Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, I describe myself as hardworking, goal-oriented, and persistent. In 2016 right after finishing my bachelor’s degree in economics, I dived in for the first time into the data analytics world by joining the business intelligence team of a prestigious bank in my home country. This first experience in data acquisition and analysis guided me to discover my passion for data analytics. Moreover, it opened the door to several job opportunities in well-established companies during the last five years, leading me to start a promising career in data analysis. Nevertheless, despite having several years of experience, I felt a strong need to improve my skills and learning data science. My constant search for personal and professional improvement was the one that drove me to apply to the Data Science Bootcamp.

 It could sound cliché, but joining the IEXL Data Science Bootcamp is a dream come true.

Coming from a developing country like the Dominican Republic, where data science is practically unexplored, learning from first-level professionals is genuinely a privilege. I am very thankful to IE University for allowing me to be part of this intake of the Data Science Bootcamp. Moreover, the pioneering liquid learning methodology of IE University has led me to receive a high-quality education in data science despite being more than six thousand kilometers away from Madrid. 

I must confess that the Bootcamp has required high discipline and effort because all the sessions are held in Madrid time, so I have to wake up every day at 6:00 am to join the lectures. Additionally, I am 28 weeks pregnant, which means making a higher effort to keep on track. Nevertheless, I firmly believe that when people genuinely desire to achieve something, they find a way; otherwise, they find a million excuses. I know this Bootcamp will be a life-changing experience and career booster for me, so every effort made will be worthy.

The program is very intense since we start learning python coding from scratch. However, I must highlight how focused it is in python programming exercises. The teaching methodology that mixes theory and practice is extraordinary as we have many practical sessions to apply concepts. Moreover, the program includes training in math and stats, fundamental disciplines for any person desiring to start a career in data science.

I am very excited to apply the new concepts learned to my current job. I know it will transform me into a driver of change within my organization by incorporating pioneering concepts and methodologies.

Week three was definitely inspiring. We first met the partner companies with whom we will be working the following eight weeks to develop the capstone project, a real-world data science project. Moreover, we finally got to know which of our classmates will be our team members. It is said that the Capstone project kick of marks the actual start of the Data Science Bootcamp. I am pretty sure that the best is yet to come.

Lastly, I must mention that the program has allowed me to meet a fantastic group of people from different countries and backgrounds. I really appreciate the networking opportunities at an international level that the program has provided me. At the moment, it has been a very enriching experience, so I am looking forward to what the next Bootcamp weeks will bring.