Jess - Skills Bootcamp in Data

WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU STARTED THE SKILLS BOOTCAMP IN DATA?

Before I enrolled on the Data Skills Bootcamp, I was actually working at a mental health hospital – a bit different to what I’m doing now! I studied a Psychology degree and thought I should put that to good use, plus I really wanted to help make a difference. Once I started my role, I quickly realised that it wasn’t the right career path for me.

HOW DID YOU COME ACROSS THE SKILLS BOOTCAMP IN DATA?

I began looking for Data Analysis jobs, as this was something that had always interested me. When I was browsing jobs boards and career sites, I came across Baltic’s Data Skills Bootcamp and thought it would be the perfect starting point to enhance my data skillset so I could start applying to the junior roles that were advertised.

WHAT DID YOU HOPE TO GET OUT OF THE SKILLS BOOTCAMP IN DATA?

I didn’t have any practical experience in data analysis, so I knew I needed to develop my data skills and improve my CV. It’s not easy securing a job in this field without the relevant work experience, even for junior positions, so I knew I needed to build my knowledge before I could secure a job in the field.

I also wanted to learn more about the programmes and tools used by Data Analysts. I didn’t have any prior knowledge in this sector, so even learning how to analyse data and what’s involved in the day-to-day role of a data analyst was really interesting to me.

WHAT WAS INVOLVED IN THE TRAINING?

First of all, we started with the basics – we learned what data actually is! This was important and set the foundations for the rest of the training. We also learned how to present and display data, what’s involved in data modelling, the fundamentals of database development, and even got hands-on with popular analysis tools such as Microsoft Access.

Although these modules were great for my CV, It wasn’t just our data skillset that the trainers developed, I also learned some soft skills such as project management, communication, and how to present to an audience.

IS THERE A PART OF THE TRAINING THAT YOU HAVE FOUND USEFUL IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

The most useful thing I learned from the bootcamp was how to use Microsoft Access. This gave me my first introduction to a data analysis platform, now in my current role, I’m constantly using a range of tools such as Tableau.

The bootcamp also taught me how to use graph theory, and creating graphs is now something I do on a daily basis!

HOW WAS THE SUPPORT FROM BALTIC DURING THE SKILLS BOOTCAMP IN DATA?

Everyone I spoke to at Baltic was really helpful, prior to enrolling, I had calls with the team to give me all the information I needed and to answer any questions I had about the bootcamp.

Once the course had concluded, the trainers provided me with extra resources to continue developing my knowledge. The Baltic team updated me on the next steps now I’d successfully completed the bootcamp, they worked with me to update my CV with my new skills, and actually helped me secure a Data Technician Apprenticeship!

NOW THAT YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE SKILLS BOOTCAMP IN DATA, WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW?

Thanks to Baltic, I’m now a Business Improvement Data Technician Apprentice at UK Greetings and I’m really enjoying it! Each day, I’m set projects by my manager that relate to business improvement. We’re a greetings card company so one of my recent projects involved using data to work out whether it would make sense financially to send cards to stores in packs of 12 rather than 6.

On a daily basis, I use a range of different software programmes to effectively carry out my role. I use Altrix to manipulate different data sets, this could be sales data or card data, I then present this to my manager of which department requested this information using Tableau.

HOW IS THE APPRENTICESHIP ASPECT OF YOUR ROLE GOING SO FAR?

So far, so good! The onboarding session was great and gave an insight into what we can expect over the course of the apprenticeship, we also learned more about the upcoming training modules and how to use the Baltic assessment tools. We were also set a task which I’m currently working on centred around personal and professional development and the importance of this.

I haven’t been on the programme for that long – but I’m really looking forward to this next 15 months!

WHAT ARE YOUR LONG-TERM CAREER GOALS?

I aim to someday become a fully fledged data analyst! I really enjoy my role at UK Greetings, and I’ve already been offered a permanent job here upon completion of my apprenticeship. Baltic do offer a Level 4 Data Analyst apprenticeship, so this could be a potential next step once I’ve completed my Level 3.

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THE SKILLS BOOTCAMP IN DATA TO SOMEONE LOOKING TO START A CAREER IN DATA?

Absolutely, this bootcamp is a really good place to start if you’re looking to get your foot in the door and start a long-term career in data. Even if you’re not looking to progress to an apprenticeship, this course provides you with the skills to improve your CV and secure a junior level role.

Data is now a huge part of many different job roles, so even if it’s not a data career you’re interested in, this bootcamp teaches skills that are always going to be in demand.

There are also opportunities to branch out whilst on this course, I was actually offered the opportunity to further my studies through an extra online course in digital marketing – so this course definitely has something for everyone!

Find out more:

If you are looking to enhance your data skills, learn more about our Skills Bootcamp in Data, speak with our friendly team today. Alternatively, if you’re interested in a data apprenticeship, search for current data vacancies in your area.