How Angelia Transitioned from Business to Data Science: A Journey of Skill and Perseverance

Angelia Lee has always enjoyed challenging herself both professionally and personally.

Growing up, she was deeply influenced by her father, a business owner, who instilled in her a strong work ethic and an acumen for business.

This influence guided her into a career in business development, where she gained valuable experience and honed her skills and knowledge in various roles.

However, Angelia’s curiosity and drive for self-improvement didn’t stop there. Motivated by a desire to understand and implement data science strategies in her work, she decided to take a bold step.

She enrolled in the Institute of Data’s Data Science & AI Programme, opting for the part-time option to balance her learning with her professional commitments.

Recently, we had the opportunity to catch up with Angelia to hear about her experience with the programme.

She shared her journey, the challenges she faced, and the wisdom she gained along the way.

Angelia’s story is a testament to the power of continuous learning and the impact it can have on one’s career and personal growth.

1. Angelia, please tell me a bit about yourself.

I was born in Malaysia and received all of my education there. I came to Singapore for work, and I’m now a permanent resident and married to a Singaporean.

One of my favourite pastimes is staying active. When I have a desk job, it is important for me to keep active and moving. I find this helps with my thinking, inspiration, and problem-solving abilities.

I like a mix of activities. My husband and I like to go for walks around the nearby lake, and I jog and sometimes like to hit the gym.

It’s humid here in Singapore, so outdoor activity means tonnes of sweat, which makes me feel great. We often go cycling because there are many park connectors and paths to explore.

Aside from keeping active, I try to spend time with my friends and family on the weekends.

2. You have an interesting journey going from business to data science. Why did you decide to study business?

I’ve always liked numbers and enjoy working out complicated mathematical equations.

I’d also attribute my career decisions to family influence because my dad ran a business while I was growing up.

So, I figured running my own business was a natural path.

I had some great experience working for an international vision organisation, and I especially enjoyed learning the legal and cultural aspects.

Those years were foundational experiences of my working life.

After that, I had an opportunity to become a conference producer. I gained important experience in this role, especially honing my communication skills.

I enjoyed the conferences I went to because they allowed me to speak to various people, and I liked the research required around different conference topics.

But ultimately, I found it wasn’t quite my thing. My work experience, particularly my logistics role, ignited my interest in data science.

3. So, it was during some work experience that you first became interested in data science?

Yes, it was while I was working at a logistics company that I realised I didn’t have a good understanding of data.

This drive to understand data motivated me and sparked my curiosity. I wanted to know more about data because it’s important in our businesses and lives.

So, I decided to pause my career and figure out what I wanted to do.

I thought to myself, is there something else I can learn?

4. Why did you choose the Institute of Data’s Data Science & AI Programme specifically?

When I started researching the programmes and comparing their costs and content, it became clear that the Institute of Data’s programme would be affordable and good value for money.

I did a lot of research and comparison of providers. I had never heard of the Institute of Data before I found them online. I called and had a consultation about what the programme covered.

I also come from a non-technical background — no engineering, science, or IT experience.

I had to start from scratch, so I was looking for a programme that accepts students without a technical background.

I chose the Institute of Data Institute because no other provider offered the same level of competency.

5. How was your experience of the programme overall?

I completed the programme part-time to spread the workload and make my schedule manageable.

Completing the programme over six months really worked for me.

The part-time option allowed me to pace myself and to have enough me-time.

At one point, I was struggling with the programme. It was getting tough, so eventually, I reached out to my trainer.

My trainer was very encouraging and impressed with my approach. He was very available, offering different recommendations and ways to approach my assignments.

The assistant trainer was also very helpful and always available to answer any coursework or lab work questions – It was very reassuring knowing they were there to help.

They provided that assistance throughout the whole programme. Even after we graduated, they have been supportive during the job-recruitment process.

We also had an amazing talent coach who was always checking in on us and very supportive regarding job interviews and what employers seek.

6. What advice would you give someone curious about signing up for the Data Science Programme?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions (in the programme). There are always other people wondering the same thing, but they’re too shy to ask.

Completing the programme gives you experience from the accumulation of knowledge. As we went through the modules, I found that our understanding and skills moved from foundational to more complex.

Technology is constantly changing in the workplace. What the Insitute of Data does well is provide lots of opportunities to learn from real-life scenarios.

The Data Science & AI Programme caters to and prepares students to become working professionals in the digital work environment.

7. You’re a Data Analyst now, is that correct? How are you settling into your new role?

Yes, I’m working as a data analyst at Singapore Post.

What excites me is the opportunity to use the skills I learned in the Data Science & AI Programme.

The job market right now isn’t that stable. There’s a lot of competition amongst graduates fresh out of university.

I have many options to explore and see this as a stepping stone in my career. If I end up back in the business space as an account manager, I can use the data science skills I’ve acquired.

It’s an exciting time because I have the skills and confidence to learn on the job. So yeah, that’s why I’m excited to enter this industry.

8. What do you enjoy the most about working in the Data Science Industry?

The beauty of data science is that it’s constantly evolving, and the data you get depends on the context of a scenario.

Everybody’s talking about artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI. Everybody has their own ChatGPT, and every company is developing one. I am excited to see how AI will change the world.

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

Before I completed the programme, my career felt a bit stagnant. I didn’t want to be doing the same thing in thirty years.

I felt young enough at the time to take some risks and explore outside my comfort zone.

My advice for graduates is that sometimes life is just a lot of trial and error, and it takes time and courage to discover what works and what doesn’t.

Also to practice your technical skills. You have to work to stay current with developments and new technologies.

10. What advice would you give Singaporeans interested in joining the data science industry?

Don’t overthink it. Just go ahead and complete the Data Science & AI Programme. You’ll have learned something you can apply in your life, personally and professionally.

Make the most of the Institute of Data’s resources, and keep a positive mindset about entering the workforce.

Not only will you learn foundational tools and languages, but the Job Outcomes Programme also provides terrific resume templates that show you how to start and present your resume.

The most important thing is not to be afraid to get rejections because, in the end, they make you stronger.

It’s all good experience and the opportunity to refine your resume. There’s always room to improve.

11. Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience or anything you want to pass on?

Completing the Data Science Programme is an investment in yourself and your happiness and future.

It’s a favour you do for yourself, and you deserve to excel in life.

Conclusion

If you’d like to learn more about our Data Science & AI Programme, please download a course outline.

Alternatively, you can speak directly with a team member by booking a free career consultation and to start your journey with an actionable plan.

You can connect with Angelia and follow her professional journey on LinkedIn.