Learner Testimonial — Skills Bootcamps in Data Analyst: S.

Sometimes, Skills Bootcamps in Digital can be just what is needed to gain confidence after a long absence from work. Our learner, S., told us her story.

“I graduated in 2007 with a degree in Information Systems. I’d learned different software that can facilitate business, such as databases; it had an element of Networking too – how to improve your organisation’s IT to make the entire business better.

“I was doing a consultation role at the time to progress to Business Analysis. It was a one-year placement as Proactive Problem Analyst; I had to analyse any problems the company had and try to mitigate them to ensure they would not reoccur. I liked analysing things!

“After that, I took temporary leave. I started a family, travelled, learned languages, and launched my own business – customizing garments.

“I tailored fashions and made custom designs and alterations. This involved a lot of heavy admin, such as keeping finance records and invoices, reporting to HMRC, maintaining stock, keeping on top of my clients’ requirements, measurements, communications, doing marketing via Instagram, Facebook, word-of-mouth, attending pop-up shops and events… It was hard work; I was doing everything myself, from designing to bookkeeping and admin – and I really enjoyed being my own boss and managing my time, but…

“Working for yourself can be a bit isolating, not having anyone to talk to. And then the pandemic hit. It didn’t close my business down, but it did slow it, and this shifted my perspective. I realized I’d done as much as I could, I’d reached my peak in terms of where I could take my business. Wondering what could come next, I saw an advert on social media for Skills Bootcamps. It said they were funded by DfE and that they could help me back into employment. I’d thought of going back, but I knew that doing it on my own, without knowing relevant skills, would be a lot more difficult!

“I was reluctant to apply because my CV wasn’t as IT-related as it could be, but I made it onto the programme! I chose the Skills Bootcamp in Data Analyst – it took 12 weeks. After that, I landed a job with a tech firm. The Firebrand team helped me get my CV in order.

“The Firebrand Skills Bootcamp was my way to upskill and get back into a professional setting after a long absence. I really enjoyed the sessions. Because I’d been working for myself, I didn’t feel very confident; I was on the fence about returning to the professional world, especially IT, which is so technical. I wanted to be in a work environment, develop my professional abilities, collaborate…The bootcamp definitely boosted my confidence.

“The bootcamp was intense – at times, overwhelming. I’d studied IT, but it took me a while to wrap my head around it; Cloud Computing was very new to me. I thought it would take me some time to digest the information, but when the opportunity for a job interview arose, I didn’t want to delay it. I honestly did not expect I would get an opportunity straight after the bootcamp finished, I thought it would take some time!”

“Through the bootcamp, I had become certified in Microsoft Cloud Fundamentals, Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals (AZ-900), and Power BI; while working for my new employer, a tech firm, I also took an Amazon AWS certification for Cloud Computing and one on Warehouse and Database Management. The bootcamp had opened the door, but there was a lot more to learn!

“I really enjoyed learning about Cloud optimization and brushing up on Excel, but… Despite my interest, our team was overworked, and the heavy workload pushed me into the Performance Engineering department to cover tasks there. I spent so many hours trying to learn Performance Engineering software. One of my peers was so helpful; we still keep in touch. He really took the time to explain a lot of the things I didn’t understand. My insecurities did come out and sometimes hinder my progress, but the bootcamp had given me the confidence to believe in myself. 

“There were so many challenges in the role. Lots to do, but not a lot of support, which made me once again reflect on my experience and what I really wanted to do. I had progressed a lot; it had been so good to be in a professional setting again, learn to communicate with different people, improve my confidence, and update my skillset so it would be suitable for a wide variety of roles.

“After leaving the tech firm, I found a job with a Government organization that collaborates with 33 companies in London. At this new job, I use skills I’ve learned in the bootcamp and while running my own business. I do business administration, I work with HR and recruitment, grants and claims, onboarding new staff, setting up documentation, making sure we’re compliant. 

“For me, IT can be overwhelming. My present environment is much more suited to where I am now; it’s much more people-oriented and I really like it – expressing views, ideas, communicating. Based on all my experiences, I feel I have the skills, passion, and ability to truly progress.”

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