I’ve been working with GTEC, WHIRLPOOL ASIA LLP, and PUNE since August 2008. Presently, I function as Senior Manager, Global Business Solutions.
Before joining the PG program in Data Science and Business Analytics (DSBA) with Great Learning, I was leading the business unit ‘Global Business Solutions’ with a team of 75+ people with an Entrepreneurial mindset to expand the scope of support from GTEC (Whirlpool Offshore Center). Responsibilities in this role included creating strategic roadmaps and people management, including hiring, attrition management, and competency development. I was also driving Business Intelligence, Data Science, and Continuous Improvement projects in the field of Sales, Service, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing.
However, my biggest challenge at work before enrolling in this program was technically leading the team and also creating strategies in advanced data science techniques. I chose the PGP-DSBA program because of the flexibility yet rigorous, detailed work to be done each week and month. I had no apprehensions about the online mode of learning as it was preferred for flexibility.
I wanted to up-skill myself to handle more complex capabilities, projects, and teams. I was able to learn, relate to and apply a few of the concepts to what my business intelligence team does. Throughout the program, the program schedule and framework were quite comprehensive.
Learning Python language helped a lot with later complex exercises and problems. The leaderboard was a great motivator. Our Mentor Mr. Milind Joshi was exceptional in explaining concepts and patient in answering questions. His explanation using simple data sets helped explain concept ideas better. There were other tools, such as Mind maps which were useful to visualize the concepts.
Through all of this, I managed to build a solid practical understanding of statistics, Data Science, and modeling, which helped me question my teams, add value to routine work, and build a better strategy for the company toward data science. I now feel more confident in hiring and retaining data science employees, and for me, it gives an opportunity for transition using newly-acquired skills.
My advice to people who are looking forward to learning analytics: Going over theory alone will not do any good; application is very important. Learning Python coding will help improve confidence and improve hands-on. At the same time, a basic understanding of Statistics is also necessary for better utilization and interpretation of data. Industry sessions are very helpful in building your career.
