Athulya’s Journey: From SEO Analyst to Data Engineer

In today’s fast-evolving tech landscape, career reinvention isn’t just possible,it’s essential for those seeking future-proof opportunities. Atulya’s story stands as a powerful testament to this. After years in digital marketing, she made a bold leap into the world of data by enrolling in the Certified Data Scientist course at DataMites.

Through consistent learning, hands-on practice, and mentorship, she successfully transitioned into a Data Engineering role, despite having no prior software development experience. In this exclusive success story interview, Atulya shares her journey, challenges, learning strategies, and tips for aspiring professionals looking to break into tech. For more inspiration, watch DataMites success stories and discover how others are transforming their careers through data education.

Athulya’s Inspiring Journey to Becoming a Data Scientist with DataMites

From a non-technical background and a career break to securing a Data Scientist role, Athulya’s journey with DataMites is a testament to the power of structured learning and determination.

Q1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

I’m from Kerala and I graduated with a BE in Computer Science in 2016. After working in digital marketing, primarily in SEO, I felt the need to shift to a more technical and future-oriented field. That’s when I joined the Certified Data Scientist course at DataMites in May 2024.

Q2. What made you choose Data Science and this course in particular?

I wanted to upskill and align my career with the growing demand in the tech and data industry. DataMites offered the structured learning, mentorship, and placement support I needed to make that shift.

Q3. Did you have any coding experience before joining the course?

Although I had a background in Computer Science, I had lost touch with coding completely. During college, we didn’t even have Python as part of the curriculum, so I had to start learning from scratch.

Q4. How did you find learning Python and other technical subjects after such a long gap?

Python was relatively easy for me to pick up. However, statistics was quite challenging initially. I spent time building a strong understanding of foundational concepts, especially before moving on to Machine Learning algorithms.

Q5. What did you find most difficult during the course?

Definitely Statistics. I realized that understanding statistical techniques was crucial to making sense of ML models. I struggled with even the simplest algorithm, Linear Regression, at first. But once I understood its geometric and mathematical intuition, things started to click.

Q6. Were you part of any projects during the course?

Yes, we had four capstone projects. I worked on Liver Disease Prediction, COVID-19 data analysis, PIPFA 2020, and one more project. These helped us apply theoretical knowledge to practical use cases. I worked in a team of two, so we had to manage tasks efficiently.

Q7. Did you receive any placement support from DataMites?

Absolutely. The placement support from DataMites was a major help. After clearing the mock interviews, we began receiving Job Descriptions (JDs) and interview opportunities from the placement team.

Q8. How important were mock interviews in your preparation?

Extremely important. I couldn’t clear the first mock, but it helped me understand where I stood. By the third mock interview, I had improved significantly and was well-prepared for real-world interviews.

Q9. How many interviews did you attend before getting placed?

I attended interviews with two companies. I cleared the second company’s interview, which included both technical and HR questions in a single round.

Q10. Were you treated as a fresher or experienced candidate during placement?

I was considered a fresher, and I’m currently undergoing an internship phase as part of the company’s onboarding process.

Q11. Where is your current job based, and how’s it going so far?

The job is based in Bangalore. Even though I’m from Kerala, I’ve relocated to Bangalore for this opportunity. I’m currently in the internship phase, which will lead to full-time project involvement soon.

Q12. How did the actual interview process go with the company that hired you?

It was a single comprehensive round. They asked questions from Python and SQL, such as:

• Explaining Python functions
• Writing SQL queries on joins, group by, and having clauses
• Differences between list and tuple

They didn’t ask for live coding, but I had to explain concepts using sample code.

Q13. What resources did you use outside the course for extra help?

I did refer to external resources like YouTube tutorials, blogs, and community forums to strengthen my understanding, especially during the project phase.

Q14. What tips do you have for those struggling with technical interviews?

My biggest advice is: don’t rush. Focus on understanding one topic deeply before moving on. Consistency in preparation and revisiting concepts regularly is key, especially if you’re restarting your tech career after a break.

