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.<\/p>\n
Finding a role that was a better fit for him was a key priority.<\/p>\n
We caught up with Nirmal and asked him how the Institute of Data\u2019s Data Science & AI program<\/a> helped him leap into data science and what he was doing now.<\/p>\n Read on for helpful insight into what it takes to become a successful data scientist in today\u2019s digital world, both personally and professionally.<\/p>\n I’m originally from Singapore.<\/p>\n My interests include watching and playing football.<\/p>\n I enjoy keeping fit, so I do a lot of swimming, running, and regular gym sessions.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n However, I soon realized that I needed a change. I had been suffering from burnout, and I wasn’t enjoying the pressure at that level.<\/p>\n It forced me to evaluate what kind of job would align with my strengths.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n While researching different programs, I read extensively about data science and its popularity.<\/p>\n Many of the courses seemed to require some proficiency in Python<\/a> and sequel SQL<\/a>.<\/p>\n I tried the self-teaching route, but I realized there was a lot to learn and that I needed a structured approach to my learning.<\/p>\n I decided on the Institute of Data\u2019s Data Science & AI program<\/a>. I didn\u2019t have much working knowledge, so I needed a program that taught from the bottom up.<\/p>\n[su_quote]I liked that the Institute of Data\u2019s Data Science & AI program is designed for beginners. It felt like it was the right thing for me then.[\/su_quote]\n 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.<\/p>\n[su_quote]Value for money was a big deal for me, too. I needed to be sure it would work.[\/su_quote]\n 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.<\/p>\n That was a huge factor for me. It made it a feasible option.<\/p>\n[su_quote]I’m grateful for the subsidy. It definitely helped me a lot.[\/su_quote]\n The Institute of Data\u2019s Data Science & AI program<\/a> greatly benefited me.<\/p>\n It was very well structured.<\/p>\n I enjoyed how both practical and theory were covered in a balanced way.<\/p>\n Both of our teachers were excellent.<\/p>\n They were very enthusiastic, and they kept encouraging us to ask more questions, which gave me the impression that they knew their stuff.<\/p>\n This approach created a very good learning environment for me and my fellow students.<\/p>\n I also liked the ratio of students to teachers. There were two teachers to seven students.<\/p>\n I appreciated that the Institute of Data offers a job outcomes program to graduates, too.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n That’s how I got the opportunity. I wouldn’t have had this opportunity if not for the Institute of Data\u2019s<\/a> job support program.<\/p>\n After graduating, it took me about three to four months to find my current job.<\/p>\n It was quite the journey, but it was all worth it. The salary is really good, and there\u2019s great flexibility.<\/p>\n I go into the office once every week, and I can work from home for the rest of the time.<\/p>\n It was really worth the wait, and I’m glad I persevered.<\/p>\n What I enjoy most about the Data Science industry is the learning in terms of testing my critical and analytical thinking.<\/p>\n In my current role, I enjoy the opportunity to extend myself and think creatively.<\/p>\n It\u2019s really more suited to me than other kinds of jobs where I was required to stay inside a box.<\/p>\n The field has lived up to my expectations.<\/p>\n There’s still a lot more to learn, and I’m motivated to keep acquiring even greater skills and knowledge.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n Gaining good references is a critical way of opening opportunities compared to just applying on LinkedIn or any other portals.<\/p>\n It is important to work on improving your CV<\/a>, upgrading your skills, and using all your connections to gain referrals and introductions.<\/p>\n It\u2019s very attractive to employers if they see you are putting in a lot of effort.<\/p>\n Continue to upskill, even when you are searching for jobs.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also important to look at your talents and strengths.<\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve figured that out and you\u2019ve decided it\u2019s a good fit, then I would say you really have to have some courage and take the leap of faith.<\/p>\n Resourcefulness is very important. This is a key attribute because the industry is always expanding and changing.<\/p>\n Finally, you need to have good communication, and a lot of self-directed learning skills.<\/p>\n[su_quote]Having a growth mindset is very important for people in tech because of how fast the industry moves.[\/su_quote]\n I\u2019ll continue to improve and learn. I’ve always been determined about my own growth.<\/p>\n I’m always very future-oriented. I think I bring the drive and initiative needed in the tech industry.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n If you\u2019d like to learn more about our Data Science & AI programs<\/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. Nirmal, please tell us about yourself. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?<\/h2>\n
2. What were you doing before starting the program, and why did you decide to study Data Science & AI?<\/h2>\n
3. Did the IMDA subsidy help you pursue the program?<\/h2>\n
4. How did you find the Institute of Data\u2019s Data Science & AI program overall?<\/h2>\n
5. What do you enjoy most about working in the Data Science domain?<\/h2>\n
6. What guidance would you give to someone applying for jobs after graduating?<\/h2>\n
7. Where do you see yourself in five years from now?<\/h2>\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n