Dashboard week is finally over and with it, my time in Data School training. This doesn't mean training stops.

So what happens after training?

We will be placed in four different placements and these will be around 6 months but some are shorter and some are longer but depends on the placement. For now, I have been placed on the Bench and I am excited to push my skills and continue to learn whilst working on mini projects throughout as well as developing my own skills. But for this blog, I will give my thoughts and overview of the DS 4-month training.

The Company

It's hard to know what to expect before starting at the Data School. When I heard about it I could not believe it and thought there must be a catch. But I learnt when I went to a meet and greet that there was no catch they are just an incredible company. The environment is relaxed but the learning is taken seriously.

There is no shortage for getting the help you need when you are unsure. Everyone is willing to support. The social life of the company is also intentionally constructed. To name a few:

• PODs - there are a number of PODs which each DS will be placed in. PODs are made up of TIL Core and DSers and serve as a way to connect to a range of people from different parts of the company Allows to expand your network.
• Events - when a DS graduates from training, there will be a small party. Other DSers or Core team will arrange activities for anyone who wants to join e.g. games night, dinners, bake-offs, etc.
• Buddy- This is a relatively new thing my Buddy was Oz ( the best buddy ever) they are there as someone to talk to, get advice from, get food with or even to make sure you take a break. I found going on walks with my buddy really nice it allowed us to just talk and allowed me to clear my heads.
• Mentors - this has also recently changed we now choose our own ones at the end of training and we can change mentors throughout placements as we may have different needs my current one is Chris Meardon and I am excited to learn and get advice from him.

The Training

I joined on October 3rd 2022 (DS35). The time has absolutely flown but I have learnt so much in my time. The first few weeks were structured, every minute being accounted for, with scheduled breaks. This is due to the pace at which tools are taught. Our main focus was Alteryx and Tableau, however this was not the only thing we got taught. We got taught SQL, Snowflake, Power BI, Alteryx & Tableau Server, etc. Not only this we have had 8 clients where we all got a chance to perform different roles and especially being a project manager.

The Coaches

Robbin was DS35s coach may have been my main coach, but there were many coaches who have their hand in the training of DSers. Not only this but we also got taught by members within the core team as well. I really enjoyed having different coaches as they all have different ways of teaching and we all learn best in different ways, so having a different approach throughout was nice because it allowed us to see how we learn best.

My Cohort - DS35 (I.E the best cohort ever)

Our cohort, like most, were from diverse backgrounds and different personalities. At first I was worried we may clash or not work well as a team. This worry was soon lost within a couple of weeks of getting to know them. I believe we have worked well as a team and also enjoyed each others companies. I am so glad I got these amazing people in my cohort they have really made this journey so much easier.

I am so grateful for meeting other cohorts as well and I have got close to so many people within this company. I just want to thank everyone who has helped me throughout my training journey your all incredible.

Overall, I have enjoyed the training and I will miss it. I would genuinely recommend the data school to anyone because this has been by far the best experience of my life so far.