Bria Braithwaite started her career in philanthropy as an event coordinator. After four years, she decided to actively pursue a career in data analytics. Before finding her way to Pathstream, she started to look into the industry and tapped her professional network to connect with someone employed in data analytics. It took time and there was a point where she was feeling stuck, but eventually, she met one of her mentors during an informational interview.
“After speaking with someone who worked in the industry, I realized that I needed to learn the right data analysis skills if I want to become an analyst. He introduced me to platforms such as Tableau and Python, giving me brief tutorials on how they work. But ultimately, he recommended that I take a class to teach me how to use the softwares I would need in my new career.”
After doing research, Bria found the NYU Tableau Data Analytics Certificate Program.
“I found the Tableau certificate program and downloaded the syllabus. There was so much to learn from the program. In addition to that, Pathstream offered so many amazing opportunities, support with finding a job and hands-on labs. This influenced my decision to enroll.”
At the time, Bria was also working full time and found it hard to balance everything at first. But, she made the program a priority and took advantage of the excellent support system Pathstream offers.
“My professor was very supportive, setting up time outside of the program to address questions and concerns. I was juggling a lot while taking the course and wish I took more advantage of the 1:1 time to meet because when I did use this time, they walked me through any issues I was having with learning.”
Bria also mentioned that her professor encouraged students to continue to keep in touch because “your network can be a great professional resource.” As Bria approached graduation, she began to work closely with our Career Services team. The team tightened up her resume and helped her identify which transferable skills to showcase.
“My coach sprinkled in the right vocabulary to make me stand out to potential employers in data analytics and taught me to brand myself, curating an image that recruiters would notice. She showed me how to set up my LinkedIn so people would scout me vs. me scouting them.”
Bria landed a job as a Financial Products & Analytics Sales Associate with Bloomberg. Since starting her new job, she has applied many of the skills she learned in the NYU Tableau Data Analytics Certificate Program. Her final advice to prospective students:
“ When I started this journey, I was insecure, I didn’t have the skills or background to make a huge career change. The knowledge and skills I gained along with the career guidance from my coach helped me be more assertive, direct, and credible. In the end, I felt confident that I could make a career transition. I recommend that you be a risk-taker, reach out to your networks, take a certificate program and build the career you want.”
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