Q15. Any final thoughts for aspirants looking to become data professionals?

If you’re serious about a career in data science or engineering, don’t let gaps or unrelated experience hold you back. With dedicated learning, hands-on projects, mock interviews, and the right guidance, you can absolutely make the switch, just like I did.

Refer to these articles:

• Ruchi Goel’s Journey: From Career Break to Data Scientist
• From Commerce to Data Scientist: Arif’s Success Story
• Rinu’s Journey: From Electrical Engineer to Data Scientist

Key Takeaways from Athulya’s Inspiring Journey into Data Science

When reflecting on her career transition, Athulya offered valuable insights that guided her move from a non-technical background into a successful role in data science. Here are some of the standout lessons from her journey:

• Athulya transitioned from SEO Analyst to Data Engineer despite a long break from her core technical domain.
• She held a degree in Computer Science but had lost touch with coding before re-entering the field.
• The Certified Data Scientist course by DataMites provided her with a well-organized path, mentorship, and placement assistance.
• Athulya started learning Python anew, as her college education didn't include it, and had to rebuild foundational programming skills.
• She struggled with understanding statistical concepts but overcame it by deeply focusing on the basics and intuitive understanding.
• Working on real-world projects like Liver Disease Prediction and COVID-19 analysis helped bridge the gap between theory and practice.
• Failing initial mocks helped her identify weaknesses, and by the third round, she felt fully interview-ready.
• DataMites provided strong placement help, offering job descriptions, interviews, and preparation support.
• She was considered a fresher during placement and entered an internship phase before full-time employment.
• Her successful interview covered technical topics in Python and SQL, but did not require live coding, conceptual clarity mattered more.
• She relocated from Kerala to Bangalore for her role, showing her dedication to the new career path.
• Apart from the course, she used YouTube, blogs, and forums to deepen her understanding, especially for projects.
• Athulya emphasized the importance of consistent, deep learning rather than rushing through topics.
• Her story is proof that with persistence, the right guidance, and hands-on experience, transitioning into data science is achievable, regardless of background.

Refer to these articles:

• How to Become a Data Scientist in Chennai
• Data Science Course Fee in Chennai
• How to Become a Data Scientist in Bangalore
• Data Science Course Fee in Bangalore

Athulya’s journey is a testament to the fact that it’s never too late to realign your career with your passions. With sheer determination, the right Data Engineer course, and strong placement support, she successfully transitioned from a digital marketing role to a career in data engineering within just a few months. By mastering key skills such as SQL, Python, Big Data, ETL pipelines, and cloud platforms, she carved a new path in tech. Her story is a beacon of hope for professionals aiming to break into the tech industry, no matter their background.

Athulya's story proves that with determination, practical learning, and the right mindset, a successful transition into data science is possible — no matter your background. Coming from a non-technical field, she showed that when preparation meets opportunity, great things happen. Today, data science is considered one of the top IT courses in demand, offering strong career potential for those dedicated to continuous learning.

If Athulya’s journey inspires you and you're considering a move into data science, now is the perfect time to begin. According to Precedence Research, the global data science platform market was valued at USD 150.73 billion in 2024, is expected to reach USD 175.15 billion in 2025, and is forecast to surpass USD 676.51 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 16.20%. As industries continue to generate data at an unprecedented scale, the demand for skilled professionals is accelerating. That’s why choosing a reliable training institute that focuses on hands-on learning, real-time projects, and robust job support is essential for a successful career launch. Enrolling in a top-rated data science course in Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Mumbai, or Delhi can unlock a wealth of career opportunities.

For Athulya, who came from a non-tech background, expert mentorship and a structured learning path played a pivotal role in her transformation. Through immersive courses in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Python, and Data Analytics, backed by globally respected certifications from IABAC and NASSCOM FutureSkills, she gained the skills and confidence needed to step into the tech industry.

DataMites Institute provides data science training in Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Coimbatore, and Mumbai, along with flexible online options. This ensures accessible, high-quality education for graduates, working professionals, and career changers, just as it did for Athulya.