Not all engineers stay in their lanes. Some shift gears entirely–exchanging construction sites and aircraft hangars for Python scripts and data dashboards.
For Royal Baswan and Swapnil Patil, the leap from traditional engineering roles into the world of data science wasn’t a backup plan–it was a conscious reinvention. Driven by curiosity, guided by opportunity, and powered by consistent effort, both turned what seemed like detours into rewarding new directions. Here’s how they did it.
Aircrafts, algorithms, and a new ambition: Royal Baswan’s data story
After completing his degree in aircraft maintenance engineering, Royal began his career at Indigo Airlines as an associate technician. While his work focused on technical upkeep, he found himself increasingly drawn to the maintenance data generated during aircraft servicing.
“I used to work on the maintenance data and noticed that bigger airlines were looking for roles that combined engineering with technology. That’s when I started exploring data science,” he shares.
His search led him to the Post Graduate Program in Data Science and Engineering by Great Learning–a choice that would prove pivotal. “It was an intense and theoretically exceptional program. I really loved the way it was structured–learning the concept, practicing it immediately, and reinforcing it through assignments and mini-projects.”
The rigor of the program pushed him out of his comfort zone, but in the best way possible. “It really challenges you. If you follow it rigorously and consistently, you’ll come out excellent at coding.”
Royal appreciated how approachable the faculty was and how the teaching made even complex concepts accessible. But beyond learning, what stood out to him was the job portal and placement support.
“Jobs were posted regularly with all the details–salary, location, interview rounds, JD–right up front. And once I was shortlisted, the team shared prep material and past interview questions. That made a huge difference.”
The career prep sessions, both during and after the program, helped him sharpen his concepts and stay interview-ready. Today, Royal is working as a data scientist at Digilytics AI –a far cry from his aircraft engineering roots, but a destination he’s proud to have reached.
Reconstructing the future: A civil engineer’s move into data science
Swapnil’s journey began on construction sites. A civil engineer working in the public sector, his day-to-day work was far removed from anything to do with code or data.
“I was completely immersed in the world of civil engineering,” he says. That is, until a friend introduced him to Great Learning’s Post Graduate Program in Data Science and Engineering.
Skeptical at first, Swapnil wasn’t sure if he could bridge the gap. “I was apprehensive—how could someone with my background handle such technical subjects?” But once the program started, his fears quickly dissolved.
“The way they taught was nothing short of amazing. The curriculum was designed in a way that it helped me, a civil engineer, ease into the world of data science. It bridged that knowledge gap perfectly.”
For Swapnil, it wasn’t just about the tools and techniques, it was about transforming how he thought. “Great Learning didn’t just teach me data science, they gave me the confidence to belong in this field.”
He now works as a Data Scientist at Mu Sigma, and says he doesn’t feel like a non-techie anymore. “I wholeheartedly recommend Great Learning. They’ve helped me transform my career and land my dream job.”
Rerouting can lead you exactly where you belong
Royal and Swapnil both started their careers in branches of engineering that rarely intersected with data science. Yet, their desire to grow beyond the limitations of their roles pushed them to explore something new, and ultimately, thrive in it.
Their stories prove that no technical background is ever too narrow, and no career lane is ever too fixed. With the right mindset and the right learning partner, rerouting can sometimes lead you exactly where you were meant to be.
