After more than 26 years of work in the social development sector, Dr. Aapga wanted to explore something new. The intention was not to move away from her work, but to understand a field that is increasingly in demand and could support the design and evaluation of social development initiatives. At 54, she chose to step into an unfamiliar learning journey, but she was eager to embrace the challenge and see how new skills could enhance her impact in social development.
Revisiting Learning with Data Science
Born in a small town in the Bijnore district of Uttar Pradesh, Dr. Aapga has been working in the social development sector for the last 26 years. She holds a Doctorate in Social Work and an MBA. Reflecting on that shift, she shares, “Although I initially wanted to become a software developer, I circumstantially became a social worker.”
She began her career as a frontline fundraiser with a reputable organization and later went on to found her own organization. Over time, her work remained rooted in social development, even as her interest in technology continued.
As she explored a stream that was both relevant and in demand, Dr. Aapga wanted to learn something that involved computer coding and could be applied meaningfully within the social development space. “When I decided to take this step, people thought it was weird, but a friend supported me in my decision,” she shares.
This decision led her to enroll in the Master of Data Science (Global) program from Deakin University.
Overcoming Challenges to Build New Skills
Coming from a non-technical background, Dr. Aapga initially found the learning process challenging. Certain mathematical concepts were difficult to grasp, and she had to spend considerable time working through them. Making progress required patience and repeated effort.
Despite these challenges, she notes, “Overall, the experience has been satisfactory, and the program support has been excellent.”
She found the on-track modules particularly helpful in supporting steady progress through the coursework. “I have learned Python coding for Data Science and related cloud software, and I have been actively exploring online content and learning from it,” she shares.
Alongside the curriculum, she actively explored online content and continued learning independently.
She is currently enrolled in the program and has begun networking with others in the same field, using these interactions to exchange perspectives and learn from shared experiences. “The mentors of the program have been very supportive of me,” she adds.
Alongside her coursework, she is working on Microsoft Azure and continuing to build her understanding of how data tools can be applied in practice. “I aim to improve the working of the social development sector by analyzing data and making the results more impactful. I am currently working on Microsoft Azure”, she shares.
A Thoughtful Approach to Upskilling
Dr. Aapga approaches upskilling with clarity and intention. Learning, for her, requires focus and the ability to manage commitments carefully. It is a process that demands consistency and time.
Her journey reflects a considered decision to continue learning while remaining deeply connected to the work she has been committed to for more than two decades. Rather than rushing outcomes, she is focused on building capability gradually, with the intention of making social development work more informed and impactful.
