From Culinary Passion to Data Science: Leon’s Journey of Growth and Discovery

From Culinary Passion to Data Science Leons Journey of Growth and Discovery

Stay Informed With Our Weekly Newsletter

Receive crucial updates on the ever-evolving landscape of technology and innovation.

By clicking 'Sign Up', I acknowledge that my information will be used in accordance with the Institute of Data's Privacy Policy.

Leon Lim has always been interested in technology.

However, due to an unexpected job change caused by COVID-19, he decided to explore a new career path.

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.

After researching various options, Leon settled on data science.

We met with Leon recently, eager to hear about his experience and decision to learn with the Institute of Data’s Data Science & AI Program.

Leon’s Data Science Certification helped him secure his current position.

He shares advice for those interested in this tech field.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself, Leon.

I’m from Singapore, and my main interest outside of work is cooking.

I’ve watched all of the seasons of ‘Hell’s Kitchen’. Gordon Ramsay has been a big inspiration to me.

In my early life, I completed a diploma in business tech.

Tech has always interested me, and because it was booming in the early 2000s, I decided it was a good path.

I didn’t find it that easy back then, but perhaps that’s because I didn’t have the proper guidance or training.

2. Why did you decide to get back into the tech industry?

After completing my tech diploma, I worked in various positions.

Most recently, I served as a country manager for a manufacturing company, where I focused on sales development and marketing.

Then, due to COVID-19, I was retrenched from my job.

That was when I began to reconsider my career trajectory.

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“.

Data science was a new topic to me because it wasn’t available back when I was pursuing my diploma.

[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]

Because of my experiences during COVID-19, I knew I needed a flexible job that I could do remotely.

[su_quote]The experience of being laid off inspired me to bulletproof my career and acquire an additional skill set.[/su_quote]

Data science had such a good outlook and potential that I decided to pursue it, and that is where I am today.

3. Why did you decide to study with the Institute of Data specifically?

When I was considering getting back into tech I started researching my options and stumbled upon the concept of bootcamps.

After an online search, it came down to two options: the Institute of Data’s program and another provider.

I spoke to friends who had completed the other program, and they said it wasn’t as thorough.

So, I compared the modules myself, and the Institute of Data’s program was more in-depth and comprehensive – I felt that the Institute of Data bootcamp would be an easier and more efficient way to transition my career.

I knew the certification would be the best investment for my future.

4. What did you think of the program overall?

The program was very comprehensive.

One of the highlights was being recommended to become an assistant trainer after I completed the program, which I did for a while before landing a permanent job.

Learning the different techniques and models was very eye-opening, and I enjoyed the opportunities to research and apply that knowledge practically.

The tutors and the assistant trainer were super helpful in my learning journey, too.

[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]

I also liked the structure of the program.

In the morning, we had lectures that covered course material.

We would then apply that knowledge through scenarios with the help of the assistant trainer in the afternoon.

I found that style of learning very helpful.

5. Can you tell us about your current role?

I am a support analyst. I migrate data to the cloud.

Honestly, it’s more of a data engineering role than a data science role, but I’ve found myself using the tools and techniques we were exposed to in the program.

[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]

6. That’s awesome! What do you enjoy most about working in the data science field?

I realized over time that I’m more of an individual contributor than a builder of teams.

Recently, I have been enjoying the autonomy of examining problems, analyzing them, and contributing to their solutions from my own perspective.

7. What advice would you give others interested in joining the Data Science & AI Industry?

Data science is a complex topic, so it pays to come into the industry with an open mind and a determination to learn.

[su_quote]As a former student of the Institute of Data, I can recommend the program because it’s very comprehensive and designed for both beginners and more experienced students.[/su_quote]

The trainers and assistant trainers are very knowledgeable and approachable. They’re always there to support you with your tutorials and projects.

There are just so many paths available within the data science industry.

So, it is important to try out different kinds of jobs to find out what you like.

It was only after completing the program that I realized I wanted to do data engineering.

You will only know what is the right career for you once you try it out.

Never stop learning because there are so many opportunities. I’m very happy where I am currently in my career, and I’m looking forward to seeing where it will take me.

I’m glad I took the opportunity when it came along, and I’ll always be grateful I chose a career with impact.

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

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.

If you would like to speak to a local team member about our programs, book a free career consultation. 

Share This

Copy Link to Clipboard

Copy