Career Transition with Data Science Upskill Amidst Many Challenges!

A journey filled with twists and turns, Waquar Ahmed's career path unfolded like a novel, each chapter a step towards an unforeseen destiny. 

Different Career Paths

Fresh out of college with a BCA degree, Waquar, armed with his freshly acquired knowledge and skills, eagerly stepped into the professional world. With a bright outlook and a determination to succeed, Waquar looked forward to applying his education and learning from real-world experiences as he embarked on his career journey.

Support Role

After securing his BCA degree, Waquar landed a job at Wipro in Bengaluru through his college placement. Initially excited about the prospect of working as a project engineer, he soon realized that the role primarily involved support tasks rather than the challenging projects he had hoped for.

Despite his efforts to transition to different roles within the company or to enhance his skills for the current position, Waquar found himself unable to make significant changes.

Feeling constrained by his circumstances, he sought to explore other avenues for career advancement. In an attempt to broaden his horizons, Waquar decided to pursue business studies, hoping to unlock new opportunities. With determination, he even attempted the CAT exam twice but unfortunately fell short of clearing it on both occasions.

Dad's Health

As Waquar grappled with the demands of his support role at Wipro and dedicated time to preparing for the CAT exam, life threw him another curveball. His family encountered a difficult situation as his father's health took a turn for the worse.

Faced with the sudden urgency of the situation, Waquar had no choice but to prioritize his family's needs over his professional aspirations. With a heavy heart, he made the difficult decision to resign from his job and hastily traveled back to his hometown of Kolkata to be by his father's side during this challenging time.

Remote Support Role & Business Development

With his family's well-being weighing heavily on his mind, Waquar wasted no time in seeking employment to provide financial support. Opting for a remote support role once more, he dedicated himself to his responsibilities for a duration of 18 months, ensuring that his family's needs were met during this challenging period.

Despite the hardships he faced, Waquar remained determined to forge a path towards his career aspirations. His perseverance paid off when he secured a position as a Business Development Associate (BDA) at Byju's, a renowned educational technology company. Immersing himself in this new role, Waquar spent 14 to 15 months diligently contributing to the company's growth and success.

Why did Waquar study data science at OdinSchool?

As stability gradually returned to Waquar's family life, he felt a renewed sense of determination to invest in his personal and professional growth.

Reflecting on his experiences as a Business Development Associate (BDA) in the ed-tech industry, Waquar recognized the significant role that data played in his work. 

Driven by a desire to upskill himself and capitalize on emerging opportunities, Waquar resolved to pursue further education in data science. With a clear goal in mind, Waquar embarked on a journey of self-improvement, eager to unlock the vast potential that lay ahead in the realm of data science.

And after much research, I joined OdinSchool to pursue data science course.

The decision was not taken lightly; I sought out recommendations and read through numerous reviews, all of which spoke highly of OdinSchool's curriculum, faculty expertise, and the overall learning experience. Encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive feedback, I confidently joined the course.

Throughout the data science course at OdinSchool, students engage in a variety of assessments designed to gauge their understanding and progress. These assessments include tasks such as resume building and portfolio development, aimed at showcasing their skills and accomplishments effectively.

Additionally, students participate in numerous mock interviews to hone their interview skills and gain valuable feedback. Moreover, the course offers guidance on optimizing LinkedIn profiles to enhance students' online presence and visibility within the professional community.

I felt, the kind of support OdinSchool provides is extremely remarkable. And, my take on career is that there are many job opportunities out there, and they will only grow with time, provided you are upskilled.

Waquar's Inspiring Interview

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a senior data analyst job?

A senior data analyst is responsible for leading data analysis efforts, collaborating with stakeholders, providing guidance to junior analysts, and presenting insights to support decision-making.

Q2: Can I become a senior data analyst?

Certainly! Pursuing a data science course can be a pivotal step towards becoming a senior data analyst. Here's a concise breakdown:

1. Data Science Course: Enroll in a data science course or program to gain comprehensive knowledge and skills in data analysis, machine learning, and statistical modeling.

2. Curriculum: Choose a course that covers a wide range of topics, including programming languages (such as Python or R), statistical methods, data visualization techniques, and machine learning algorithms.

3. Hands-On Learning: Look for courses that offer practical, hands-on experience through real-world projects, case studies, and assignments. This will help you apply theoretical concepts to practical scenarios and build a strong portfolio of work.

4. Gain Experience: Seek out internships, entry-level positions, or projects where you can gain hands-on experience in data analysis. As you progress, look for opportunities to take on more challenging projects and responsibilities.

5. Networking Opportunities: Take advantage of networking opportunities provided by the course, such as industry guest lectures, alumni networks, and online forums. Building connections with professionals in the data science community can open doors to job opportunities and career growth.

By completing a data science course, you'll acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in a senior data analyst role and advance your career in the field of data analytics.

Q3: What is the next role after senior data analyst?

The next role after a senior data analyst can vary depending on the organization and the individual's career goals. Some potential career paths include:

1. Data Scientist: Data scientists typically have more advanced skills in machine learning, statistical modeling, and algorithm development. They focus on using data to develop predictive models and algorithms to solve complex business problems.

2. Data Engineer: Data engineers design and maintain the infrastructure necessary for storing, processing, and analyzing large volumes of data. They work closely with data scientists and analysts to ensure data pipelines are efficient and reliable.

3. Analytics Manager: Analytics managers oversee a team of data analysts and scientists, coordinating projects, setting priorities, and ensuring that analytics initiatives align with business objectives. They also collaborate with stakeholders to define data strategy and drive decision-making.

4. Business Intelligence (BI) Manager: BI managers are responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of business intelligence tools and processes. They work closely with business stakeholders to understand reporting requirements and ensure that data insights are effectively communicated throughout the organization.

5. Data Product Manager: Data product managers focus on developing data-driven products and solutions that deliver value to customers. They work cross-functionally with engineering, design, and business teams to define product requirements, prioritize features, and drive product development.

6. Chief Data Officer (CDO): CDOs are executive-level leaders responsible for defining and implementing an organization's data strategy. They oversee all aspects of data governance, data quality, and data management, ensuring that data initiatives align with business goals and regulatory requirements.

These are just a few examples of potential career paths beyond the senior data analyst role. Ultimately, the next step in your career will depend on your interests, skills, and professional aspirations.

Q4: What is the salary of senior data analyst in India?

Base Pay Range of senior data analyst in India is ₹8L - ₹18L.