In today’s alumni spotlight we sit down with Kodjovi, a recent Colaberry alum, and current Data Services IT Manager, to discuss his experience both during and beyond Colaberry’s Data Analytics Training program.
Workforce automation and the elimination of thousands of jobs have increased the need for the IT industry and large enterprises to find data-literate employees and data scientists who are ready to “hit the ground running.” Colaberry has graduated 800+ alumni since its program inception, but we know there are many more who need these integral skills to survive the transition to AI.
Today, we sit down with Kodjovi, a recent Colaberry alum, and current Data Services IT Manager, to discuss his experience both during and beyond Colaberry’s Data Analytics Training program.
Name: Kodjovi
Job Title: Data Services IT Manager
Alum Interview Responses:
Colaberry: How did you hear about Colaberry?
Kodjovi: I was working as a DirecTV installer and met a client who told me about Colaberry. The client was impressed by how fast I worked on his cable issue and asked me about my background. I told him I had a bachelor’s in mathematics and a master’s in information systems but could not find a job. I also told him about my military background.
Colaberry: Was any family member(s) or support system instrumental in helping you reach your current level of success?
Kodjovi: Yes, my wife. At first, she was reticent and then gave in when she saw how good I was doing in the class.
Colaberry: Where did you grow up? Are you a member of any underrepresented classes in the tech world?
Kodjovi: I grew up in Togo, which is located in West Africa.
Colaberry: Why did you decide to enroll in Colaberry’s School of Data Analytics?
Kodjovi: I had these degrees but was not able to find any jobs.
Colaberry: What challenges or circumstances did you have to overcome to be successful (if any) and how did Colaberry assist you in that?
Kodjovi: I do stutter, so Colaberry employees created a data-driven, video and audio-based AI system that allowed me to practice a lot and figure out how to avoid stuttering. They saw how hard I worked through the curriculum and wanted to help me ace my interviews.”Their system not only helped me but also helped thousands of others develop great communication skills.”
Colaberry: Did you have a data analytics/data science background or any associated skills before joining Colaberry?
Kodjovi: Yes. I have a strong math background, and that is the foundation for data analytics and data science careers.
Colaberry: Could you elaborate on your background?
Kodjovi: My bachelor’s degree is in mathematics, and I did pass the Society of Actuary Exam 1/P (SOA Exam 1/P) Probability.
Colaberry: What training courses did you complete through Colaberry?
Kodjovi: Data Analytics
Colaberry: How do you think you benefited most from Colaberry’s training?
Kodjovi: Colaberry’s unique learn-by-doing and project-driven method of teaching allowed me to create my flexible schedule to research and practice for interviews, while still giving me time to complete projects.
Colaberry: In terms of your current salary vs. your previous position, do you feel that Colaberry helped you to reach your goals?
Kodjovi: Colaberry helped me reach my career goals. I can take care of my son and move them to a better school district, which would have been impossible without my current salary.
Colaberry: Did you learn any soft skills (e.g. Critical Thinking, Communication Skills, Self-Efficacy, etc.) through Colaberry?
Kodjovi: Yes, Colaberry’s data-driven collaborative learning platform, Refactored.ai; along with AI and human mentors, assisted me with having better control of my stutter along with how to communicate and listen effectively.
Some of the soft skills I perfected with the Refactored platform were:
- Communication Skills (non-verbal and verbal skills)
- Self-Awareness
- Critical/Creative Thinking
- Time Management
- Improved my “grit”
Colaberry: How did those skills help you in the workplace or get a job?
Kodjovi: I was able to use the projects I worked on with Colaberry in interviews. The soft skills, communication, and collaboration skills I learned at Colaberry also helped me tremendously.
Colaberry: Would you recommend Colaberry to others? If yes, why?
Kodjovi: Yes, because it changed my life not only on a professional level but also on a personal level. Colaberry’s unique teaching style is designed to help anyone without an IT background as long as you are willing to put in the work. I am also a mentor at Colaberry and enjoy giving back by helping others succeed as I did.
Colaberry: Would you ever consider returning to Colaberry to take more classes?
Kodjovi: Yes. As of now, I teach some critical classes and provide mentoring to classes.
Colaberry: What do you find most enjoyable about your current position?
Kodjovi: I cannot only work on senior-level projects but my opinion and work are also taken into consideration when decisions are made. As my wife says: “Without Colaberry, no one, literally no one, would have allowed us to succeed like this in my career.” We recommend Colaberry to everyone who wants to succeed in the future.
Very Few Seats Remain! Join our upcoming class today!
Colaberry Data Science Training Is The Answer!
Want to read more success stories? Click on the image below to learn more…
| Maggie Wachira
Pharmacy Student to Qlik Sense Developer
|
Kodjovi
|
Colby
Business Analyst at Fortune 500 Banking Services Company
|
Our Program
Colaberry has been providing one-of-a-kind, career-oriented training in data analytics and data science since 2012. We offer instructor-led onsite and online classes. Learn with us in person on our campus in Plano, Texas, or remotely from the comfort of your home. We have helped over 5,000 people to transform their lives with our immersive boot camp-style programs.
In-Demand Skills
Colaberry training programs equip you with in-demand tech and human skills. Our up-to-date lessons and carefully crafted curriculum set you up for success from day one. Throughout the training and the job search, our mentors will support and guide you as you transition into a fast-paced and exciting field of data analytics and data science.
Project-Based Learning
Our programs integrate projects that are based on real-world scenarios to help you master a new concept, tool, or skill. We work with you to build your portfolio to showcase your skills and achievements.
Award Winning Learning Platform
You will be learning using our homegrown technology platform Refactored AI which is recognized as the “Most Promising Work of the Future Solution” in global competition by MIT SOLVE. Our platform also received General Motors’ “Advanced Technology” prize and McGovern Foundation’s “Artificial Intelligence for Betterment of Humanity” prize.
Placement Assistance
Colaberry’s program, platform, and ecosystem empower you with skills that you need to succeed in your job interviews and transition into a high-paying career. Over 1/3rd of Colaberry graduates receive job offers after their first in-person interview. We provide you continuous mentoring and guidance until you land your job, and provide you post-placement support for twelve months so that you not only survive but thrive in your career.
Financial Aid
At Colaberry, we strive to create opportunities for all. We work with each individual to ensure the cost of the training does not hold them back from becoming future-ready. We offer various payment plans, payment options, and scholarships to work with the financial circumstances of our learners.
Military Scholarship
Colaberry is committed to supporting men and women who have served our country in uniform. As part of this commitment, we offer Military Scholarships to enable active-duty and retired military members to transition into civilian life. We have already helped numerous veterans by creating a pathway to rewarding and exciting careers in data science and data analytics. We hold alumni events and provide an extensive support system and a strong community of veterans to help our students succeed. Contact our enrollment team to find out more about how we can help you.
Apply Now To Start Your New Career!
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Current salary data for Information Technology and Data Science positions can be found at: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes150000.htm