iOLAP Academy - Career switch

July 2024

iOLAP Academy - Career switch

Are you considering a career change but unsure where to start? iOLAP Academy might be the perfect place for you. It’s designed for entry-level individuals with basic technical knowledge who want to expand their skills in the rapidly evolving fields of data and AI.

Our former participant, Maja Mirić, spent eight years as a math teacher in elementary school. Despite starting her teaching career before earning her degree and continuing after graduation, she realized she yearned for further growth and new challenges that her current role couldn’t provide.

Are you curious about Maja’s journey and her experience with iOLAP Academy? Check out what she has to say about her decision and the transformative impact of iOLAP Academy on her career.

Your previous profession? 

For the past eight years, I have worked as a math teacher in an elementary school. I began my career even before earning my degree, and I continued teaching after graduation.

What motivated you to switch careers? 

While working in the education system, I learned a lot about my profession and myself. I developed professionally and improved my skills in presenting and communicating with children and parents, which allowed me to grow personally. However, at one point, the thought of change and the need for further progress emerged. I realized that what I wanted could not be achieved in my current workplace and that a significant career shift was necessary.

What was the biggest challenge in this process? 

The decision to change careers was neither easy nor hasty. It was preceded by long reflection and the search for possible options. I spoke with several acquaintances from the IT industry who suggested that, given my background, I could apply for jobs in the field of Data Analytics. This meant that I needed to start learning so I could compete for job vacancies and meet the technical skills required in interviews. It took me a while to catch up on what I had missed: I needed to be reminded of some things and had to learn others from scratch.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career switch? 

I would recommend anyone considering a career switch to encourage themselves and give it a try. Every challenge drives our professional and personal growth. It allows us to explore new fields, acquire new knowledge, and develop skills we didn’t even know we were capable of.

How has your career switch impacted you? 

Everything has changed: different working hours, the ability to work from home, and a more relaxed working atmosphere. Having the support of my colleagues was extremely important because, as a junior, I needed time to master new technologies and contribute to the project. From the very beginning, I received encouragement and help with both work and learning.

What are your career aspirations? 

I would like to continue working with databases, perfect my knowledge of current technologies, and continuously expand and upgrade my skills. Since data is an integral part of our lives, I aim to improve the quality of my data analysis skills.

Ready to make your move? Take charge of your future today. Join iOLAP Academy and unlock your potential in data and AI!