Arend Machens

Curious and motivated Data Enthusiast with a background in Economics (M.A.) and a growing expertise in Data Science. I’m passionate about discovering insights in data and turning them into clear, practical solutions that support smart business decisions.

Through my academic projects and hands-on experience, I’ve developed strong skills in Python (Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib), SQL, Excel, and data visualization (Seaborne), focusing on Exploratory Data Analysis, Predictive Modeling (Time Series Forecasting), and Business Intelligence Dashboards.

Currently, I’m pursuing a part time Master’s degree in Data Science to deepen my technical and analytical skills while combining them with my business understanding.

🔹 Skills: Data Analysis, Python, SQL, Machine Learning basics, Business Intelligence, Statistics, Data Visualization

🔹 Strengths: Fast learner, analytical mindset, detail-oriented, clear communicator

I’m eager to contribute to data-driven projects, learn from experienced teams, and grow into a Data Scientist who bridges the gap between data and business impact.

Consulting Business Analyst

FDM Group | Nov 2023 – Present 

Project Coordination & Execution: Managed and reviewed final settlements of government COVID-19 financial support programs within a structured framework

Compliance & Data Analytics: Analyzed financial statements to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance

Process Optimization & Stakeholder Management: Improved operational workflows and collaborated with internal and external partners for efficient case resolution

Junior PMO – IT Project Portfolio & People Management

FDM Group, Luxembourg | Sept 2023 – Nov 2023 

Project Management & Reporting: Prepared project portfolio reports, budget forecasts, and resource planning

Governance & Communication: Supported IT project governance and reporting to senior management

PMO & Business Analytics Trainee

FDM Group | Apr 2023 – Aug 2023 

Core Focus: Requirements engineering, business process modeling, testing, and change management

Tools & Certifications: SQL, Excel VBA, BCS Certification in Business Analysis

Competencies: System modeling, benefits realization, process optimization

Intern – Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)

Westfalenfinanz GmbH, Dortmund | Jul 2019 – Sept 2019 (3 months)

Analytical Work: Conducted company and market analyses, supported company valuations

Transaction Support: Identified potential buyers and target companies, prepared longlists and sales documents

Key Skills: Financial analysis, research, project coordination

Master of Science (M.Sc.) – Data Science

Universität Münster Professional School | Okt. 2025 – Okt. 2027 (berufsbegleitend)

Kernkompetenzen: Python, R, SQL/NoSQL, Big Data, Machine Learning, LLMs

Fachinhalte: Explorative Datenanalyse, Supervised & Unsupervised Learning, Social Media & Text Mining, KI-basierte Methoden (NLP, Transformer)

Zusatzschwerpunkte: IT-Management, Datensicherheit, Ethik, Leadership, praxisorientierte Projektarbeit

Master of Arts (M.A.) – Economics

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | Sept. 2020 – Mai 2021

Schwerpunkt: Wirtschaftsanalyse, angewandte Ökonometrie, Datenanalyse

Tools: Python, R, quantitative Methoden

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) – Economics

Philipps-Universität Marburg | Okt. 2015 – Sept. 2019

Grundlagen: Wirtschaftswissenschaften, analytisches Denken, Statistik, empirische Forschung

Erasmus-Auslandssemester – Economics

Universidad Autónoma de Madrid | Sept. 2018 – Jan. 2019

Internationale Vertiefung: Europäische Wirtschaft, interkulturelle Kompetenzen, akademische Mobilität