---
author: "Michael Lazarou"
published: "2017-06-15T06:00:38+00:00"
modified: "2017-06-12T16:31:11+00:00"
title: "Summer School for RAFM Professionals"
permalink: "https://commsrisk.com/summer-school-for-rafm-professionals/"
---

# Summer School for RAFM Professionals

As the temperature rises I have spread out my [classes](https://commsrisk.com/dand-udacity-data-analyst-nanodegree-project-4/). Summer’s late nights – especially when you live in Cyprus – were not designed for (extra) work…

So what I will do in this post is to re-visit my overall view of MOOCs and make a recommendation to RA and fraud professionals. There is a lot (this is an understatement) of material out there. Besides [Udacity](https://www.udacity.com/course/data-analyst-nanodegree--nd002), you can follow the [Microsoft Professional Program Certificate in Data Science](https://www.edx.org/microsoft-professional-program-certficate-data-science) on edX, take courses on [Datacamp](https://www.datacamp.com/) or read white papers from WeDo or Subex. Each approach to education has pros and cons; for each you need to delve into the material and decide what suits you and what you need.

Beyond this, last March I had one of the best – possibly *the* best – experiences I have had in my professional career both as a programmer and as an RAFM specialist: the [RAG conference in London](http://riskandassurancegroup.org/spring-conference-15th-16th-march-2017/). This is forum of like-minded and like-purposed professionals that meet to interact and share knowledge and experiences. The energy and enthusiasm that surrounds the event – almost – manages to convince outsiders that RA and fraud (and even risk) are cool. Take a look at the photo above, and you will have a sense of the vibe in the room. There is no boring commercial element to it; sponsors are on the sideline as they should be. It’s all about the core of what you do on a daily basis. It touches upon what matters to you because everyone is there with an open mind and there are no expectations.

If you are a risk, RA or fraud professional then these events – next one in [Bonn](http://riskandassurancegroup.org/bonn-conference-21-22-june-2017/) in about a week and then in [Johannesburg](http://riskandassurancegroup.org/johannesburg-conference-4-5-september-2017/) in September – are a must. Be there or be square!