Meet Ignacio

Hello! My name is Ignacio Castillejo, and I started the Data Science Bootcamp at IE on October 2nd.

These first two weeks have been full of different emotions and activities that made us grow up as a group and as individual learners. Some of the group techniques were definitely fruits from the orientation weekend in Segovia. So, let me tell how it all started and what we have achieved so far!

After the motivational and organizational speech we received from the Bootcamp and program directors, we headed to Segovia to start meeting each other and building a group identity. I remember we were all very smiley and full of uncertainties, looking at each others’ faces, all willing to become part of the group. Joseph, the first coach we met, made the process of getting to know each other so smooth for us and helped us create a collaborative and passionate group feeling where everyone has their voice. And Rodrigo, the second coach, made us feel connected in a more spiritual way through meditation and inner communication techniques.

These first two weeks in the Bootcamp we learned the basics of programming in R and Python. For some people with a more technical background it helped to refresh the terms, but for me and others that come from a business background, it was fascinating learning how to code. It is a new way of thinking, in a very organized way and pushing the brain limits all the time; it is literally like training your brain. Sometimes I even come back home thinking in code language and doing conditional statements in my head giving orders to my mind of crossing the street or not whenever the lights are green or red. However, it has been challenging not to be overwhelmed in certain situations when you struggle to look for the solution to some exercises. But the feeling of solving it is priceless.  

We also had a master class with Ignacio Larrú, the Bootcamp’s Director, in which he showed us possible paths we could take when we finish the Bootcamp. He showed us the different profiles that would match better with a company, a startup, consulting, or as a freelancer. And it seems like we all kind of knew what path we are taking, but depending on how the program goes decisions might change.

In summary, the beginning of the program has built a very close relationship between all the members, which is being essential for us to be motivated in what we are learning. Besides, we are all starting to figure out what will be our path after the Bootcamp and we are looking forward to seeing what’s to come!!