What can you do with a Master's in Machine Learning and Neural Computing?
This programme offers you a strong interdisciplinary scientific foundation and practical experience. At the end of your studies, you'll be prepared to make a meaningful impact—whether in academia, industry, or entrepreneurship.
After your studies
Graduates of our Artificial Intelligence Master’s specialisation enjoy excellent career opportunities—and many receive job offers even before completing their degree. A significant number of our graduates choose to pursue a PhD at leading research institutes or top universities, often continuing their work in machine learning or neural computing. Others take on roles in industry, applying their expertise in machine learning, data science, or brain-inspired technologies across a wide range of sectors. Our graduates are highly sought after by major tech companies such as Google, IMEC, and ASML, innovative startups and scale-ups, hospitals and healthcare providers, and governmental and non-governmental organisations. Some graduates have even founded their own AI-driven companies or joined early-stage startups, helping shape the next wave of intelligent technology.
Possible occupations
- PhD researcher
- Machine Learning expert in a software company
- Company founder for brain-based computer games
- Hospital-based designer of assistive technology for patients
- Policy advisor on new development in neurotechnology
- Software developer for analysis and online visual displays of brain activity
As a tech-savvy individual, it was really important for me to work hands-on with the new technologies and tools that are being developed.
- Previous education
- BSc Artificial Intelligence (University of Groningen)
- Programme
- Machine Learning and Neural Computing
- Study end date
Thalia Najjar was a Master's student in AI at Radboud University.
Where do you work now and what does your job entail?
I currently work at Itility in Eindhoven, an IT consultancy firm. As a Data Engineer, I get to work on different projects for clients in the agrifood, energy and manufacturing industries. What my job exactly entails highly depends on the project, which allows me to keep challenging myself by learning about new fields of work while unlocking new technical and functional skills.
Why did you choose to work in this field?
Although I find research very interesting, I always knew that on the long run I would prefer to work in the industry. As a tech-savvy individual, it was really important for me to work hands-on with the new technologies and tools that are being developed. Consultancy was not a path that I specifically wanted to pursue, but Itility sparked my interest with a "consigneer" role, which stands for consultant engineer. Every employee has two hats: the engineer hat, working on solving a given technology problem and the consultant hat, working with and for a customer to bring value to them. Moreover, consultancy was appealing to me for a first job as I get to work on very different project, thereby discovering diverse industries and technical tools and broadening my horizons.
What did you learn during your studies that you now use in your work?
On a technical aspect, I am currently working on a GenAI project, creating a company chatbot. Thus, all of the programming, AI foundations and NLP principles that I am using have all been covered in my educational journey. Ethics for AI is always omnipresent in every step of an AI project.
On a non-technical aspect, my studies taught me way more than I realised at the time. First and foremost, working in a team is an essential skill that we learned at University. Communication, critical thinking, time management, presenting and writing are other skills fostered at University and are essential in my work, or in any other work.
How did you experience this programme at Radboud University? In your opinion, what made this programme special?
What I appreciated the most in the Cognitive Computing Master's specialisation (the former Machine Learning and Neural Computing specialisation, ed.) is the flexibility that we, as students, have to shape our course programme as desired. As a curious person, I chose many courses from different Master's and genuinely enjoyed learning more about diverse topics.
Furthermore, every University employee that I have worked with was always very kind and helpful, as they all seemed to have the students' best interest at heart.
What advice do you have for students choosing a Master's programme?
Follow your instincts and go for what you believe to be the best path for you. Also, don't be afraid to change directions if you notice that after all this Master's was not made for you. No matter which programme you go for, use this time to experiment new things to figure out what you would like your future career to be, and also to discover yourself better. Most importantly, make sure to prioritise yourself and your mental health.
Radboud Career Service
You can always contact the Radboud Career Service of the Faculty of Social Sciences. The Career Service offers students and young alumni guidance and support as they venture into the labour market. Career Service is available for career guidance, job application tips or if you require information about internships and job vacancies.
Keep developing, even after your Master's
Radboud University can also help you develop professionally after your Master's. Through our courses, training, and continuing education programs, you will delve into current issues and strengthen your knowledge and skills. With our education for professionals, you will continue to grow and be prepared for new challenges.