Leon Lim has always been interested in technology.<\/p>\n
However, due to an unexpected job change caused by COVID-19, he decided to explore a new career path.<\/p>\n
Although his true passion is cooking, Leon wanted to pursue a profession that could offer job security and the flexibility to work remotely if needed.<\/p>\n
After researching various options, Leon settled on data science.<\/p>\n
We met with Leon recently, eager to hear about his experience and decision to learn with the Institute of Data’s Data Science & AI Programme<\/a>.<\/p>\n Leon’s Data Science Certification helped him secure his current position.<\/p>\n He shares advice for those interested in this tech field.<\/p>\n I’m from Singapore, and my main interest outside of work is cooking.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve watched all of the seasons of \u2018Hell\u2019s Kitchen\u2019. Gordon Ramsay has been a big inspiration to me.<\/p>\n In my early life, I completed a diploma in business tech.<\/p>\n Tech has always interested me, and because it was booming in the early 2000s, I decided it was a good path.<\/p>\n I didn\u2019t find it that easy back then, but perhaps that\u2019s because I didn\u2019t have the proper guidance or training.<\/p>\n After completing my tech diploma, I worked in various positions.<\/p>\n Most recently, I served as a country manager for a manufacturing company, where I focused on sales development and marketing.<\/p>\n Then, due to COVID-19, I was retrenched from my job.<\/p>\n That was when I began to reconsider my career trajectory.<\/p>\n To explore my options, I researched career trends online, and that’s when I came across data science as a promising “career of the future<\/a>“.<\/p>\n Data science was a new topic to me because it wasn’t available back when I was pursuing my diploma.<\/p>\n[su_quote]A lot had changed in those ten years, but it looked interesting, and based on my technical background, I knew I could pick up where I left off.[\/su_quote]\n Because of my experiences during COVID-19, I knew I needed a flexible job that I could do remotely.<\/p>\n[su_quote]The experience of being laid off inspired me to bulletproof my career and acquire an additional skill set.[\/su_quote]\n Data science had such a good outlook and potential that I decided to pursue it, and that is where I am today.<\/p>\n When I was considering getting back into tech I started researching my options and stumbled upon the concept of bootcamps<\/i><\/a>.<\/p>\n After an online search, it came down to two options: the Institute of Data\u2019s programme and another provider.<\/p>\n I spoke to friends who had completed the other programme, and they said it wasn\u2019t as thorough.<\/p>\n So, I compared the modules myself, and the Institute of Data\u2019s programme was more in-depth and comprehensive – I felt that the Institute of Data bootcamp<\/a> would be an easier and more efficient way to transition my career.<\/p>\n I knew the certification would be the best investment for my future.<\/p>\n The programme was very comprehensive.<\/p>\n One of the highlights was being recommended to become an assistant trainer after I completed the programme, which I did for a while before landing a permanent job.<\/p>\n Learning the different techniques and models was very eye-opening, and I enjoyed the opportunities to research and apply that knowledge practically.<\/p>\n The tutors and the assistant trainer were super helpful in my learning journey too.<\/p>\n[su_quote]Because the cohort size was small, we were able to ask questions. The trainers were always responsive to our queries and available for extra learning support.[\/su_quote]\n I also liked the structure of the programme.<\/p>\n In the morning, we had lectures that covered course material.<\/p>\n We would then apply that knowledge through scenarios with the help of the assistant trainer in the afternoon.<\/p>\n I found that style of learning very helpful.<\/p>\n I am a support analyst. I migrate data to the cloud.<\/p>\n Honestly, it\u2019s more of a data engineering role than a data science role, but I\u2019ve found myself using the tools and techniques we were exposed to in the programme.<\/p>\n[su_quote]My certification in data science has given me an excellent foundation as I plan to upskill and move more into data engineering.[\/su_quote]\n I realised over time that I’m more of an individual contributor than a builder of teams.<\/p>\n Recently, I have been enjoying the autonomy of examining problems, analysing them, and contributing to their solutions from my own perspective.<\/p>\n Data science is a complex topic, so it pays to come into the industry with an open mind and a determination to learn.<\/p>\n[su_quote]As a former student of the Institute of Data, I can recommend the programme because it\u2019s very comprehensive and designed for both beginners and more experienced students.[\/su_quote]\n The trainers and assistant trainers are very knowledgeable and approachable. They\u2019re always there to support you with your tutorials and projects.<\/p>\n There are just so many paths available within the data science industry<\/a>.<\/p>\n So, it is important to try out different kinds of jobs to find out what you like.<\/p>\n It was only after completing the programme<\/a> that I realised I wanted to do data engineering.<\/p>\n You will only know what is the right career for you once you try it out.<\/p>\n Never stop learning because there are so many opportunities<\/a>. I’m very happy where I am currently in my career and I\u2019m looking forward to seeing where it will take me.<\/p>\n I\u2019m glad I took the opportunity when it came along, and I\u2019ll always be grateful I chose a career with impact.<\/p>\n You can connect with Leon and follow his professional journey on LinkedIn<\/a>. If you are interested in a career in data science consider downloading a free copy of the Institute of Data’s Data Science & AI Course Outline<\/a>.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n1. Tell us a bit about yourself, Leon.<\/h2>\n
2. Why did you decide to get back into the tech industry?<\/h2>\n
3. Why did you decide to study with the Institute of Data specifically?<\/h2>\n
4. What did you think of the programme overall?<\/h2>\n
5. Can you tell us about your current role?<\/h2>\n
6. That\u2019s awesome! What do you enjoy most about working in the data science field?<\/h2>\n
7. What advice would you give others interested in joining the Data Science & AI Industry?<\/h2>\n
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