Hamza's Data-Driven Career Transformation

Moving Beyong the Code: Seeking a Focus in Data

What was your job or career before enrolling in the certificate?  

Before enrolling in the certificate, I was pursuing a career in software engineering. I graduated from Dalhousie with a computer science degree, but I was unsatisfied with the direction I was going in. I wanted to focus more on data, its applications, and how to mold it for the right task.

Did the program fit your existing career path?

Initially, I was hesitant to join the program, considering I had already taken extensive database technology courses at university. However, I quickly found out the difference between the materials taught in the program and the things I had already learned. The knowledge I gained during the certificate felt relevant and applicable to roles I was aspiring to assume.

What were you hoping to gain from the certificate? Did you gain something different?

My goals were varied. I wanted to get back into a classroom and get in the zone, in terms of learning new skills and information. I also wanted to switch my career from being a software developer to a data specialist. I felt I didn’t have the knowledge required to pursue that role until I took this certification. Finally, I wanted to bulk up on skills because of the competitive nature of technical jobs, and this certificate made me confident that I could enter that space.

The knowledge I gained during the certificate felt relevant and applicable to roles I was aspiring to assume."

A Flexible Learning Environment Designed for Professionals

How did you find the courses? Did the flexibility accommodate your work and personal commitments?

The course schedule worked very well for me. My work at the time caused me to be home late but due to the flexible schedule, the online materials, the instructor’s understanding, I was able to attend all but one class and still have time to engage with the other students. The flexibility was easily one of my favorite parts of this program, and it made me comfortable being in “school” again.

How did you find the instructors? Were they knowledgeable, helpful, responsive, etc?

The instructor proved to be a wealth of knowledge and was very accommodating. Not only was she a data expert, but her ability to relay that knowledge to her students was exemplary. I found the material to be concise, easy to understand and complex enough to learn things I may not have encountered if I were to seek this knowledge myself. She was very responsive to emails, and accommodated for late assignments, missed classes and was willing to answer queries with enthusiasm and encouragement.

What was the overall learning experience like?

The overall learning experience was fun and educational. I felt comfortable speaking during virtual classes, engaging in lengthy discussions and exploring course materials. Eleanor provided a stimulating and enriching learning environment, and the assignments came with due dates that were manageable throughout the program, even during busy workdays.

The flexibility was easily one of my favorite parts of this program, and it made me comfortable being in “school” again."

Mastering the Moving Parts of Data Management

What specific skills or knowledge did you gain from the program? Did any courses stand out to you?

I learned so much during the program. Specifically, I learned about the evolving world of data storage technologies and how to set up a data management system from the ground up. Being able to learn about technology, its social and financial implications, and its application in the real world, felt like looking under the hood of technology and understanding the different moving parts.

How has the certificate progressed, or changed your career? Did it lead to a promotion, new job, or more responsibilities?

The certificate proved to be a game changer for me personally. I had left my software development role, and I felt that I had little direction. I was considering going into law, but I did not feel comfortable taking such a leap. Instead, I chose to build on top of what I already had in my bag of skills. This allowed me to start applying for various roles that required a keen technological eye yet were not as programming extensive as a typical software development role. By the time the third and final course in the program was finishing, I had already interviewed successfully with Nova Scotia Department of Community Services for a Business Analyst role. And although I had little experience in that specific role, the things I learned in the program turned out to be directly applicable to the role, and I was able to hit the ground running.

How have you applied these new skills or knowledge to your work?

I have been able to use the skills I learned in this program daily. The certificate has enabled me to understand different needs for enterprise data and the kinds of data storage technologies required to run entire systems. I was also able to incorporate my final project into my work by implementing a management support system that helps managers and executives utilize data to make critical decisions

By the time the third and final course in the program was finishing, I had already interviewed successfully with Nova Scotia Department of Community Services for a Business Analyst role."

Empowering Your Future Through Continuous Learning

Do you have any advice for those looking to advance/change their career? (Does not have to be related to the certificate you took).

I would recommend anyone who is stuck in a career rut or is having a hard time understanding what roles would best suit them to go for certificates. It does not need to be this one specifically, but any that they find interesting or feel would advance their learning. I personally plan on taking more certificates so I can feel more empowered about how my skills fit into different forms of work and what type of credentials are required to propel my career and learning further.

Hamza’s success is a powerful reminder that professional growth isn’t always about starting over—it’s about building on the foundation you already have. By bridging the gap between his computer science background and the specific needs of today’s data-driven world, Hamza didn’t just find a new job; he found a new sense of purpose. We are incredibly proud to have played a part in his journey toward a more fulfilling career.

Ready to find your own path forward? Don't let a career rut hold you back. Explore our certificate programs today and see how you can turn your existing skills into your next big opportunity.