Abhi - Discovering the Power of Data Analytics
Sometimes, personal experiences ignite a spark that guides your career path. For me, this moment came in October 2022, during a significant crash in the Forex market. As a long-time Forex trader, my sister had weathered market fluctuations since 2018, but the Forex market crash was a devastating blow to her trading business. Watching her struggle, I began thinking, what if there were a reliable system capable of processing multiple technical indicators simultaneously to provide accurate market predictions without human intervention? This idea planted the seed of my interest in learning Python programming language.
Struggles of Self-Learning
Determined to learn and build an automated Forex market analysis system using Python, I started my learning journey with a few "Dummies" series books and a dozen YouTube playlists that promised to turn me into an expert in just a few weeks. However, a year later, despite my honest intentions and sincere efforts, I was stuck. I had learned basic Python and a couple of libraries like Numpy and Pandas, but I was far from confident. Fundamental concepts such as where data comes from, types of data, the importance of clean data, and the role of statistics in understanding data eluded me. I had big ideas but lacked the knowledge to connect the dots and see the bigger picture.
Confusion and doubts about future direction
Before embarking on my Python learning journey, I had accumulated over 20 years of experience in the IT and Telecom sector, working across various technical and managerial roles. Given my extensive background, I was naturally inclined to seek a management-level position in the telecom industry. However, while the Forex market crash inspired me to learn and create something new, I remained uncertain about my future direction. I was also troubled by doubts about the practicality of technical skills like Python and market analysis systems and their relevance to advancing my career.
A Clear Path Forward with Curious Academy
Enrolling in Curious Academy’s Data Analytics course was the turning point I desperately needed to move forward in my career. Curious Academy is a place filled with highly enthusiastic teachers, directors, data analysts, and data scientists. The academy's environment is exceptionally well-managed, adhering to high standards of professionalism. It is a place where I immediately felt a sense of clear direction and guidance. The course focused on elevating each student to an expert level of theoretical and practical understanding of tools such as Google Sheets, SQL, Python, and Tableau. The learning process was enriched with real-world examples, datasets, and scenarios based on practical issues and challenges, which added immense value to my experience at Curious Academy. The course stands out for the following reasons;
Comprehensive Foundations. The course effectively demystified fundamental concepts of data analytics, providing a solid foundation essential for mastering this field.
Practical Tools and Techniques. I gained hands-on experience with critical tools such as Google Sheets, SQL, Python, and Tableau by working on real-world and simulated datasets. This practical exposure enhanced my understanding of their applications.
Group Dynamics and Team Building. Each exercise was conducted in groups, encouraging active participation and collaboration. Presenting ideas to peers and learning from their perspectives emphasized the importance of teamwork, peer reviews, and the ability to work effectively in diverse environments.
Market Readiness. The combination of tools, exercises, and industry-relevant exposure ensured I was well-prepared to meet the demands of the data analytics field in the real world.
Development of Essential Skills. Beyond mastering data analytics tools, the course taught me the most vital skills: how to analyse and interpret data, derive insights, and present findings effectively. These skills are invaluable for any data professional.
A Supportive Environment for Success. The professional and supportive environment at Curious Academy greatly enriched my learning experience. The instructors were not only knowledgeable but also approachable and dedicated to student success. Their real-world examples and practical insights made complex concepts accessible and engaging. For anyone aspiring to become a data analyst, data engineer, or data scientist, I highly recommend starting with this data analytics course. It provides the foundational understanding needed to excel in any data-related field.
Data Club Volunteer
Apart from my learning activities and group exercises, I volunteer as a SQL Admin for the locally formed data club at Curious Academy. My contributions include managing and maintaining practice datasets on the PostgreSQL database server for other students. Alongside other members of the data club, I practice data analysis, share my learnings, and gain insights by collaborating on various datasets.
Looking Ahead
Curious Academy’s Data Analytics course has not only equipped me with technical skills but also instilled confidence in my abilities. Through constant exposure to projects based on real-world scenarios, and by tackling practical challenges using data analysis, I have developed the skills needed to be a successful data analyst in today’s marketplace. I am eager to find a data analytics role where I can apply my skills, experience, and data-savvy mindset to bring success and added value to my new workplace. Additionally, I am open to collaborating on independent, part-time, freelance, and ad-hoc data projects with fellow data analysts, data scientists, business leaders, and visionaries.
Whether you're a complete beginner or someone looking to refine your skills, Data Analytics course at the Curious Academy offers an excellent platform to build your career in data analytics. To anyone considering a career in the data world, I urge you to take this step. The journey may not always be easy, but with the right guidance and resources, it’s incredibly rewarding. Happy learning, and best wishes for your data-driven adventures!