A Pharmacist introduced to the world of Data Analytics

Introduction

It all started one afternoon as I was attending a webinar hosted by PIH. The speaker said something that reminded me of the need to update my knowledge of Microsoft Excel and upskill.

Growing up, I always had a flair for tech stuff, especially gadgets and computers. I was excited about the things these gadgets could do, and I loved to try them out myself. I was signed up for a computer lesson after secondary school; this was where I was exposed to Microsoft packages and computer appreciation.

I enjoyed doing small assignments on Excel during my internship days, as we had an instructor who liked teaching us, using videos, and sending assignments to be submitted through mail. It was giving the vibe of ‘obodo oyibo’ in Nigeria then in 2016.

While updating my knowledge of Excel using Udemy, I came across the term data analytics. I researched more on it and picked interest in the subject, as I enjoyed the snippet of visuals using a chart in Excel back then. In 2022, Sidehuslte, now known as Terra learning, was offering free classes on so many courses, and data analytics was one of them, so I signed up for it. That was when I encountered organized e-learning for the first time and also gained more basic to intermediate knowledge of Excel and the basics of Power BI. I was able to start off well as the ASUU Strike was on then.

Destiny Called: How I joined the Resagratia Data Bootcamp

In 2023, I was introduced to Resagratia Bootcamp by my mentor, Pharm. Ezinne. She said that it would boost my knowledge of data analytics and help me build projects. I was also advised to utilize the scholarship opportunity, as their courses were not free.

I had to check out the Resagratia platform to learn more about what I needed to do to get the scholarship. The test given was to go through a guided project and design a heatmap, then attend to some questions after the project and get your score for the scholarship. Challenges were encountered, which is now the norm, but I did everything within my ability to finish because that scholarship was needed.

After the project and quiz submission, I got a response from Resagratia that I was selected for the bootcamp. I was so happy, knowing that it was a great opportunity to upskill and add some new knowledge to my arsenal.

Getting started with the Resa Data Bootcamp

On starting the Data bootcamp, its learning structure was pretty organized; there was a roadmap to guide your learning, quizzes at the end of each course, and challenges or projects to test your skills on. The mentor session was a plus too.

My experience was worth it. Initially, I couldn’t finish on time due to health and personal reasons, but thanks to Mr. Tobi Williams, who reached out to me, after he noticed that my performance had dropped and gave me another opportunity to come back and finish up (to show you how concerned the instructors are with the students learning).

At Resagratia, I gained real-time knowledge and got better than before, and the bootcamp allowed me to partake in the Data and Operations associate internship as a Teaching Assistant and the opportunity to serve and learn more.

Key takeaways

My journey wasn’t smooth, but it was worth it. Having the right people who share amazing opportunities is beautiful; being open to learning is essential; practice matters a lot in data analytics, as I also realized that you can’t know everything about a particular tool just by going through a course; you learn more by doing projects and tackling questions; asking Google the right questions to ease your learning is a skill too.

Avoid procrastination; if possible, structure your learning and give yourself a timeline to achieve it. Then practice by doing a project. Learn to volunteer for organizations that need your skillset; it helps.

Conclusion

I am still growing in my data journey, but I am glad with what I have encountered in my journey so far, as I have also come across amazing individuals who know their craft.

So, my last words will be for you reading to keep at it. Somedays you may not have the strength or zeal to continue, but you can take a break, unwind, ask questions, and continue from where you stopped. You can switch paths if that is the right step for you, but don’t quit. You will get better with time.

In data affairs, you can’t stop learning, so cheers to continuous learning. Adios!

Would you like to become a teaching assistant, or are you looking to learn one of the most critical skills for the future of work? Join our next Data Bootcamp!