- A Friend’s Advice, Data Science Curiosity, and the Determination to Learn
- The Biggest Cheerleaders: His Wife and 17-Year-Old Son
- A Tough Start, But a Structured Approach Made it Engaging
- The Moment That Changed Everything
- It’s Never too Late to Learn, Evolve, and Embrace Change
- Ganesh’s Advice to the World: Keep Learning
By Mehak Malik
Sometimes, we get so caught up in our daily routines that we forget to pause and ask ourselves, “What’s missing?” Years pass, careers progress, and before we know it, we’ve stopped learning, exploring, and seeking knowledge.
Ganesh Aryan, a seasoned aviation professional found himself in that exact situation after two decades in the industry. As a Commercial Manager, Sales Manager, and Country Manager for leading airlines like Air Arabia, Qatar Airways, GoAir, and Jazeera Airways, he had successfully led sales strategies, analyzed market trends, and worked for revenue growth. With a BA in Economics, and certifications from IATA and Cambridge University, his expertise in aviation was unquestionable. Yet, amid his achievements, a realization struck him that he had been so engrossed in his job that he hadn’t prioritized learning in years.
But one conversation with his friend changed everything, reigniting his passion for learning and leading him down an unexpected yet fulfilling path–Data Science.
A Friend’s Advice, Data Science Curiosity, and the Determination to Learn
In 2016, a close friend who was pursuing a course asked Ganesh a simple yet powerful question– “Why not upskill?” It had been years since Ganesh had invested in learning something new, caught up in the demanding world of aviation sales and management. But that conversation struck a chord.
He decided to enroll in an MBA in Airline Sales and Airport Management. While deepening his expertise in aviation, he found himself increasingly drawn to the technology and data-driven processes shaping the industry. The more he explored, the more he realized the immense potential of Data Science and Business Analytics in aviation.
But there was one problem–Ganesh didn’t come from a technical background. The idea of diving into programming and analytics felt daunting.
“I was convinced that I needed to pursue Business Analytics skills to remain relevant within my industry, but figuring out how and where to start was a big question”, he recalls.
That’s when he discovered Great Learning.
The Biggest Cheerleaders: His Wife and 17-Year-Old Son
Every learning journey comes with its doubts and challenges, but for Ganesh, support from his family made all the difference. His wife and 17-year-old son stood by him, encouraging him to take the leap. They played an important role in encouraging him to pursue this journey of learning, recognizing the long-term value it would bring to his career.
“Their unwavering belief in my abilities and their encouragement to pursue my goals have been instrumental in my journey,” he shares.
Having a strong support system played a crucial role in keeping his confidence high, proving that no matter how experienced you are in your field, having the right people around can make all the difference.
A Tough Start, But a Structured Approach Made it Engaging
Starting with no programming experience was intimidating. Concepts like Data Analysis, and Machine Learning felt foreign at first. However, the structured approach of Great Learning’s programs made the process easier.
“The beginning was tough, especially coming from a non-programming background and having forgotten much of my math. However, the Great Learning team provided incredible support, offering regular sessions tailored for non-programmers, ample reading materials, and hands-on practice sessions that helped me gradually build confidence and skills”
From Full Stack Development to Data Science and AI, each program deepened his technical skills. What he loved most was the hands-on approach—building end-to-end solutions, applying Machine Learning techniques, and working on practical projects that mirrored real business challenges.
He not only just gained technical skills like Python, AI frameworks, Java, and SQL, but also developed problem-solving abilities, adaptability, teamwork, and a strategic mindset that helped him connect data insights with business goals.
The Moment That Changed Everything
One of the most significant moments in Ganesh’s journey came when he successfully applied Machine Learning techniques to a real-world problem in Aviation. His insights were well received by his team, and for the first time, he realized how his new skills could make a tangible impact.
“This experience solidified my belief in the power of Data Science and its potential to drive strategic decisions,” Ganesh shares.
From assisting the Data Science department in building models by providing domain-related insights to conducting sentiment analysis on customer service data, Ganesh found himself playing a more strategic role than ever before.
It’s Never too Late to Learn, Evolve, and Embrace Change
Before completing the program, Ganesh felt limited by his non-technical background as he did not know programming. He was unsure of how to integrate modern technologies into his work. After completing it, he had a strong foundation in Data Science and programming, transforming not just his skillset but also his career path.
The journey was not just about professional growth—it was about personal transformation. He met incredible people along the way, shared his aviation expertise with younger professionals, and realized that learning has no age limit.
As for what’s next? Ganesh isn’t stopping anytime soon. “I do not intend to stop learning and will continue to focus on my upskilling journey. I also see myself pursuing a Ph.D. in Data Science in the coming years,” he shares.
Ganesh’s Advice to the World: Keep Learning
If we look at Ganesh’s journey from the start, it’s a story of curiosity, resilience, and the willingness to step outside his comfort zone. From spending decades in aviation to entering the world of Data Science, his path proves that growth doesn’t stop when we reach a certain stage in our career—it only pauses if we let it.
For anyone hesitating to take the first step, Ganesh has one simple advice: keep learning.
“Embrace the learning journey with an open mind. Start with a clear goal, be patient with yourself, and understand that challenges are part of the process. Surround yourself with supportive communities and seek opportunities to apply what you learn in real-world scenarios. Hands-on experience will make the knowledge truly valuable,” he says.
Ganesh’s story is proof that determination and the right support system can open doors to unexpected opportunities. If you’ve ever thought about learning something new, maybe today is the day to take that first step.
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.
