Daring to Dream: Nirmal’s Bold Step into Data Science

After several years as an auditor for a top-tier firm, Nirmal Selvam needed to decide whether to continue on his current trajectory or follow his passions into the field of Data Science.

Finding a role that was a better fit for him was a key priority.

We caught up with Nirmal and asked him how the Institute of Data’s Data Science & AI programme helped him leap into data science and what he was doing now.

Read on for helpful insight into what it takes to become a successful data scientist in today’s digital world, both personally and professionally.

1. Nirmal, please tell us about yourself. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I’m originally from Singapore.

My interests include watching and playing football.

I enjoy keeping fit, so I do a lot of swimming, running, and regular gym sessions.

2. What were you doing before starting the programme, and why did you decide to study Data Science & AI?

After graduating from university, I worked as an auditor for several years, and then I became a senior associate at a top-tier auditing firm.

However, I soon realised that I needed a change. I had been suffering from burnout, and I wasn’t enjoying the pressure at that level.

It forced me to evaluate what kind of job would align with my strengths.

Data science appealed to me for a few reasons. I liked that I could make a good living and the analytical and critical thinking aspects aligned with who I am.

While researching different programmes, I read extensively about data science and its popularity.

Many of the courses seemed to require some proficiency in Python and sequel SQL.

I tried the self-teaching route, but I realised there was a lot to learn and that I needed a structured approach to my learning.

I decided on the Institute of Data’s Data Science & AI programme. I didn’t have much working knowledge, so I needed a programme that taught from the bottom up.

3. Did the IMDA subsidy help you pursue the programme?

When I decided I needed to resign from my previous role, I knew I would have to be very particular about how I spent my money.

So, the IMDA subsidy was hugely beneficial. The original fee was substantial for my budget, but it was reduced to S$6,000 after the subsidy.

That was a huge factor for me. It made it a feasible option.

4. How did you find the Institute of Data’s Data Science & AI program overall?

The Institute of Data’s Data Science & AI program greatly benefited me.

It was very well structured.

I enjoyed how both practical and theory were covered in a balanced way.

Both of our teachers were excellent.

They were very enthusiastic, and they kept encouraging us to ask more questions, which gave me the impression that they knew their stuff.

This approach created a very good learning environment for me and my fellow students.

I also liked the ratio of students to teachers. There were two teachers to seven students.

I appreciated that the Institute of Data offers a job outcomes programme to graduates, too.

They helped me put together my CV, gave me the contact information of the data science team lead at my current job, and referred me to him.

That’s how I got the opportunity. I wouldn’t have had this opportunity if not for the Institute of Data’s job support programme.

5. What do you enjoy most about working in the Data Science domain?

After graduating, it took me about three to four months to find my current job.

It was quite the journey, but it was all worth it. The salary is really good, and there’s great flexibility.

I go into the office once every week, and I can work from home for the rest of the time.

It was really worth the wait, and I’m glad I persevered.

What I enjoy most about the Data Science industry is the learning in terms of testing my critical and analytical thinking.

In my current role, I enjoy the opportunity to extend myself and think creatively.

It’s really more suited to me than other kinds of jobs where I was required to stay inside a box.

The field has lived up to my expectations.

There’s still a lot more to learn, and I’m motivated to keep acquiring even greater skills and knowledge.

6. What guidance would you give to someone applying for jobs after graduating?

The job support team has a lot of connections in the industry, so they should try to leverage as much as possible from the job support that the Institute of Data provides.

Gaining good references is a critical way of opening opportunities compared to just applying on LinkedIn or any other portals.

It is important to work on improving your CV, upgrading your skills, and using all your connections to gain referrals and introductions.

It’s very attractive to employers if they see you are putting in a lot of effort.

Continue to upskill, even when you are searching for jobs.

It’s also important to look at your talents and strengths.

Once you’ve figured that out and you’ve decided it’s a good fit, then I would say you really have to have some courage and take the leap of faith.

Resourcefulness is very important. This is a key attribute because the industry is always expanding and changing.

Finally, you need to have good communication, and a lot of self-directed learning skills.

7. Where do you see yourself in five years from now?

I’ll continue to improve and learn. I’ve always been determined about my own growth.

I’m always very future-oriented. I think I bring the drive and initiative needed in the tech industry.

Hopefully, along the way, I might inspire some people with my story, and they can also find the confidence to take that leap of faith to change and improve their lives.

Conclusion

If you’d like to learn more about our Data Science & AI programmes, book a career consultation with one of our experts at the Institute of Data and start your journey with an actionable plan.

You can connect with Nirmal and follow his professional journey on LinkedIn.