Burns Sheehan and DeeSet logistics teamed up with Lancaster Universities PhD students to talk everything Data Science, Industry and Careers.

Data Science is one of the fastest growing markets not only in Manchester but across the globe, you only have to look at the news daily to see how machine learning and AI is taking over the world. You would think that SKYNET was about to be launched with Arnold Schwarzenegger waiting in the wings to save the day.

The reality is that this scenario is unlikely to happen although data science is very real. Over the last few years businesses have started to use data science for all kinds of weird and wonderful things. Some businesses are in fact built around the findings of the DS teams which leads to enormous success.



What has this got to do with PhD students, Burns Sheehan and DeeSet Logistics?

Liam Fulton, Head of Data and Analytics, only a few years ago was in fact just coming to the end of his PhD in Theoretical Physics not knowing really whether he wanted to stay in that field. He knew the skills that he had picked up could be applied to business but at the time did not know where just yet. Now he is leading an exciting project where he is putting together a Data Science team and looking to offer a service that no other logistics company does.

Both myself and Liam were invited to both go and speak to students from Lancaster University to speak about life after PhDs and how those skills can be applied into the working world. The day consisted of a presentation of Liam’s journey and his plans for going forward, followed by a more intimate session with us both giving an insight into different companies and how they go about using their data.

Lancaster have a fantastic set up where their PhD students get to work with clients within industry as part of their PhDs giving them a little more insight into what is out there and produce some real meaningful pieces of work.


We broke down what we both thought was a good team structure and offered advice where needed. A massive thing I found was that the students didn’t understand what value there can be from speaking to a recruiter. Some people think that we are just CV pushers but after an open chat about companies and the markets, hopefully, we showed them that there is some terrific value to working with a company like Burns Sheehan.


If you want to know any more about data science or how we can add value to you in technology then please get in touch on 0161 416 6268 or send an email to danb@burnssheehan.co.uk.