For Jenni Roselle, a graduate of full-time Data Analytics cohort DDA16, the path to a data career wasn't straight. After nearly ten years as a hairdresser, industry changes brought on by the pandemic prompted a complete re-evaluation. Jenni's journey from the salon to landing a tech role shows how aptitude, motivation, and a supportive environment can help career changers build a rewarding career in technology.

Discovering the World of Data

Her search during the pandemic for what was next led her to a compliance analysis role at the Louisville Metro Office of Housing, where she discovered a real interest in "the stories that we were telling with the programs" using data. She was fortunate to have a supervisor who encouraged her to explore her curiosity when looking at program performance. She also took a data visualization and analysis course through Tech Louisville, which gave a clearer understanding of what data analysts do.

Why Choose NSS?

This curiosity led her to pursue a data analytics career through NSS. Jenni was already familiar with NSS's impact, as her husband had successfully gone through the software development program seven years prior. She saw firsthand how the curriculum and support prepared him for a new career. This experience provided the confidence she needed to commit to the intensive, four-month data analytics bootcamp.

Navigating the Bootcamp Experience<

The full-time program is designed to be intense—it’s like "drinking water from a fire hose," as Jenni describes it. She found the challenge-to-reward experience to be a daily roller coaster. Her coping mechanism? A very strict boundary between class time and rest.

"When my day is done, I closed my computer, I closed my office door, it's done," she shared.

She learned that taking a break is essential, allowing her brain the time it needs to process complex concepts and return to problems with a fresh mind. Her advice for students feeling overwhelmed is to trust that the instructors account for the intensity and build in time to catch up.

Key to Job Search Success: Networking and Preparation

For many like Jenni, the job search can be daunting. She credits the NSS Career Development program—specifically the mock interviews and resume help from Michael and Ashley—with setting her up for success.

• Mock Interviews: Going through both behavioral and technical mock interviews was a "game changer" for feeling prepared and confident when it came time to apply for a role.
• Networking Events: She found the weekly compilation of networking events shared on LinkedIn incredibly valuable, as it served as a "one stop shop" to meet people in the tech community.

Jenni found her current role at Ascension through a friend of a friend. Her best piece of networking advice for students approaching graduation is simple: Never leave a conversation without letting them know who you are and what you're doing. Sharing the work you're doing on your capstone or projects is an authentic way to bring your job search into the conversation.

She emphasized that your connections for other hobbies, like swing dancing (which is how she met the person who connected her to her job), are just as important as technology-focused ones.

Is Now the Right Time to Start?

For anyone considering a transition into data analytics, Jenni offers encouragement and a reality check. Because NSS is a non-profit, they aren't driven by a need to put "butts in seats" and won't oversaturate the market.

• If you’re unsure about the career path: She recommends trying a Jumpstart program or self-learning to dip your toes in before committing to a full bootcamp.
• If you’re worried about the job market: She says to take the chance on yourself. While the job search may take a little longer, NSS is the best place you can be due to its support and market transparency.

Ready to hear more about Jenni's journey and her advice for aspiring data professionals? 🎧 Tune in to the latest episode of Stories from the Hackery on SoundCloud, YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts.

What's Your Next Move?

If Jenni's story inspires you to explore a career in data, here’s how you can get started at NSS:

• Try the Analytics Jumpstart: Get a taste of data analytics in a live online classroom without committing to a full bootcamp. The next course starts February 7th.
• Explore Our Data Analytics Bootcamp: Learn more about our upcoming Part-time cohort starting January 6th or the Full-time cohort starting January 20th on our website.