With a background in law and itchy feet, Akshita Poreema\u2019s journey into data science was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the complexities of living away from home.<\/p>\n
Along with many people, the COVID pandemic changed Akshita\u2019s plans and her mindset.<\/p>\n
After experiencing the Auckland lockdowns, Akshita was inspired to arm herself with skills that allowed for flexibility and the ability to work remotely.<\/p>\n
After some research and soul searching, Akshita found her way back to tech, deciding on the Institute of Data\u2019s Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Programme<\/a>.<\/p>\n We caught up with Akshita recently, keen to hear about her experience with data science and if she had any words of advice for those considering a career in this ever-expanding arena.<\/p>\n I’m originally from Mauritius. I came to New Zealand in 2017 for my tertiary education.<\/p>\n After school, I completed my law degree and was admitted to the bar after my professional studies.<\/p>\n Although my long-term plan was to become a lawyer and return to Mauritius as a practising barrister, after my studies and working here, I fell in love with New Zealand and decided to stay on.<\/p>\n Well, In high school, my favourite subject was computer science.<\/p>\n[su_quote]Everything computer-related always felt like a game. It never felt like work to me.[\/su_quote]\n Through my exposure to games as a kid and programming at school, I found I enjoyed problem-solving and working things out on my own.<\/p>\n[su_quote]I\u2019ve always liked that aspect of technology, randomly trying things out, trying to figure out shortcuts and cheat codes.[\/su_quote]\n I still game<\/a> now and I\u2019ve always loved that aspect of technology.<\/p>\n Regarding how I became interested in Data Science, after a couple of years of experience as an in-house lawyer, I started thinking about getting into tech, but I didn\u2019t want to waste all the (law) training I\u2019d undergone to get to that point.<\/p>\n[su_quote]I wanted to use my legal experience and combine it with something that I loved.[\/su_quote]\n So, I started by looking into fintech (financial technology) and opportunities in finance-related technology.<\/p>\n This research led me to legal tech.<\/p>\n At that point, I was two years into the pandemic, and I was really over all the COVID-related stuff.<\/p>\n That\u2019s when I started looking at how I could upskill<\/a>.<\/p>\n I wanted to do something concrete and move out of stagnation.<\/p>\n I decided to return to what I used to love: tech.\u00a0I researched different courses, but the ones I discovered were either poorly structured or didn\u2019t offer a certification.<\/p>\n At the time, I was deciding between data science and cyber security<\/a>.<\/p>\n For me, because of my experience with the lockdowns, it was important to have the ability to work remotely if needed, and data science<\/a> was top of the list in that regard.<\/p>\n The inclusion of the AI component in the Institute of Data\u2019s Data Science & AI<\/a> Programme really appealed to me.<\/p>\n I looked at other providers, like the traditional university degrees, but they would have taken much longer.<\/p>\n The cost was also a major factor when I compared the programme to other providers, and the Institute of Data\u2019s Data Science & AI Programme <\/a>was much more cost-effective.<\/p>\n I also like the boot camp-style learning aimed at working professionals and those new to data science.<\/p>\n I found the programme intense but highly rewarding.<\/p>\n[su_quote] At times, working and studying simultaneously was challenging, but I knew I had to work towards achieving the work-life balance I wanted.[\/su_quote]\n Completing the programme and embracing challenges in my job taught me that I like jumping into new projects and learning new things.<\/p>\n Also, I didn\u2019t realise much could be done with data analysis.<\/p>\n Data science opened a whole new world to me.<\/p>\n[su_quote]What I also realised was that when it comes to anything tech-related\u2014data science, AI, and using ChatGPT\u2014it still feels like a game to me. Computers are a kind of safe space for me. [\/su_quote]\n The assistant trainers were really helpful in navigating the whole process.<\/p>\n They supported us whenever we had doubts or needed help to complete our ideas.<\/p>\n[su_quote]Our tutor was also very good. He made classes fun. He made a huge effort to connect with us and provide job support.[\/su_quote]\n My experience with the Job Support Programme<\/a> was also positive.<\/p>\n[su_quote]When I was contacted about my current position, the Institute of Data\u2019s job support team helped me through the whole recruitment process.[\/su_quote]\n I’m very grateful, and it was definitely the best decision.<\/p>\n I’m a Compliance Analyst at a wealth management firm.<\/p>\n Data science helps me handle, manipulate and clean data<\/a> faster.<\/p>\n I\u2019m currently moving towards more IT-related compliance tasks.<\/p>\n For example, I\u2019m currently working on an artificial intelligence (AI) policy and safety measures around platforms like ChatGPT.<\/p>\n The Institute of Data\u2019s Data Science & AI<\/a> Programme has helped me confidently undertake that kind of work.<\/p>\n I decided, on an impulse, to join the Data Science Programme, which was quite a shift in approach for me because I like to plan everything out.<\/p>\n[su_quote]I\u2019m really glad I did take the leap, though, because by taking concrete action towards my dreams, I manifested a direction, and a path opened up for me.[\/su_quote]\n I like the data science industry in terms of what it\u2019s not.<\/p>\n The legal industry is very hierarchical and rules-based.<\/p>\n The tech space feels way more relaxed.<\/p>\n It took me years to learn that we must be patient to see results.<\/p>\n We have to be able to control our fear and learn to take calculated risks if we\u2019re in a position to do so.<\/p>\n That’s how I like to embrace it.<\/p>\n If you\u2019d like to learn more about our Data Science & AI Programmes<\/a>, book a career consultation<\/a> with one of our experts at the Institute of Data and start your journey with an actionable plan.<\/p>\n1. Akshita, please tell me a bit about yourself.<\/h2>\n
2. How did you first become interested in technology and Data Science?<\/h2>\n
3. Why did you choose the Institute of Data over other institutions?<\/h2>\n
4. Were any of the programme\u2019s resources particularly valuable to you?<\/h2>\n
5. That is great to hear! Can you tell us about your current role?<\/h2>\n
6. That\u2019s awesome. What do you enjoy the most about working in the Data Science & AI industry?<\/h2>\n
7. What guidance would you give someone applying for jobs after graduating?<\/h2>\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n