Challenging Yourself with Analytics | Graduate Spotlight

After teaching English abroad in China for 2 years, Patrick Cunningham returned to Nashville and spent the past 6 years working with the Vanderbilt Police Department. “Through the pandemic I wanted to try and do something to better myself,” he explains in his podcast. “I decided to try my hand at one of the hardest things I could think of which was coding!” Patrick shares that he taught himself Python and wanted to put his newfound skill to use by attending Nashville Software School (NSS). 

What was the topic of your capstone and how did you choose it?

“Cost of Living and Crime. I wanted to see what causes might affect crime in our area and if market prices might push people to desperate means. I looked at 3 types of crime: murders, violence, and theft.” 

What roadblocks did you encounter along the way?

“I felt like I failed every assessment I took. Each time I left angry at myself and vowed not to quit and to show myself I could do better next assessment,” Patrick shares. Fortunately, Patrick channeled his frustration into his studies. “Despite the increasing difficulty of each program we covered, I slowly missed less and less (as a percentage) due to tenacious doggedness. Thank goodness my classmates were there for support though.”

​​What advice would you give to current or incoming NSS Students? 

“Whenever you get frustrated, stuck, or disappointed don't give up. Prove to yourself that bettering yourself is not an insurmountable task.”

HIRE PATRICK

Since graduating from Part-time Data Analytics Cohort 6, Patrick has begun the search for his first job after bootcamp! Get to know more about Patrick and his capstone project by listening to his podcast below!

Meet more of the graduates from Part-time Data Analytics Cohort 6 by visiting their class website!