Posted on February 19, 2019 by Yash .
Successful data scientists can come from a wide range of backgrounds and skill levels, given the right training. This month’s Alumni Success Story shows just that!
Colaberry has graduated 800+ alumni since its program inception, and it is success stories like Elvis that make us strive to continuously provide the most useful content to help our graduates achieve their dreams!
Elvis is currently an ETL Developer. We had the pleasure of sitting down with him to discuss his experience both during and after his Colaberry Data Analytics training program.
Name: Elvis
Job Title: ETL Developer
Colaberry: How did you hear about Colaberry?
Elvis: I heard about Colaberry from my brother-in-law who went through the same program.
Colaberry: What do you think people should know about you?
Elvis: I strongly believe that my faith in God has been instrumental in my career path and life in general! I believe in the golden rule. I also believe that your attitude is the ultimate highway to higher grounds. We must create and foster an atmosphere that will generate positivity by all means and have the social awareness of the atmosphere we carry around wherever we go.
I strongly value my family and the support system of good friends. I believe that true happiness comes from helping others achieve their dreams by planting seeds of expectation in them and sharing a word that will benefit someone.
Colaberry: Was any family member(s) or support system instrumental in helping you reach your current level of success?
Elvis: Most definitely! Most of the credit goes to my wife who stayed up with me while I burned the midnight oil in the makeshift home office we created in the corner of our bedroom. She pushed me and encouraged me to keep working hard and, oh, she checked my grades and progress report too!
Colaberry: Where did you grow up? Are you a member of any underrepresented classes in the tech world?
Elvis: I was born and raised in Kenya before immigrating to the US about 15 or so years ago. I got my Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas in Arlington but that was not enough till I decided to join Colaberry, and it has been the best decision I’ve made ever since.
Colaberry: Why did you decide to enroll in Colaberry’s School of Data Analytics?
Elvis: A picture can tell a thousand words. Since completing Colaberry, all the jobs I have held have been in line with my goals of financial and professional growth.
Colaberry: What challenges or circumstances did you have to overcome to be successful (if any) and how did Colaberry assist you in that?
Elvis: Ali, one of Colaberry’s staff was truthful from the beginning. He and the rest of the staff and mentors made it clear that to be successful, we had to set our priorities right even if it meant making our family and friends understand that you are heading to a boot camp seminar and that they would have limited time with you but for a good cause. It is a worthwhile sacrifice. This is exactly what I shared with my wife, family, and friends. Thankfully, my wife backed me and so did my kids.
Colaberry: Did you have a data analytics/data science background or any associated skills before joining Colaberry?
Elvis: I just had basic knowledge but not any in-depth IT background. My previous experience was mostly on the front end.
Colaberry: What training courses did you complete through Colaberry?
Elvis: Data Analytics with a focus on Microsoft Business Intelligence.
Colaberry: How do you think you benefited most from Colaberry’s training?
Elvis: Colaberry’s training is one of a kind! If you follow the instructors’ and mentors’ directions and advice, you can do well but you have to put in your time and effort as the program covers a mountain of information designed to give students a competitive advantage out in the field. You may want to quit many times, but if you dedicate yourself and give it an extra push, you can inch closer and closer to your goals each day.
Colaberry: Did you have any fond memories during your training experience that you’d like to share?
Elvis: The training was intense and comprehensive! I felt like days were flashing by and that 24 hours a day was not enough hours in a day. With a full-time job, a wife, and 5 kids, I felt a bit like I was drowning and sometimes I felt like quitting would make sense, but I remembered I had to stay the course and be committed.
My wife kept pushing me, and I am glad she did because eventually, it paid off! I wanted to quit and start looking for a job before completing phase 2 of the program, but Ali and my mentors encouraged me to stay the course and finish. Ali and I got into it at times when he advised me not to start looking for jobs till I completed training. I eventually decided to complete the training first, and I felt much more comfortable looking for work after that. The few jobs I have had after Colaberry have helped me grow in this career.
Colaberry: In terms of your current salary vs. your previous position, do you feel that Colaberry helped you to reach your goals?
Elvis: Most definitely! When I had my first one-on-one meeting with Ali, he evaluated me and we set a salary goal. After Colaberry, the jobs I have had have been on target when it comes to salary.
Colaberry: Did you learn any soft skills (e.g. non-verbal communication, tone of voice, etc.) through Colaberry?
Elvis: I sure did. The videos that we produced by recording ourselves enhanced our communication training. I would encourage every student to take those videos seriously. Colaberry has structured its training to build on earlier knowledge and skills. You can see your progress when you look back at the videos you’ve created, and it’s easy to remember what you were talking about in your videos.
Some of the soft skills I perfected with the Refactored platform were:
- Communication Skills (non-verbal and verbal skills)
- Self-Awareness
- Improved my “grit”
- Time Management
- Critical/Creative Thinking
I also learned a lot from reviewing my peers’ videos and critiquing them. Teamwork that comes with group work at Colaberry boosts your teamwork spirit, therefore you gotta make sure you aren’t the weakest link on the team! You gotta give it your best since that’s exactly what’s expected of you at work.
