Thinking about a career in data, yet “you think” you do not possess the background or skills for it? Give this post a chance to change your mind!

Fact Check

   Desire and genuine interest in data necessary. STEM background not mandatory

The truth is, most of the time, a genuine interest and self-motivation for a certain topic is the most essential attribute you can have when pivoting your career trajectory. In fact, this is something that will benefit you throughout your entire career.

From NASA astronaut to NASA researcher. Give yourself the career change you deserve!

Four weeks into my internship I came across, perhaps, the most inspiring career story ever. A woman that did not let herself be stopped or limited by obstacles she found along the way and whose limit was space!

We often have dreams and high hopes for ourselves, however, we also expend a lot of energy contemplating the NOs rather than exhibiting a can-do attitude and simply trying something. I would encourage anyone with a non-technical background to give themselves the opportunity to explore Data oriented roles (if  a desire to do so exists). You will find, that unlike training to become an astronaut for instance, the limits and obstacles are ones that you put there yourself. A shocking revelation for me was the fact that during fight training (a requirement for an astronaut) a woman will find herself in a less favourable position given the male predominance. However, when it comes to data, gender should have no bearing. I have witnessed Baringa’s supportive environment with a balanced gender ratio.

Fact Check

   Imposter Syndrome will not last forever. Nothing does

You have taken the risk, made it into Data but after every coffee chat you ask yourself what the heck you are doing among professionals with STEM backgrounds whose capabilities and skills seem way too technical for you. Welcome to the Imposter Syndrome. This was the case for me at least. I studied a BA in European Politics and a MSc in Management and after every coffee chat I came away with feelings of self-doubt thinking that I was not skilled enough to be in this business unit. But let’s be clear about something, this is the wrong mindset to have! First, you are in the privileged position to be able to learn from these highly capable professionals - enjoy the learning journey! Second, imposter syndrome is something you will encounter at some point throughout your career; therefore, you should not let this feeling stop you from doing something and just come to realise that at the beginning of each and every journey self-doubt will creep in. As you progress and gain more understanding this feeling will start to vanish. And here is when magic happens, hello ego boost!

Fact Check

   Coding = resilience, patience and Google proficiency

Did I ever dream about becoming a coder? Big NO. Yet, I genuinely believe coding to be one of the most valuable skills for our present and future. Hence, when at the beginning of my internship I was told I would be using Python and SQL I was beyond thrilled and scared at the same time. I have experienced first-hand the roller-coaster journey of coding. There are days where you feel you are on top of your python game and you have conquered the world of developing, there are others where you can barely look at the script anymore and all you want to do is smash your laptop and swear at your screen. Luckily, I practise boxing thus no damage was inflicted on my work equipment. At, least that was my experience, and nonetheless, I am glad to have put myself in that position. First, it helped me realise that little me was so right in not wanting to become a coder. Second, I challenged myself in trying something new and acquiring further knowledge. One thing I am convince of is that knowledge is power. So, if you are deliberating whether to give coding a go, just know your patience and resilience will constantly be tested and google is your best friend. Trust me, you do not know how good you are at googling things until your start coding. I am sure you will find that out for yourself!

Fact Check

   Data is more than just purely technical / coding stuff. 

Let your creative and unique you find a spot within the magical world of data.

When I received my welcome pack, the first thing that surprised me is the many things you can do within data. It is diverse which allows so much opportunity for you to explore and discover what best suits you. Here a bit of self-reflection and analysis of your strengths and weaknesses is needed. A very important thing to remind yourself, though, is to be patience. What remains true at the beginning and throughout your career is that you might experience doubts or questions about your “purpose” – a rather philosophical notion beyond the scope of this post. Yet, when I started networking, the most important revelation was the fact that many “successful” professionals sometimes do not have a clear answer. It is completely normal to also take a few years to find the answers you seek. That is a personal journey and as cliché as it might sound it is important to enjoy the ride. Therefore, I think at the beginning of the journey it is important to have colleagues that can act as your mentors and give you that supportive hand you need. I am beyond grateful to have found that in Baringa. Sometimes the way becomes unclear, sometimes you feel in your own personal roller-coaster but be sure that the network and culture at Baringa are one of the greatest assets you can utilise!

Would I take this internship again? Big YES. Like everything in life, there are some things I have enjoyed more than others. Yet, they are all part of the package. I do not believe in perfection, but I do believe that great things can happen when you let yourself try. Success is a highly subjective word. At some point you will come to realise that it can mean something different throughout your life and that is OK! I once defined success as long working hours and numerous tasks to do. Today success means for me (1) the ability to not let my failures define me - thanks to this I can say I understand better coding. (2) Have a reliable and supportive network around me – thanks Baringa for encouraging people be their best version.