Moving to a new country often means starting over, not just in life but in your career as well. The rules change, industries evolve, and what once felt familiar becomes uncharted territory. For Neha Shinde, this realization set in when her temporary stay in the U.S. extended beyond what she had initially planned. While she continued working remotely for a Dubai-based company, she knew that her upcoming move to Canada would require more than just adjusting to a new home–it meant redefining her career path in a completely different job market.
She had built her career in marketing, but she also understood that consumer behavior varies from region to region. What worked in one part of the world wouldn’t necessarily translate elsewhere. If she wanted to establish herself in Canada, she needed a skill set that was more universal, more data-driven, and more aligned with the evolving industry landscape. That led her to the Data Science and Business Analytics (DSBA) program.
Understanding how data tells stories that shape business decisions
“The program was an eye-opener. It wasn’t just about learning technical skills–it was about understanding how data tells a story and how that story shapes business decisions. The curriculum introduced me to predictive modeling, pricing strategies, and time series forecasting, all of which blended seamlessly with my marketing background,” she recalls.
What truly set the experience apart for her was the practical approach–real-world projects, industry case studies, and structured mentorship that made the transition into analytics smoother.
“I still remember working on a second-hand car pricing model as part of the program, an exercise that turned out to be more than just an assignment. It laid the foundation for how I would later approach demand planning and pricing analysis in my career.”
Finding her place in the Canadian workforce
“The transition to a new job market wasn’t easy. I faced rejections, uncertainties, and the challenge of proving my value in a different work environment. But perseverance paid off when I landed a role as a Sales Analyst at Staedtler, a well-known global stationery brand,” she shares.
The company was still in the early stages of integrating data analytics into its decision-making processes, which gave her the opportunity to build something from the ground up. She created standardized reporting templates, developed demand planning models, and implemented pricing strategies–all skills she had refined during the program.
“Over time, my efforts were recognized. Within a year and a half, I was promoted to oversee sales analytics for all of North America. Not long after, I transitioned into a Marketing Analyst role, finally bringing together my expertise in marketing and data science in a way that allowed me to make a tangible impact.”
“Women should own their achievements and never hesitate to grab well-deserved opportunities”
My journey into analytics wasn’t just about upskilling–it was also about navigating the challenges that women often face in the workplace.”
“Despite my qualifications, I saw how male colleagues advanced more quickly, sometimes even without the relevant experience. In one instance, my promotion only came after a male colleague had failed to perform in the role—an all-too-familiar pattern in many industries. These experiences reinforced what I already knew: women often have to work twice as hard to be seen, let alone recognized, “ she shares.
“That’s why I firmly believe in the power of upskilling, confidence, and speaking up. Women in the workforce need to own their achievements, articulate their value, and never hesitate to claim the opportunities they deserve.”
Drawing inspiration from her grand-aunt and Indira Nooyi
Choosing to invest in data science and analytics was more than just a career move for Neha; it was a decision that shaped her future. It gave her the confidence to navigate a new job market, the expertise to create meaningful impact, and the resilience to push forward despite challenges.
Neha draws inspiration from leaders like Indra Nooyi, whose ability to lead with clarity and vision has always stood out to her. Closer to home, her grand-aunt, Dr. Renu Bhadraj, a pioneering microbiologist, has been a constant reminder that perseverance and learning are the keys to breaking barriers.
