Read about Addie’s inspiring journey from a teacher to a successful Business Intelligence Analyst with Colaberry’s data analytics training.
Alumni Success Spotlight: Addie Mack
According to McKinsey, in the US alone, between 39 and 73 million jobs stand to be automated within the next 5 years, which is around a third of the total workforce and includes those struggling in teaching professions.
Teachers are leaving the profession en masse due to low income, job instability, and the need to support their families as automation may soon replace their jobs as well. This Alumni Success Spotlight focuses on the amazing story of Addie Mack who got #FutureReady with new tech and data skills and transformed her life with Colaberry’s Data Analytics program.
Overview:
Name: Addie Mack
Company: Large Mortgage Company
Title/Current Position: Business Intelligence Analyst
Tech Skills: SSRS, SSIS, SSAS, T-SQL, Agile Methodology, SDLC, Business Analyst & DBA training
Human Skills: Critical Thinking, Creative Thinking, Problem Solving, Time Management, Communication, Collaboration, Interview Skills, Professionalism, Job Search Strategy, Networking, Grit, Self-Efficacy, Self-Awareness.
Salary Increase after Colaberry Training: +90%
Interview Responses:
Colaberry: How did you hear about Colaberry?
Addie: Word of mouth, I am a friend of Ali’s. We went to high school together.
What do you think people should know about you?
People should know that I love life. I love to learn and to help others.
Where did you grow up? Are you a member of any underrepresented classes in the tech world?
I grew up in Garland, TX, born to a Jamaican immigrant with a middle school education. I am an African American female, which is a widely underrepresented population in the IT world.
Was any family member(s) or support system instrumental in helping you reach your current level of success?
My family was instrumental in my completing the program. They helped watch my children while I was doing the schooling and filled in for me when my son had athletics on Saturdays, while I was in class.
Why did you decide to enroll in the Colaberry School of Data Analytics?
I decided to enroll in Colaberry because I had the distant goal to continue my education in actuarial studies. That goal was sidetracked quite a bit as time progressed. After doing some research, I realized that Data Analytics / Data Science and Actuarial Studies have a 1 degree of separation.
I figured, why not try this route out to see if Colaberry could assist me in my long-term goals? It was a much less expensive option than continuing my studies at the University. So, I decided to give it a try and I am very happy I did!
What challenges or circumstances did you have to overcome to be successful (if any) and how did Colaberry assist you in that?
The biggest circumstance that I had to battle through included the fact that I was newly divorced with a brand-new baby when I started school.
I was dealing with emotional and hormonal turmoil while trying to enrich myself and build a better future for my children. It was tough trying to juggle all the different needs of my new life, as well as taking care of the needs of my young family. Colaberry’s programs are flexible, and the staff is understanding, and absolutely driven to see you succeed. I am so thankful and my circumstances have changed so much since the day I began the program.
Did you have a data analytics/data science background or any associated skills prior to joining Colaberry?
Yes. I have my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in mathematics. I have a strong background in mathematics. I was a Head Volleyball Coach and Mathematics Teacher prior to joining Colaberry. So, my ability to communicate and relate to others was well-pronounced.
What training courses did you complete through Colaberry?
Data Analytics
How do you think you benefited most from Colaberry’s training?
One quality that I did inherit from Colaberry was persistence. There were many times when I was ready to quit the program and go back to my life as a teacher. But, every time that defeatist mindset crept in, I would wipe my tears and start working on more of the curriculum. I knew there had to be a greater benefit to the school than just the technical, I just didn’t know what it was at the time.
Did you have any fond memories during your training experience you’d like to share?
I have so many different memories with Colaberry. I remember feeling like I had a great support system. I had friends who wanted the best for me as well as for themselves.
In terms of your current salary vs. your previous position, do you feel that Colaberry helped you to reach your goals? In what way has this improved your life?
The increase in my salary allowed me to accomplish some other long-term goals. The first was that I was able to pay off all my credit card debt as well as all of my student loan debt within my first year on the job. I can now provide for my little family in ways that I never thought possible. It has been such a blessing.
Did you learn any “non-technical” skills (e.g. non-verbal communication, tone of voice, etc.) through Colaberry?
Colaberry helped me to articulate technical terms and definitions regarding SQL, report development as well as ETL development. Being required to record subject-specific videos allowed for a better understanding and application of concepts. This is what separates Colaberry from any other training program or even programs in higher education. No one else preps you the way Colaberry does.
One of the amazing benefits of the Refactored.ai platform is that it has real-time video and audio analysis of what you say and do. The platform analyzes specific delivery of soft skills and determines where a student can improve in a specific area.
Some of the human skills I perfected with the Refactored platform were:
- Communication Skills (non-verbal and verbal skills)
- Self-Awareness
- Critical/Creative Thinking
- Emotional Intelligence
- Time Management
- Improved my “grit”
How did those skills help you in the workplace/ get a job?
These skills helped me get my first job in the IT world on my first face-to-face interview. Most interview questions correlated with a video that I had to record at one point in my schooling.
Would you recommend Colaberry to others? If yes, why?
Yes, Colaberry allows you to have a fast track to your career and financial goals. I could have continued my education through the University and risked not getting placed in such a prominent position as quickly as I did.
Would you ever consider returning to Colaberry to take more classes?
Of course! I have started dabbling in their Data Science program. I am excited about adding to my skill set as a Data Scientist. The demand for this field is extremely high and I feel that I can take advantage of this timeline regarding the exponential enhancements in technology.
What do you find most enjoyable about your current position?
I love the thinking behind the doing. I love problem-solving for business. I enjoy it when different aspects of the business reach out to me to thank me for solving a business problem.
Do you have any final thoughts or advice for current and future students at Colaberry?
The best word of advice I can provide is for you to find an accountability partner. Find someone you connect with to help push you. Follow the program. There will be times when you will get stuck and want to quit. In those moments, regroup and start again. Know that if you stick to it, you will get there.
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5 Powerful Benefits You’ll Gain from Colaberry’s Online Courses
- Get Future Ready by becoming data-literate
- Develop powerful human skills and learn how to communicate effectively
- Build experience on your resume: real-world project experience sets you apart!
- Gain experience in the most powerful platforms such as Refactored.ai, SQL, and Tableau
- Develop the confidence and skills to successfully navigate large, complex data science projects with ease
Inside Refactored.ai, MIT Solve Award-Winning Platform
Colaberry’s education is built upon the powerful Refactored.ai educational platform. Refactored is an award-winning, interactive, and on-demand data science and analytics career-training platform. Through a learn-by-doing approach, personalized learning paths, real-time data assessments, and AI-driven feedback, learners can immediately grasp and apply new skills at all stages of their careers.
Refactored.ai’s interactive, on-demand data training platform provides a scalable solution to keep workforce skills current and relevant amid rapid technological advancement. The platform offers unlimited opportunities to develop agile, adaptable talent, and data thinkers grasp and immediately apply AI concepts and skills, and build high-performing data science teams.
Colaberry Data Science Training Is The Answer!
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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.
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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.
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Colaberry’s program, platform, and ecosystem empower you with skills that you need to succeed in your job interviews and transition into high-paying careers. 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.
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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.
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