Adding Data Skills Leads a Business Student to a Co-op, then Job, at IBM
As an undergraduate business student, Nick felt that his technical skills were lacking for the roles that he was interested in applying for after graduation. By taking courses from IBM’s Python Data Science Professional Certificate Program, Nick was able to excel in a six-month co-op consulting position at IBM, and ultimately land a full-time position as a business transformation consultant after graduation.
How was your experience learning online?
My experience learning online was fantastic. Since I was a full-time student, I needed to learn in a flexible and self-paced setting. edX and learning online was the perfect fit to accommodate my busy schedule.
How has your learning impacted your career, life, or community?
The fact that I was introduced to data science and programming concepts in a self-paced and beginner-friendly environment meant that I became more confident in my technical skills. It allowed me to feel prepared to take a machine learning class and a few data analytics classes through my university.
My newly found confidence in my technical skills as a business student allowed me to thrive in a six-month co-op consulting at IBM. This greatly impacted my career as I look forward to returning to this position after graduating in May 2021.
How do you plan to use your learning in the future? What’s next for you?
In the future, I plan to continue relying on self-paced online learning to upskill and stay competitive. New technologies arise all the time. Having flexible access to reputable institutions through edX will ensure that I can stay relevant and competitive throughout my career by embracing lifelong learning.
What advice would you give new edX students?
I would say that what’s helped me the most is to stay disciplined and to be self-motivated. The biggest challenge of learning online is not the content, but it’s making the time when you have a busy schedule and other priorities. Learning to manage this is something incredibly valuable you should view as a benefit of edX.
Anything else you'd like to share about your experience learning on edX?
edX is a tremendously valuable platform that applies to people in all stages of their life. The fact that edX unlocks the barriers of entry to education while remaining legitimate in the eyes of employers is incredible, and I look forward to continuing using the platform throughout my career.
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Last updated: March 2021