By Mayuri Shivam
The journey into data science often seems reserved for those with a traditional tech background, but the truth is far more inspiring. Professionals from diverse fields are successfully breaking into this booming industry, proving that passion, comprehensive training, and the right support can lead to incredible career transformations. Great Learning stands as a testament to this, empowering individuals to redefine their professional trajectories.
Let’s meet two such individuals, Savita RS and Harshit Bachchan, who successfully shifted their careers into data science with the Post Graduate Program in Data Science and Engineering by Great Lakes.
Savita RS: A Non-Technical Dream Realized in Bangalore
Embracing a New City and Building Confidence
Savita RS harboured a strong desire to enter the Data Science industry, drawn by her aptitude for data, despite coming from a “pure non-technical background.” A friend’s recommendation led her to Great Learning, where she consulted with their team about the feasibility of her dream. Impressed by the curriculum, she finally enrolled in the April Batch in Bangalore.
Starting the program in Bangalore was a significant step for Savita, her first time living away from home in a metro city. Initial doubts about her success quickly dissipated. “As the course started, it was very easy to catch up,” she recounts, crediting the dedicated instructors. “Here at Great Learning, I found many good teachers who are always ready to help you with any type of technical problem.” Beyond academics, the personal support was exceptional. Her Program Manager was “very helpful in the entire process,” and her Branch Head was “like a second Mother to me regarding studies or any other personal problem; she is always there for me.”
A Rapid Career Pivot to Data Engineer
The support extended seamlessly into the placement process. The aptitude and personal growth sessions were instrumental, and a dedicated job fair was arranged for the entire batch. With this support and her own dedication, Savita secured a position as a Data Engineer at DataGroker in just five months. Her message to others from non-technical backgrounds is clear and inspiring: “I was from a fully non-technical background, and I changed my career in just 5 months, so other people can also do so.”
Harshit Bachchan: From Sales Floor to Data-Driven Insights
Engaging Learning and Practical Skills
Harshit Bachchan’s journey involved a significant transition from a “pure sales background” to a Data Science profile. He credits the Post Graduate Program in Data Science and Engineering by Great Lakes for enabling this pivot in “each and everything,” expressing his appreciation for the support received.
Harshit appreciated the faculty’s distinct teaching style. “The methodology behind teaching was somewhat very different from what we had learned in our school or graduation days,” he observed. “It feels like you enjoy the lecture and learn to compete with your batchmates in a very friendly way.” He found the curriculum highly relevant to real-world practices: “You get to learn the things that are practiced in the real world. In fact, each one gets to realize this when they sit in an interview.”
Prepared for Opportunities
Harshit felt “well-trained for all the interview rounds,” covering aptitude, personality tests, technical discussions, and business case studies. The placement committee offered ongoing support: “They guide you even during the company interview processes.” With this guidance and his own effort, Harshit secured a position with Annalect, a subsidiary of Omnicom Group, the second-largest marketing and advertising group globally. Reflecting on his journey, he shares: “I am really thankful to all my teachers, mentors, and the whole Great Learning team for their guidance throughout the course.”
Your Path to Data Science Success
The inspiring stories of Savita and Harshit powerfully illustrate that a background in data science isn’t a prerequisite for a thriving career in the field. What truly matters is a desire to learn, coupled with a well-structured program and unwavering support. Great Lakes’ Post Graduate Program in Data Science and Engineering provides just that, a comprehensive curriculum, dedicated faculty, personalized mentorship, and strong career guidance that helps individuals from diverse backgrounds move towards successful roles in the data-driven world. If you’re looking to break the mold and make a significant career pivot into data science, their journeys offer compelling proof of what’s possible.
