By: Sonalika Singh
The journey to success is rarely a straight road to the top. It’s a journey filled with turns, twists, curiosity, uncertainty, and problems. For Vaishnavee Varun Kelkar and Ritesh Kumar Singh, entering the realm of Data Science wasn’t merely an easy choice; it was a transformative experience that demanded the bravery to accept change.
Both faced difficulties that could have hindered their advancement. However, rather than giving in to challenges, they recast their journeys, converting barriers into launchpads and uncertainties into opportunities. Their stories illustrate how determination, education, and shifts can lead to breakthroughs that seemed unattainable at one point.
Vaishnavee Varun Kelkar: A Story of Resilience and Reinvention
Vaishnavee, like many others, faced an unprecedented challenge during 2020 and 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted lives and economies worldwide, for her, it meant losing her job in a reputed organisation because of the company’s “hire-fire” strategy. With a grim job market and increasing stress, she had to find a way forward.
One day her father-in-law suggested she look into a career in Data Science, an up-and-coming and in-demand field. Initially intrigued yet apprehensive, Vaishnavee took a leap of faith and applied for the Post Graduate Program in Data Science and Business Analytics from Great Learning. While reluctant about the time and financial commitment, she was adamant about upskilling and reorienting her career.
“I started this program with a ray of hope that it would open new opportunities for me, but also there was fear at the back of my mind that I am investing money in this, but what if it doesn’t work? “ Despite Vaishnavee’s concerns, she pushed forward.
The Data Science program was designed to help even those without coding experience. With its well-structured syllabus, Capstone Projects, interactive modules, and hands-on learning, Vaishnavee gained more confidence at every step.
Vaishnavee successfully made the challenging transition to a Data Analytics role and landed a job at Ernst & Young, a Big 4 accounting firm. Reflecting on her inspiring journey, she attributes her success to the supportive ecosystem at Great Learning, her family’s encouragement, and her own determination.
Ritesh Kumar Singh: Rediscovering Passion and Purpose
For Ritesh Kumar Singh, the journey to Data Science was nothing short of life-changing. Fresh out of Civil Engineering in 2017, Ritesh joined TCS while preparing for UPSC exams. For two years, he juggled his corporate job with civil service exam preparation. No matter how hard he tried, he eventually had to give up on his childhood dream of joining civil services—a heart-wrenching decision.
“Letting go of a dream that you’ve had since childhood is never easy. I was stuck in a support project with no learning opportunities, and it pushed me into the worst phase of my life. I stopped talking to everyone around me, and all my past failures kept flashing in front of my eyes. I don’t know but I think I was slipping into the depression.” Ritesh expresses.
Meanwhile, he was looking to make a new start; he thought about taking up CAT but didn’t feel that it fit his profile. Then, he rediscovered his love for mathematics, a subject he’d always enjoyed. When Ritesh learned that Data Science was the intersection of mathematics, statistics, and coding, he saw a possible new path. It was through the PGP-DSBA program that his transformation began.
In the next two years, Ritesh not only mastered the technical skills, but he also repaired his confidence and emotional stability. The program provided him with knowledge and practical experience with real-world learnings, live sessions, and hands-on projects to excel in the work. His hard work paid off when he secured an offer from Deloitte with a 200% salary hike.
“If I can do it, anyone can. Cheers to all the great learners.” Ritesh shares and urges others to believe in their potential.
Your Turn to Transform
Vaishnavee and Ritesh’s stories prove that upskilling can be life-changing. Vaishnavee embraced new skills and realigned her career despite unique challenges, while Ritesh mastered Data Science to regain his independence and rebuild his professional path.
Their journeys show that curiosity and courage can lead to incredible transformations. Whether you’re switching careers or striving for growth in your current field, their experiences remind us that change isn’t a setback—it’s a chance to achieve something extraordinary.
About the Author:
Sonalika is a content and brand marketer with a background in journalism and mass communication. She started her career as a content writer in the EdTech sector and holds a degree in English Journalism from Banasthali University. Now, she focuses on building strong brands and sharing insightful content through her writing.
