Before beginning his Master’s degree at the UCL School of Management, MSc Business Analytics alumnus Yu-Hsien (Jason) Wu was already fascinated by the potential of consumer data to shape business decisions and improve user experiences. He was delighted to learn that Experian - one of the world’s leading credit data companies - accepted his application through the Consumer Data Research Centre (CDRC) pathway.
During his time with Experian, Jason investigated how real-time credit data reporting could enhance lending decisions and improve consumer outcomes in the UK. His findings offered valuable insights into how timelier data could support fairer lending practices, aligning with regulatory goals and industry needs. Chris Wheeler, Data Analyst at Experian, praised Jason’s focus and methodology, noting the project’s contribution to Experian’s mission and its potential to inform future developments.
why did you want to work with the consumer data research centre?
Before beginning my Master’s degree at the UCL School of Management, I completed my undergraduate studies in Risk Management and Insurance at Feng Chia University in Taiwan. I have always been excited to learn more about consumer data, particularly user behaviour, which I had already delved into during my undergraduate studies.
I first learned about the CDRC, a centre that bridges academia and industry, through David Alderton, former Programme Director for the MSc in Business Analytics. Through the CDRC pathway, I was able to explore potential solutions with industry experts and work on real-world problems faced by companies.
I was really interested in Experian’s project on real-time data reporting, and the partnership turned out to be a wonderful journey. Experian is a global leader in consumer and business credit data, helping individuals and organisations make informed financial decisions through accurate and timely information. Since Experian has collaborated with the CDRC for many years, communication between students and the company was smooth and engaging.
what problem or need was investigated through the student consulting project?
The project investigated whether more frequent, real-time reporting of consumer credit data could improve credit scoring accuracy, lending decisions, and consumer outcomes in the UK. Current monthly batch updates can create timing mismatches that distort a borrower’s apparent creditworthiness.
Additionally, the FCA’s Credit Information Market Study Final Report, which highlighted the need for more timely data from Credit Reference Agencies, further emphasised the importance of this study. My study quantified how timelier data could reduce the effects of the traditional update cycle, helping lenders make fairer, more informed decisions aligned with the FCA’s Consumer Duty principles.
can you tell us a little about your collaboration?
The collaboration between UCL, the CDRC, and Experian was both structured and supportive. I worked closely with my Experian mentor, Chris, who provided technical guidance and data access, while my UCL supervisor, Alastair, ensured academic integrity and robustness. Regular check-ins, feedback loops, and shared problem-solving created a genuinely interdisciplinary environment that blended policy, data analysis, and credit analytics perspectives.
It was a fast-paced learning experience, where I had to quickly expand my knowledge through an in-depth literature review and by understanding the technologies currently shaping the credit industry. This collaboration not only strengthened my analytical and research skills but also gave me valuable insight into how data innovation can drive fairer and more informed financial decisions.
what was it like working with the experian team?
I primarily worked closely with the Head of Research & Analysis, Christopher, to explore the impact of new methodologies on consumers and lenders at Experian. I really enjoyed working with Chris, who maintained an open-minded attitude and was always willing to consider the adjustments and ideas I proposed. Experian also cares deeply about every member of the organisation. Even as an intern, I went through a series of training courses that helped me understand the company’s values, best practices, and the dos and don’ts of working at Experian.
Findings were presented to the Director of Strategy & Innovation, and the Director of Data Insight & Data Management. This experience was an incredible opportunity to translate academic research into practical insights and to see how my work could contribute to Experian’s ongoing efforts in data innovation and responsible credit reporting.
what have you learned throughout this experience?
I remember that at the end of Term 2, I was rejected by almost every company I had applied to for the Term 3 project. At that moment, I felt stressed and disappointed about the outcome and even thought, “Maybe I’ll never find a company willing to give me a chance.” But a few days later, Richard from CDRC (now the Geographic Data Service) contacted me and told me that Experian had accepted my application.
I felt like Will Smith in The Pursuit of Happiness, applauding through tears, hardly believing it was real. From that moment to presenting my work at Oxford Saïd Business School and to two directors at Experian, it has been an unforgettable journey. If there is one lesson I have learned beyond UCL SoM’s curriculum, it is the importance of relentlessness and never giving up when things do not go as planned.
This experience taught me that perseverance often opens doors that hard skills alone cannot, and that every setback can become the starting point of something greater.
can you tell us about sharing your project AT the geographic data service data partner forum?
It was a two-day academic journey, and all the student participants spent one night at Oxford’s New College. The forum featured several industry speakers from leading companies such as Meta, along with presentation sessions that allowed us to share our findings and discuss them with experts in real time.
It was a wonderful experience to exchange ideas face-to-face, see their reactions, and truly enjoy the moment when someone showed genuine interest in my dissertation. In addition, meeting other students from the same dissertation pathway was a pleasant surprise, and it was inspiring to learn about their dissertations and the skills they applied to overcome challenges and take their projects to the next level.
chris weeler - data analyst at experian - shares his experiences mentoring jason
“I found the exercise of formulating our questions for research, getting an external perspective on our problem and a focused outcome which enhances our understanding of an area, all hugely useful. In the case of Jason’s research project, he was able to add real value through his focus and methodology.
We will be progressing the project following some of the further steps uncovered as part of the research & conclusions. I look forward to hearing of Jason’s growing career in the industry and will definitely be engaging with the scheme in future years.”
Members of the Geographic Data Service team have run the Masters Dissertation Scheme for over ten years (previously as CDRC). The programme offers an exciting opportunity to link Master’s students with leading organisations, through projects that address important problems of shared concern.
Find out more about UCL School of Management’s MSc Business Analytics programme.