As a newcomer to Canada, I found it very challenging to land my first job. My experience was built up in another country, I didn’t have a good network here, and some of my certificates were not even applicable in Canada. I decided to pivot my resume and start a career in data science because there were more of these job opportunities in the market. I took different courses, participated in programs and applied for almost anything that was even remotely related to what I wanted to do. Without any success in almost a year, I found WeCloudData and decided to register for an intensive bootcamp program.

Before starting at WeCloudData, I had basic knowledge of Excel and Python. I worked in the Healthcare industry and my career was focused on sales and business development. As I learned more and more about coding and data-driven decision making I became more certain that data analysis was the right path for me. I wanted to optimize my efforts and learn the skills that could make my resume bold in the competitive market. I started searching for best post-graduate programs and bootcamps, and I got introduced to WeCloudData. What distinguished WeCloudData from other options was their focus on skills, tools and courses that is practical for every industry. Their curriculum offered practical experience by expert instructors to align education with market skills, a mentorship program to prepare students for interviews and support during the job hunting and networking process. My 2-month experience in the bootcamp was great. I learned what I needed for my job in the shortest time possible. I got hands-on experience with datasets in excel, SQL functions, visualization with Tableau and Power BI, and plotting with Python libraries.

After finishing the bootcamp, the next step was to get recognized as a data analyst. Since I had never worked in a data-related position it was crucial for me to add a noticeable portfolio to my resume. All the real-life projects that I was involved in during the bootcamp became a part of my portfolio later. WeCareer mentorship program linked me with a mentor who could understand my situation because he had already dealt with similar obstacles in the past. He helped me to define projects and create a structured portfolio to perfectly represent my expertise. With the support I received to enhance my resume, I started to get noticed on different platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, etc.. I was able to book interviews, I was coached to excel my interview skills, I felt supported throughout the whole process, and finally landed my first job in only two months. As someone who had a major career switch, I learned that the most important part is to know how to start. There are tonnes of resources available, but for someone who’s new to this field, it’s always confusing to decide where to begin. The Data Analytics bootcamp played a huge role in helping me reach my goals. In my opinion, if you want to land the desired job as fast as possible, keeping your knowledge fresh is a must. Whether by defining self-direct projects, taking courses, or contributing to volunteer projects, it’s very important to keep your knowledge and skills freshly honed.

Last but not least, networking is one of the prominent components of job hunting. Networking is the best approach to get noticed and showcase capabilities. Never shy away from a quick coffee chat or even initiating a conversation with a new person. There’s always something valuable in the conversation with other people. It might take some time, but the more people you meet, the better chance you’ll have to accomplish your goal.