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Colaberry: How did those skills help you in the workplace/ get a job?
Elvis: From interviews to communication at the workplace, it is very instrumental to recognize that communication is on top of the list for anyone’s success, whether it is the company or the workers. Effective communication is not just a destination for me but a continuous process. I embrace any opportunity to grow in that area. The workplace can be a fast-paced environment where everyone is required to do their part to ensure the work train reaches its different destinations on time.
Getting the business project requirements right is important to ensure you do not waste time doing the project incorrectly! It’s frustrating to everyone, if you are invited to something important, then you find yourself taking the wrong route to your destination. While this may not be eliminated, communication can minimize the inefficiencies and maximize efficiency, which in turn plays into the whole Business Intelligence aspect.
Colaberry: Would you recommend Colaberry to others? If yes, why?
Elvis: I decided to make Colaberry a family and friends affair because it helped me advance my career and be on track to accomplish my life’s dreams! I want everyone to know that Colaberry’s education works! My wife recently started her training at Colaberry as well, and I will encourage her to finish just as she encouraged me.
Despite the bumps and detours along the way, I have come to realize that sometimes getting to your destination on time is important but it’s just also important to get there safely!
Even if you may be a little late sometimes due to the detours, roadblocks, and bumps on the road, it is important to stay focused on your goals!
Colaberry: Would you ever consider returning to Colaberry to take more classes?
Elvis: Oh yes, the exciting thing about being in the IT industry is that it is an ever-changing career and requires planning and adaptability. These are skills Colaberry helped me hone throughout the program.
Being willing to learn new skills will ensure that I am not caught off my game. I want to stay ahead of the game and shine. I want to take on more courses to help me do exactly that!
Colaberry: What do you find most enjoyable about your current position?
Elvis: I love being in the IT industry because there is never a dull, boring day because you have nothing to do. The environment is dynamic and exciting as you are evolving right along with technological changes and advancements.
Colaberry: Do you have any final thoughts or advice for current and future students at Colaberry?
Elvis: My advice is that prioritize your time and make sure your friends understand that you need their support and not distraction and stress while going through the program. If you stay ahead at least two sections, you can give yourself a little bit of some breathing room to stop and smell a few roses along your training journey.
You also want to make sure you have a self-care plan, including having some time for your family and friends when they need you. Stay organized. Make sure you have your home office set up properly with one additional screen to connect to your laptop. The program structure is your flight plan.
Your flight will be turbulent but make sure you’re prepared, and organized, and following your flight plan will ensure that you eventually get to your destination despite the turbulence, side wind, and headwinds along the way. Always remember that the plane takes off against the wind and that’s what propels it to its cruising altitudes. When those challenges come your way, make sure that you remember that in case you forget everything.
I would also add that my faith in God was and is not just a side note but a part of who I am. Prayer, determination, family and friends’ support, and commitments are tools that I keep in my toolbox! Stay the course and good luck! Fasten your seat belt and enjoy your flight.
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Our Program
Colaberry has been providing one-of-a-kind, career-oriented training in data analytics and data science since 2012. We offer instructor-led onsite and online classes. Learn with us in person on our campus in Plano, Texas, or remotely from the comfort of your home. We have helped over 5,000 people to transform their lives with our immersive boot camp-style programs.
In-Demand Skills
Colaberry training programs equip you with in-demand tech and human skills. Our up-to-date lessons and carefully crafted curriculum set you up for success from day one. Throughout the training and the job search, our mentors will support and guide you as you transition into a fast-paced and exciting field of data analytics and data science.
Project-Based Learning
Our programs integrate projects that are based on real-world scenarios to help you master a new concept, tool, or skill. We work with you to build your portfolio to showcase your skills and achievements.
Award Winning Learning Platform
You will be learning using our homegrown technology platform Refactored AI which is recognized as the “Most Promising Work of the Future Solution” in global competition by MIT SOLVE. Our platform also received General Motors’ “Advanced Technology” prize and McGovern Foundation’s “Artificial Intelligence for Betterment of Humanity” prize.
Placement Assistance
Colaberry’s program, platform, and ecosystem empower you with skills that you need to succeed in your job interviews and transition into a high-paying career. Over 1/3rd of Colaberry graduates receive job offers after their first in-person interview. We provide you continuous mentoring and guidance until you land your job, and provide you post-placement support for twelve months so that you not only survive but thrive in your career.
Financial Aid
At Colaberry, we strive to create opportunities for all. We work with each individual to ensure the cost of the training does not hold them back from becoming future-ready. We offer various payment plans, payment options, and scholarships to work with the financial circumstances of our learners.
Military Scholarship
Colaberry is committed to supporting men and women who have served our country in uniform. As part of this commitment, we offer Military Scholarships to enable active-duty and retired military members to transition into civilian life. We have already helped numerous veterans by creating a pathway to rewarding and exciting careers in data science and data analytics. We hold alumni events and provide an extensive support system and a strong community of veterans to help our students succeed. Contact our enrollment team to find out more about how we can help you.
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Bureau of Labor Statistics
Current salary data for Information Technology and Data Science positions can be found at: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes150000.htm