Why I Chose OPIT for My MSc in Responsible AI | Students’ Experience

The Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) has swiftly cemented its reputation as one of the best places to study emerging technologies, like AI. Many students speak highly of the institute’s forward-thinking approach to education and a clear focus on hands-on, practical knowledge. One of those students, Cristobal Bragagnolo, recently sat down for a video interview to explain what made him choose OPIT over other options.

Quick Summary

• Cristobal Bragagnolo, an OPIT master’s student, was interviewed on why he chose OPIT.
• Cristobal cited numerous advantages, like OPIT’s accessibility and the quality of the course.
• He also spoke of the unique freedom and flexibility that only come with online learning.
• Cristobal recommends prospective applicants consider OPIT’s distinct qualities when choosing their next educational steps.

The Interview

This interview was organized as a way for prospective OPIT students to learn more about what makes studying with OPIT so special, different, and beneficial in ways they might not have expected. The interviewer was Santiago Fonesca, OPIT’s International Student Recruiter, who spoke with Cristobal, a student of the Master’s Degree (MSc) in Responsible Artificial Intelligence.

Why Cristobal Chose OPIT

One of the first questions Cristobal was asked was why he chose OPIT over other institutions.

Having previously studied biology at the University of Granada in southern Spain, he was clearly familiar with the world of conventional higher education and could have continued his studies at one of the many highly-rated universities in his own home nation or elsewhere in Europe. Despite this, he chose OPIT, and there were several big reasons behind that decision.

Accessibility

Typically, at a conventional college or university, applicants to study a course related to responsible AI would usually have some sort of background in computer science. Indeed, it would be quite difficult to get a place on a course of this kind without either a relevant bachelor’s degree or extensive working experience with technology or AI in particular.

Cristobal knew this, explaining that “traditional universities’ programs for artificial intelligence” were only open to the likes of mathematicians or physicists. Upon finding OPIT, he realized how different it was. OPIT didn’t turn him away based on his previous, seemingly unrelated resume. Instead, he was invited to an interview and allowed to study a short “pre-course” before enrolling in the master’s program.

For Cristobal, this was a breath of fresh air. He describes the pre-course as “amazing,” adding that it felt like a “small degree in computer science” that gave him the foundational skills and knowledge he needed to progress into the program he wanted. He was immediately impressed with how OPIT opened doors for people like him, while other, more conventional universities kept those doors firmly closed.

Depth

Cristobal was also asked about misconceptions people might have about the idea of studying online. He noted that there are still some outdated views that some people hold when it comes to the idea of conventional versus online education, while also acknowledging that there are some small online courses out there that simply don’t have the same depth as a real university-level course.

But he added that, fortunately, that’s not the case at OPIT. As someone who comes from a highly academic background, Cristobal was pleased to see that OPIT courses are fully accredited and enjoy international recognition. He stated in no uncertain terms that OPIT’s MSc in Responsible AI is a genuine Master of Science degree that demands a strong level of commitment and hard work to attain.

He added that he was impressed by the depth of knowledge and the range of topics covered in the course, and appreciated how OPIT’s instructors and lecturers focus on hands-on knowledge and real-world skills, not just reading books and memorizing facts and figures.

Flexibility

Cristobal also touched on the flexibility of studying with OPIT and studying online in general. He noted that OPIT courses offer a level of freedom that simply cannot be found in conventional education. They give students the ability to balance their work life and personal life, or even – like Cristobal himself – the chance to work a full or part-time job in conjunction with their studies.

He explained how he currently works at least 30 hours per week and has other day-to-day tasks that need completing. For him, and people like him, a conventional college or university would not suffice, as he would have to adapt to the institution’s schedule, rules, and fixed geographic location. But by studying online, he’s free to live the life he wants at a pace that’s right for him.

Cristobal also noted that the flexibility of online learning helps him lead a happier and healthier life. It gives him the time he needs to go to the gym, for example, or step outside and get some fresh air when he feels the need. It frees him to cook good meals for himself.

A Typical Week for an OPIT Student

Asked about a typical week in his life, Cristobal explains how, as previously mentioned, he strikes a balance between work and study, doing 30 hours at his job in AI-related work while also studying for his master’s at other times of day or in the evenings. The fact that OPIT’s lectures are pre-recorded and available on-demand allows him to be able to do this with ease.

He adds that he finds time each day for other activities, like taking a walk, and can adjust his schedule to suit his needs and mood each week. Some weeks, he might focus a little harder on studying, for example, spending more time watching lectures live and making notes as he follows. Other times, he may rely more on OPIT’s resource bank to catch or revise certain topics.

He concludes that studying at OPIT has effectively allowed him to have a healthy and balanced life, with equal time for work, study, and personal fulfillment. He compares it to studying for his degree in Granada and notes how he found it much more stressful to keep up with the rigorous routine and fixed constraints of a conventional university.

A Supportive Community

Cristobal also found time during the interview to speak favorably of the OPIT community and support network, bringing up the following key points:

• Sense of Community: Cristobal spoke about how he felt like part of the OPIT community from minute one. He highlighted the availability and friendliness of faculty members and how they were always open and ready to respond to messages or answer questions at almost any time.
• A Global Student Body: Cristobal also spoke favorably of the international quality of the OPIT community, noting how he has professors from different parts of the world, like the United States, Italy, and Germany, and co-learners from places in Africa and Asia.
• Highly Qualified Staff: He also touched on the experience and accomplished nature of the OPIT staff, noting how these aren’t just lecturers or lifelong teachers, but professionals who have proven their skills in real technology businesses.

Summing Up: Cristobal’s Advice for Applicants

Moving forward, Cristobal plans to apply his newfound knowledge in responsible AI to the biological field. He was also asked what he’d tell those who are considering or hesitating about applying to OPIT in the coming weeks and months, noting that he’d encourage them to do their research and weigh up the pros and cons to decide if it’s the right move for them.

Cristobal went on to note that, for many people, OPIT is definitely “one of the best options out there,” due to its peerless levels of accessibility and flexibility. He also noted how the university has a fair and flexible payment system to support different budgets and is highly welcoming even for those who may not already have STEM degrees or experience.

If you feel like OPIT could be the right fit for you, learn more about the courses available on the OPIT website or submit your application today.