Name: Aleksandra Jaremko
Programme: MPA Data Science for Public Policy, Class of 2026
Nationality: Polish
Can you tell us about your background and why you chose to study the MPA-DSPP programme at SPP?
I have a bachelor's degree in economics with a focus in econometrics, which provided me with a strong foundation in analytical and quantitative skills. During my time working in finance at the Polish Development Bank, I saw firsthand how high-stakes decision making is increasingly driven by evidence-based approaches. This experience made me realise just how important it is to not only leverage machine learning and statistical analysis but also to understand their limitations.
This is why I chose to pursue the MPA Data Science for Public Policy at the SPP. Unlike traditional data science or quantitative methods courses, this programme applies data science to real-world policy challenges, equipping students with the skills needed to navigate complex public policy issues. It’s not just about mastering technical tools - it’s about learning how to convey intuition while considering the challenges and limitations of data-driven methods, along with their significant effects and impacts. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, this programme empowers students to make meaningful contributions to public policy and drive change.
Additionally, another great feature of this course is the wide range of electives across different departments which allows for great flexibility for students to tailor their learning to their specific interests, experiences and career goals.
You recently took part in the HM Treasury Hackathon! How did you find the experience and what did it involve?
The HM Treasury Hackathon was an initiative aimed at bringing fresh ideas from private sector and top universities into the UK government. Different departments within the Treasury prepared projects ranging from nowcasting macroeconomic data, data visualisation and building a centralised overview of the criminal justice system for improved data organisation.
Essentially, it was a very intensive 2-day consulting project, which involved applying critical thinking, coding skills and machine learning principles to a real policy setting. It was a great opportunity to see how what I learned at the SPP can be leveraged for stakeholders in government.
Events like this highlight the growing importance of data-driven approaches and the need and want of public sector to adopt them more widely.
It was a great experience to see the creativity and innovative solutions by the teams and learn from each other. I highly recommend participating in such an event to anyone, regardless of being a coder or not!
What have been some of your takeaways in your studies so far?
One key takeaway from my studies so far is the growing importance of integrating ethical considerations into data-driven decision-making. As AI technologies become more widespread, those designing these systems must be mindful of the biases in the data and algorithms, as these can lead to unintended consequences.
With AI increasingly influencing decision-making across various sectors and organisational functions, ethical governance will be more critical than ever. It’s essential that policymakers and stakeholders ensure these models are transparent, accountable, and, most importantly, cause no harm.
While top-down regulation is crucial, it’s equally important to foster bottom-up governance, i.e. creating a culture of ethical responsibility among machine learning engineers, developers, and business owners who rely on AI systems and automated-decision making. This way, we can ensure that AI technologies are not only regulated but also developed with a strong foundation of accountability, transparency, and societal benefit.
What makes you feel #partoflse?
Honestly, what makes me feel #partoflse is the chance to engage with students, faculty, and staff who share a similar mindset while also appreciating the unique perspectives each of us brings. The small size of the department fosters rich discussions and makes it easier to meet new people - I feel a genuine sense of community here.
The SPP’s diverse student body creates an environment that enriches everyone’s learning experience and broadens our understanding of both global and local issues. Whether it’s the feasibility of net zero, the sustainability of Guyana’s rapid oil-driven economic growth, or debates about education in autocracies, I guarantee you’ll be having interesting discussions every day - both in class and outside of it.
Where is your favourite place in London?
Definitely China Town and Soho, with its diverse selection of restaurants and bars offering cuisines from all around the world. One of the things I truly love about London is the ability to experience the authenticity of a variety of different cultures, through festivals, food and more. I would also highly recommend that anyone visits at least one West End show during their time at LSE, especially since all the great theatres are just next door to the campus!
Where are your main objectives whilst at LSE SPP?
At SPP, my main objectives are to build a versatile skill set that blends technical skills, rigorous policy analysis with creative, hands-on problem-solving.
I want to understand AI governance and tech-driven policy solutions and explore both their potential and limits. I want to expose myself to learning through interdisciplinary projects, interesting collaborations, classroom debates, and hackathons, hoping to bridge the gap between technical understanding of AI tools and real-world application.
Ultimately, my goal is to prepare myself for a role where data not only drives innovation but also contributes to meaningful, and positive change in the policy world.
What are your plans and ambitions after graduation?
After graduation, I would like to work in a role where I can actively engage in shaping and implementing policies or directly evaluating their impact and effectiveness in addressing important issues. My interests lie in international development, macroeconomics, and labour market equality.
Whether it’s with an international organisation, a public institution, or a research-driven think tank, I hope to bridge the gap between technical analysis and real-world decision-making. My ultimate goal would be to work where data is a tool for meaningful change in the policy world.
Can you describe your SPP experience in three words?
Challenging. Fun. Practical.
Aleksandra is happy to connect via LinkedIn.