What Is It Really Like to Study at OPIT? Student Experience – Key Takeaways

The Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) is a top destination for learners seeking degrees in Data Science, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence. The institute’s goal is to ensure that high-quality tech education is accessible and affordable to all. But what’s it really like to study with OPIT?

Student Cristobal Bragagnolo recently spoke with Greta Maiocchi, Head of Marketing and Admissions at OPIT, and Sara Ciabattoni, a Senior Class Coordinator. Cristobal opened up about his experiences learning with OPIT, including how he balanced his studies with other commitments, and the benefits of the industry-first course material.

Quick Summary

• OPIT offers tech courses focused on hands-on experience and the intersection between technology and leadership.
• Courses are held remotely, utilizing online lectures and pre-recorded content.
• Students can also attend events and collaborate with their peers.
• Coursework can be completed at any time as long as it supports the completion of regular assessments.
• Many students get the opportunity to work on meaningful projects that support their future career goals.

The Realities of Online Learning

Attending an entirely online course requires self-discipline and self-motivation. Many OPIT learners have careers and may be balancing several responsibilities already. Some have to juggle parenting or other caring responsibilities alongside studying and work, making it even more difficult to find the time to study.

Thankfully, OPIT’s courses are entirely flexible, so students can view recorded lectures at times convenient to them. Assessments are spread evenly throughout the term, removing the stress of one major exam at the end of the course. This approach also encourages students to focus on the current module, rather than cramming several modules at once.

Cristobal is studying for an MSc in Responsible AI while he continues his career as a biologist at a university in Spain. He’s exploring the crossover between AI and biology, utilizing the knowledge gained from OPIT to create an app that could change the methodology of plant research.

He notes that studying for his Bachelor’s degree was exhausting. By contrast, the ability to study on weekends or late afternoons has been “life changing.” Asynchronous studying means Cristobal can take a break when he’s overwhelmed and jump right back in when he has the energy.

How OPIT’s Platform and Community Support Students

The OPIT platform is intuitive, and students get support every step of the way. As well as the online services, every course has a class or program coordinator. These individuals are here to help with onboarding, reminding learners of important deadlines and course milestones, and supporting individual students as they face their specific challenges. Students can message coordinators through the online platform or book a one-to-one session during their office hours.

Coordinators offer one pillar of support, with experienced faculty members forming a second. A third pillar comes in the form of annual events like careers fairs, which bring students together in the “real world.” But as a course coordinator, Sara notes that there is a fourth pillar of support: the students themselves. The community of OPIT students spans over 90 countries, and they regularly communicate, collaborate, and even mentor each other, adding another layer of support and education to these already rich courses.

Cristobal reiterated that it’s been easy to speak to coordinators and lecturers when needed: “(W)here I have a question, I can talk with a real person, not with a bot; not send an email and hope that you get an answer in a week. You just book a meeting, you get your doubt answered, and it has been great.”

Overcoming Challenges: Practical Solutions for Mastering Balance

Juggling studies, a job, and personal life can be challenging. Cristobal has found that the best way to address this is to dive into the real-time lectures when he has the time. When life gets busy, he sets time aside to catch up with his studies on a less hectic Saturday.

He recalled that during the first semester of his MSc course, he had plenty of free time to study alongside other students. When it came to the second semester, though, suddenly he was working more hours and contributing to two academic papers. He eventually landed on watching the videos during meals and working through the materials in his spare weekend time. However, in order to maintain balance and a fulfilling personal life, Cristobal still tries to ensure he keeps every Sunday free for some “me time.”

OPIT’s Industry-First Approach Prepares Students for Future Work Opportunities

The MSc in Responsible AI is just one course that prepares students for real-life jobs, from data analysts to AI consultants. Cristobal remembers that he was initially not as concerned about the “Responsible” part in the course title – he just wanted to learn the technical and academic details. But he now says that learning about using AI in the real world in a responsible way “…was one of the most impactful things…” about the course.

From working with human-centered AI experts to meaningful Capstone projects to life-changing internships, OPIT takes an industry-first approach throughout its courses. Students aren’t just learning technical theory. They’re gaining hands-on experience they can apply throughout their careers, and use to impress potential future employers.

Key Takeaways

• Students enjoy how the online material and asynchronous learning promote work-study-life balance.
• It’s easy to connect with other students and faculty members.
• OPIT’s industry-first approach augments student experiences with real-world knowledge and skills.

Discover the OPIT Student Experience for Yourself

Even though you’re learning remotely with OPIT, you’re never alone. You’re part of a class of enthusiastic learners, all with diverse career goals. You gain access to an expert faculty, and you get the opportunity to connect with top industry professionals and firms, with whom you can maintain relationships even after your studies have finished.

If you want more information on OPIT courses, get the brochure and discover how you can unlock the next stage of your future in tech.

FAQs

What’s it like to be a student on an OPIT course?

OPIT students report overwhelmingly positive experiences with their studies, praising the exceptional platform and faculty, and the ability to study while maintaining a career.

Are all OPIT courses completed completely remotely?

Yes, every course offers completely online course material, with a combination of live-remote lectures and recorded study materials. In the final terms of some courses, students may get the option to work on a collaborative project or pursue internships with industrial partners. Students can also attend events created specifically to help learners become part of an active community while networking and furthering their potential future opportunities.

How long does it take to complete an OPIT remote course?

Each course has its own timeframe – many offer different course lengths for additional flexibility. For instance, the BSc in Computer Science is a three-year course, while the MSc in Responsible Artificial Intelligence can be completed in one-and-a-half or two years.