ecem’s life took a transformative turn when she was accepted into Kadıköy Anatolian High School, one of the top high schools in the country. Moving to Istanbul, Turkey’s most populous city, at a young age was both challenging and empowering. Living in a dormitory for five years taught her invaluable lessons about independence, collaboration, and leadership. These formative experiences, combined with her academic drive, prepared her for the interdisciplinary challenges she is now embracing in the Bachelor of Arts & Science in Data, Society & Organisations, run jointly by HEC Paris and Bocconi.
 

A foundation built on curiosity and leadership

Throughout high school, Ecem demonstrated a natural aptitude for leadership and organization. As President of the Honor Council and the Student Union, she thrived on managing events, running clubs, and leading teams. These roles not only honed her organizational skills but also deepened her understanding of working with diverse personalities. “It’s an experience that shaped my leadership style and ability to connect with others,” she reflects.

Ecem’s academic interests were equally dynamic. While her school’s curriculum focused on traditional subjects, her passion for quantitative fields led her to explore mathematics, physics, and economics independently. This self-motivation extended beyond the classroom, as she also worked as an assistant to an MIT Physics professor - an experience that solidified her desire to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. “What excites me most is taking knowledge from one area and turning it into something meaningful in another,” she says. This interdisciplinary curiosity has become a driving force in her academic journey.

Why the Bachelor of Arts & Science in Data, Society & Organisations?

Initially considering a degree in computer science, Ecem’s path changed when a friend introduced her to the Bachelor of Arts & Science in Data, Society & Organisations program. “Just hearing the name intrigued me,” she recalls. Unlike traditional degrees, this program promised flexibility and interdisciplinarity - qualities that resonated with her vision for the future.

Ecem’s decision was rooted in a forward-looking perspective. “We live in a world where AI and data-driven technologies are constantly evolving. While we can predict certain trends, the industries of 20 or 30 years from now remain uncertain,” she explains. In such a dynamic landscape, creativity and adaptability - skills emphasized by this program - become invaluable. “No AI can ever think like a human being. This program isn’t just about learning multiple disciplines separately - it’s about connecting them to create something impactful.”

The benefits of a double degree program

The program’s unique structure, and the fact that it is run jointly by two prestigious institutions - HEC Paris and Bocconi – provides strong added value. HEC Paris is renowned for its focus on strategy and leadership, while Bocconi excels in business, economics, and social sciences. “Studying under two distinct academic cultures broadens your perspective,” Ecem notes. “It’s not just about academic knowledge - it’s about learning how to navigate different educational systems and adjust to diverse environments.”

Beyond academics, the experience of living in two different countries offers opportunities for deep personal growth. “Moving between France and Italy has taught me flexibility and adaptability,” she says. These skills, she believes, will be critical as she embarks on a global career.

Program highlights and insights

Ecem’s time in the program has been defined by transformative academic and personal experiences. One standout moment was a Python project where her team analyzed global salary distributions. “We had the freedom to explore the data in our own way, which made the experience incredibly engaging,” she shares. Another memorable project involved using data to analyze the political ideologies of newspapers, turning abstract biases into measurable insights through clustering analysis.

These projects reflect the program’s emphasis on applying data to real-world challenges across disciplines. “Data isn’t just numbers,” Ecem emphasizes. “It’s a tool for solving problems, shaping decisions, and creating impact in areas like politics, business, and social sciences.” The program’s interdisciplinary approach has also deepened her understanding of how fields like economics, politics, and data science intersect, making abstract concepts tangible and actionable.

A diverse and collaborative cohort

The program’s international cohort is another highlight for Ecem. With over 60 nationalities represented, the diversity of perspectives enriches every discussion and group project. “Everyone comes from different backgrounds, but we share common characteristics like adaptability and curiosity,” she says. Collaboration within this multicultural environment has been both inspiring and educational.

Ecem particularly values the way group projects bring out the best in her classmates. “When we work on interdisciplinary projects, everyone contributes their unique strengths, and the results are always professional and innovative,” she explains. The exchange of ideas extends beyond academics, offering insights into global political systems, technological advancements, and cultural nuances.

Ambitions for the future

Ecem envisions a future at the intersection of data, business, and strategy. “I’ve always found myself in leadership roles, whether organizing school clubs or managing large-scale projects,” she reflects. Her dream is to lead a data-driven strategy team or start her own venture, leveraging her skills to create innovative solutions with real-world impact.

The program is equipping her with the tools to achieve these goals. “I’m developing a mix of technical expertise, interdisciplinary problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making,” she explains. Beyond technical skills, the program’s focus on leadership and adaptability is preparing her to manage teams and drive large-scale initiatives. “Whether I work for a multinational company or start my own business, I want to use data to shape strategies and build impactful solutions.”

Overcoming challenges and embracing growth

While Ecem has thrived in the program, it hasn’t been without challenges. Coming from a background without social sciences, studying politics was initially daunting. “I didn’t know how policies worked in different countries,” she admits. However, her willingness to embrace new disciplines and challenge herself has made the learning process rewarding.

The program has also shaped her personal growth. Collaborating with students from diverse cultures has taught her empathy and the importance of soft skills. “I can now adapt to different personalities and view topics from multiple perspectives,” she says. These skills, she believes, will be crucial in her future career. As Ecem continues to chart her path, she will continue striving to develop the know-how that will enable her to shape data-driven strategies and create solutions that matter.

Find out more about the Bachelor of Arts & Science in Data, Society & Organisations