The decision to start over is never simple. It means stepping out of familiar routines, questioning what once felt secure, and daring to imagine something different. For Supreet and Manpreet, two determined women, the journey towards change began quietly. A spark of curiosity here, a late-night moment of reflection there.
What followed was a path marked by persistence, sacrifice, and the challenge of entering a world that often feels closed to outsiders. Their paths could not have been more different, yet both were driven by the same belief: that learning has the power to transform not just skills, but entire careers.
Supreet’s Story: From Lesson Plans to Data Sets
Supreet’s professional life began with chalk dust and lesson plans. As a trained graduate teacher, she was accustomed to guiding students through structured curricula. But at home, she often observed her husband working with datasets, running numbers, and uncovering insights that shaped decisions.
The observation grew into a quiet ambition, but with no corporate experience and a non-technical background, the challenge seemed daunting. Supreet knew she would need to start again, almost from scratch, in a field that moved quickly and demanded both technical skill and problem-solving ability. This conviction led her to join the Post Graduate Program in Data Science with Generative AI (earlier known as Data Science and Business Analytics) by the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin, a decision that became the turning point in her journey.
Juggling teaching duties, family responsibilities, and weekend online classes demanded resilience. “Though the journey was not easy, I had to manage between work, family, and weekend online classes,” she shares.
She found the curriculum to be thoughtfully designed, covering all the essential concepts and tools required in the industry. “The course curriculum is crafted well, covering all the aspects required in today’s industry. All the modules are very well-planned and are taught by industry experts,” she says. Supreet also credits Olympus for making the learning process seamless and engaging. The combination of expert-led sessions, supportive mentorship, and the robust platform created an ecosystem that enabled her to thrive.
Step by step, she built confidence through structured modules, assignments, and projects. The turning point came with the Capstone Project, which gave her hands-on experience to apply what she had learned. “It was the highlight of the course,” she adds. “It helped me to understand the importance of processes and stages in analytics.” Her persistence and focused learning eventually paid off. Supreet successfully transitioned into the role of Trainee Analyst at WNS Global Services.
Manpreet’s Story: From Chemistry to Business Strategy
While Supreet moved from teaching to technology, Manpreet began her journey in science. With a Master of Science in Chemistry, she had already developed an analytical way of thinking. Her research background taught her to question, test, and interpret results —skills closely aligned with what Data Science demands.
After starting as a Business Analyst, Manpreet found herself increasingly drawn to data-driven decision-making. The world of analytics offered not just career growth, but the chance to solve meaningful problems using tools she was eager to master. “I was drawn to the comprehensive development opportunities the field offers, from solving real-world problems to utilizing advanced tools for impactful decision-making,” she says.
The Post Graduate Program in Data Science (with Specialization in GenAI), by Great Lakes Executive Learning, delivered in collaboration with Great Learning ( previously known as PGP Data Science and Engineering) offered her an immersive environment with hands-on projects and engaging sessions that helped her strengthen her knowledge in Python, Machine Learning, and Data Visualization. “The career support was invaluable, the resume reviews, mock interviews, and one-on-one mentoring prepared me to face the job market with confidence,” she says.
Reflecting on her journey, Manpreet emphasizes the role of guidance and collaboration. “Their mentorship, combined with the collaborative spirit of my peers, played a pivotal role in advancing my skills and boosting my confidence,” she shares.
Today, Manpreet sees her transition as more than just a career move. Her scientific training now fuels her work in Data Analytics, helping her bring rigor and clarity to business problems. For her, the journey into data was both professional growth and personal transformation, a chance to expand what she was capable of achieving.
Breaking Myths About Who Belongs in Data Science
Supreet and Manpreet’s experiences challenge one of the most common myths: that Data Science is only for engineers. Their paths demonstrate that transferable skills, such as discipline from teaching and analytical rigor from science, can serve as powerful foundations for success in analytics. More importantly, their stories highlight the resilience it takes to start over. By stepping confidently into a new field, they proved that adaptability is just as important as technical knowledge.
Their success also reflects a broader shift in the industry. According to the World Economic Forum, 60% of workers will need to upskill by 2027 to keep pace with technological advancements. This has already sparked a wave of career reinvention, with organizations recognizing the value of diverse perspectives in analytics roles. Complex problems demand more than just technical expertise. They require creativity, critical thinking, and the ability to connect insights across domains. This blend of skills makes data-driven solutions more practical and impactful in today’s fast-changing world.
