By Mehak Malik
The world of Data Science and Business Analytics is often associated with professionals from engineering or Computer Science backgrounds. However, upskilling and resilience can help anyone break into this field, no matter their past experiences. Akanksha Mishra is a testament to this belief. An MBA graduate in healthcare with a background in pharmacy, Akanksha had a thriving career in hospital administration before she chose to step away from work to focus on her family.
After a ten-year career gap, she found herself longing for something more—something that would reignite her professional aspirations. The pandemic was a turning point that made her realize she needed to invest in herself again. With no prior experience in coding or data science, she set out on a path of reinvention, persistence, and learning. This is her inspiring story of breaking barriers, overcoming self-doubt, and embracing the world of Data Science.
A Career Put on Hold, but a Passion for Learning Never Faded
Akanksha had always been a dedicated professional. After earning her MBA in healthcare, she worked in hospital administration, a role she thoroughly enjoyed and excelled in. However, life had other plans. Personal commitments led her to make a difficult decision—she stepped away from her career to focus on her family.
While she embraced her role as a homemaker, she never stopped learning and growing. She remained actively involved with an NGO, devoting time to social causes, and engaging in hobbies she once loved. But as her child grew older, she began to feel a sense of longing.
“Although I was very happy, I still was missing something in life. As my child grew older, I wanted to work more on myself and devote my time to excelling in my career again,” Akanksha shares.
The pandemic gave her the push she needed to start over. She realized that in order to restart her career, she had to upskill. But where would she begin after a decade away from the corporate world?
Stepping into the Unknown: Choosing Data Science
While exploring career options, Akanksha stumbled upon Data Science and Business Analytics. The more she read about it, the more she felt drawn to it. However, doubts quickly crept in.
“I don’t come from a computer science background, not even engineering for that matter, and learning something completely new made me question myself time and again,” she admits.
The fear of coding, the ever-evolving industry trends, and the challenge of competing with professionals who had years of experience seemed overwhelming. But with encouragement from her husband and sister, she found the courage to take the leap.
Now, she needed the right guidance and structured learning path. That’s when she discovered Great Learning’s PGP in Data Science and Business Analytics.
At first, she wasn’t sure if it was the right fit. The curriculum seemed extensive, and her lack of technical experience made her hesitant. However, a conversation with the counseling team at Great Learning changed everything.
“They explained to me that prior knowledge of coding was not needed. The only thing required was 100% effort and commitment. Listening to them convinced me to face the challenge, and I enrolled in the program.”
Overcoming Challenges: Late-Night Studies and Self-Doubt
The journey was anything but easy. The first two months were particularly tough.
“I was not satisfied with my performance on the weekly tests, which depressed me. I would frequently call my Program Manager and share my thoughts with her. She encouraged me a lot and was very supportive throughout my journey,” Akanksha shares.
There were times when she felt overwhelmed, struggling to keep up with the assignments, submissions, and fast-paced learning. However, she refused to give up. She found ways to push through by rewatching videos multiple times to understand concepts and by relying on mentorship sessions, which turned out to be game-changers
Late-night study sessions became the norm, balancing coursework with her responsibilities at home. But with patience, practice, and consistency, she started improving. Slowly, her self-doubt transformed into confidence.
A New Beginning: Ready to Reclaim the Corporate World
After months of hard work and perseverance, Akanksha successfully completed the PGP in Data Science and Business Analytics. But for her, this wasn’t just about finishing a program—it was about redefining herself.
“I am very happy that I took the challenge and completed this journey successfully. I have learned a lot in this course, and the learning continues,” she says.
Her dedication soon led her to an opportunity at Decision Foundry, where she joined as a Consultant. This marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her career, allowing her to apply her newly acquired skills and grow in the field of data science and analytics.
Akanksha’s story is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to start over. Whether it’s after a decade-long career gap, a shift in industry, or a complete reinvention, the right mindset and learning path can open new doors.
About Author:
Mehak Malik is a passionate content writer and marketing professional, specializing in creating engaging brand narratives and content strategies. With a Postgraduate degree in MBA (Marketing) from Christ (Deemed to be) University and a graduation in English Literature from Delhi University, she combines a deep understanding of language with sharp marketing insights. Her love for storytelling and strategic thinking drives her to craft content that resonates with audiences and elevates the brand’s voice. Mehak’s transition from literature to marketing fuels her creative approach, making her a key player in developing impactful content strategies.
