Data-Driven Transformations: How Two Women Pioneered Change in Their Careers

Discover the inspiring tale of two women who leveraged data to pioneer change, excel in their careers, and make an impact.

Data-Driven Transformations: How Two Women Pioneered Change in Their Careers

In the quiet moments of our professional lives, we often find ourselves questioning, “What’s next?” It’s a question that doesn’t come with easy answers but marks the beginning of a transformation.

For Claire Laravea, that question surfaced in the middle of her thriving PR career. She had spent years crafting compelling narratives and managing global campaigns but couldn’t ignore the power of data lurking just beyond her reach.

For Lydia Jose, the question came after stepping away from her engineering career to prioritize family. After years of being financially independent and ambitious, she found herself grappling with a sense of stagnation. But instead of settling, Lydia saw an opportunity–a chance to rebuild, reimagine, and rise stronger.

Though their paths were different, Claire and Lydia shared a willingness to step into the unknown, guided by a belief that growth lies just outside the boundaries of what feels comfortable.

Claire’s search for answers: Blending PR expertise with data insights

Claire Laravea’s story begins in a different corner of the professional world–public relations. Having earned her master’s degree in PR, she spent years in the industry in South Korea, working with major organizations like KOTRA and Hahm Shout Global. However, something always troubled her: the understanding that data could reveal transformative insights for marketing and PR strategies, yet those tools frequently remained inaccessible. 

“In PR, we’re often overworked because we rely on limited insights from data. I started wondering–what if I learned data analytics tools to make it easier to extract essential information?” Claire explains.

This curiosity led her to the Data Science and Business Analytics program at The University of Texas at Austin. The timing couldn’t have been better. Claire dived headfirst into the program, eager to learn tools like SQL and Python. Through five diverse case studies, she discovered how data could revolutionize her approach to PR and marketing strategy.

Armed with new skills, Claire is ready to bridge the gap between PR and data, blending creativity with analytical precision.

Rewiring her future: Lydia’s journey from engineering to analytics

After five years as an Electrical Design Engineer, Lydia Jose found herself stuck in a career rut. Frustrated by the lack of growth opportunities and needing to prioritize family matters, she made the tough decision to leave her job. Yet, as someone who had always been financially independent and ambitious, she knew this wasn’t the end of her professional story.

“Being financially independent for so long made me eager to keep pushing myself. I decided it was time to update my skills,” Lydia recalls. 

After researching her options, she discovered the Post Graduate Program in Data Science and Business Analytics, a choice she now considers life-changing.

Despite her non-IT background and limited experience with coding, Lydia joined the program with determination. The six-month journey wasn’t easy, but it was rewarding. The practical projects challenged her, and the supportive mentors and program managers made sure she had the tools to succeed.

“The best part was the structured, time-bound format of the program. It helped me systematically tackle each step,” she shares. By the end of the program, Lydia felt confident in her ability to navigate real-world challenges and was ready to start her new career path.

What Claire and Lydia’s journeys teach us

Claire and Lydia’s stories show us that reinvention isn’t about leaving the past behind; it’s about using it as a foundation to build something new. For Claire, it meant blending creativity with analytics to bridge gaps in PR and marketing. For Lydia, it meant embracing Data Science to reclaim her independence and find fresh career momentum.

Their journeys are reminders that curiosity and courage can lead to remarkable transformations. Whether you’re pivoting careers or simply yearning for growth, their experiences teach us that change is not a detour; it’s the road to something extraordinary.

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Akshay Goswami
Akshay is a seasoned content and brand marketer with a diverse background in journalism and digital marketing. Starting his career as a journalist and copy editor at The Times of India, he later transitioned to the world of digital marketing, working with startups to craft impactful campaigns. A graduate of English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, he now focuses on building strong brands and sharing insights through his writing.
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