Meet Imaan our data analyst who can solve a Rubik’s Cube in 70 seconds
From a young age, I have always loved problem solving and puzzles, whether it was working through logical challenges or learning to solve a Rubik's Cube in 70 seconds - I have always enjoyed figuring things out. Despite this, I was never quite sure of what career path I wanted to follow. I discovered my passion for economics in school and university yet could not place myself as an economist.
It wasn’t until I came across data analytics that everything started to click into place for me. During my studies, I was fascinated by data analysis and interpretation, how data could be used to support theories, uncover patterns and tell compelling stories. With some research, I found a list of data analyst courses on the government website and came across one that stood out, The Curious Academy. Conveniently located just a town away, it offered in-person training which I felt was the perfect fit for me.
Starting the bootcamp, I was nervous, questioning whether I would be able to grasp the concepts and learn the necessary tools. However, I quickly realised that I wasn’t alone. The bootcamp provided an incredibly supportive environment, surrounded by like-minded people from different walks of life, some who were either on the same journey as me or had already completed it. Having access to a network of mentors and peers who encouraged each other’s growth was invaluable. Seeing others' progress reminded me that I, too, was capable of mastering these skills.
One of my personal goals going into the bootcamp was to build confidence, both mentally and when presenting to others. Previously, I had little experience delivering presentations, yet during the bootcamp I regularly had the chance to do so. Whether it was presenting to my peers or at industry sessions. These experiences helped me build my confidence and develop a key skill I know will benefit me in my career.
For my final project, I chose an interest of mine - Formula 1. I decided to create an interactive dashboard of the 2024 season, allowing the viewer to explore the data and uncover insights behind the sport. As a fan of the sport, I was excited to dive into the data and broaden my understanding of what makes Formula 1. Through this project, I learnt to web scrape and collect data using Python, format and clean large datasets, and most importantly, stay patient when encountering challenges along the way.
Working on this project was a major turning point for me, it was my first solo project where I applied everything I had learnt throughout the course and could demonstrate my abilities. Not only did I deepen my knowledge of the sport, I also gained insights into my own working style, how I approach problems, manage my time and push through challenges. With the support of my peers and mentors, I was able to produce a project I was truly proud of, proving to myself that anything is possible.
One of my greatest takeaways from the bootcamp was realising that no tool or software is too difficult to learn if you have the curiosity and the right support system. The bootcamp introduced me to platforms like DataCamp, which allowed me to learn at my own pace and gave me access to softwares to practise my new found knowledge. I particularly enjoyed using Tableau for my data visualisation and SQL and Python for analysis. These skills, combined with my analytical mindset and background in economics, have given me a strong foundation as I move forward in my career.
The Curious Academy as a venue also played a significant role in my experience. Beyond the technical training, it provided opportunities to engage with industry professionals, attend insightful talks and gain a broader understanding of the field. The friendly and encouraging atmosphere made all the difference in my learning journey.
If I were to give one piece of advice to someone considering the course, it would be to stay curious and trust the process. At times, things may seem overwhelming, yet with persistence and the right mindset, everything will start to make sense. The bootcamp not only equipped me with the technical skills but also helped me overcome self-doubt and allowed me to realise what I am truly capable of.
Now having completed the course, I am excited to apply my new skills in a data analytics role. I look forward to continuing growing, exploring new tools, and contributing to meaningful projects. My journey into data analytics is just the beginning yet one thing is clear, my passion for problem solving has found its perfect place, all thanks to The Curious Academy :)