From Commerce to Data Scientist: Arif’s Success Story

Arif transitioned from a commerce background to become a successful data scientist. His journey highlights dedication, upskilling, and the power of non-traditional career paths in tech.

Prerana B A Prerana B A
Jul 28, 2025 Updated: Jul 28, 2025
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From Commerce to Data Scientist: Arif’s Success Story
Datamites Data Science Course Success story by Arif

In today’s highly competitive job market, breaking into tech, especially in data science, demands more than just academic qualifications. It requires passion, persistence, and hands-on experience. Arif, a recent graduate from SRM University, exemplifies this perfectly. Coming from a commerce background, he successfully transitioned into data science and secured an Associate Data Scientist role at Trinity Mobility, and impressively, he did it in his very first interview, even before receiving his graduation certificate.

This exclusive interview-style article takes a deep dive into Arif’s inspiring journey, his motivation, how he upskilled through practical training, the real-world projects that shaped his learning, and the preparation strategies that led to his success. If you're looking for inspiration, don’t miss this story, watch DataMites Success Stories to see how others like Arif are transforming his careers in data science.

Arif's Transition to Data Science: A Transformative Journey with DataMites

A story of passion, perseverance, and practical learning that turned a commerce graduate into a confident data science professional.

Q1: Can you tell us a little about your educational background and how you got into data science?

I completed my BCA in Data Science from SRM University, Chennai. Initially, I was from a commerce background, but I shifted into tech because I found it more aligned with my interests. I started exploring data science during my second year and that’s when I decided to join a hands-on learning program at DataMites.

Q2: Why did you feel the need to go beyond your college curriculum?

While college gave me theoretical knowledge, I felt the need for practical exposure, which was lacking. I discovered DataMites through online research and success stories. Their approach to real-world projects and interactive teaching drew me in.

Q3: What was your experience like while training at DataMites?

It was very structured and practical. I learned Python, SQL, machine learning, and even deep learning concepts. The best part was DataMites teaching method, when I didn’t understand something, I could ask repeatedly, and they explained with real examples. It made even complex topics like object-oriented programming and statistics approachable.

Q4: Did you find statistics challenging?

Yes, initially. Statistics felt theoretical and tough, but the instructors at DataMites made it interesting. Once I saw its use in data analysis and ML models, it started making sense.

Q5: How did you manage coding, coming from a non-programming background?

It was challenging at first, but I started from the basics in Python, like lists, tuples, and functions. I practiced a lot after class and solved problems online. With consistency, I got comfortable with coding.

Q6: Was it a solo learning journey or did you study with peers?

I preferred studying alone. I didn’t work in study groups, but I stayed consistent and self-motivated throughout.

Q7: How important was hands-on practice in your journey?

Very important. I spent 8–9 hours a day preparing, especially during the mock interview phase. I also did capstone projects and internships that helped me understand real-world applications, like sales forecasting and customer segmentation.

Q8: How did mock interviews help you prepare for the real ones?

Immensely. They covered real questions on machine learning, boosting techniques, and algorithm logic. It pushed me to go deeper into the theory behind the tools. That built my confidence for the actual job interview.

Q9: What was your interview experience like for this Associate Data Scientist role?

It was my first-ever interview, and I cracked it! They asked about machine learning concepts like time series forecasting, boosting techniques, and Random Forest, my favorite algorithm. I was surprised by the depth of their questions, but my preparation helped.

Q10: Did you get any support from the placement team?

Yes. The placement team helped me build a strong resume. They gave feedback, helped format it, and guided me through best practices. It only took 1–2 days with DataMites help.

Q11: Tell us more about your internship projects.

I worked on practical machine learning tasks like prediction models, feature engineering, and data visualization. These projects taught me how to clean data, understand algorithms deeply, and present insights clearly.

Q12: What’s your favorite machine learning algorithm and why?

Arif: I really like Random Forest. It consistently gives good accuracy and is versatile. I used it in multiple projects and found it reliable compared to other algorithms.

Q13: Where is your new job based and what are your plans?

The job is based in Bangalore. I have friends there, so it’s a good move. My short-term goal is to convert this internship to a full-time role and continue learning and growing in AI and machine learning.

Q14: What's your message to aspiring data scientists from non-tech backgrounds?

Don’t be afraid to start. It might look overwhelming at first, but with dedication and the right guidance, it’s possible. Focus on hands-on learning, understand how algorithms work, and keep practicing consistently.

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Key Takeaways from Arif’s Data Science Success Story

Arif’s journey from a commerce background to landing his first data science job highlights the power of practical learning, persistence, and the right mentorship.

  • Arif transitioned from a commerce background to becoming an Associate Data Scientist, showing that a non-technical start is not a barrier.
  • He cracked his first-ever interview at Trinity Mobility even before receiving his graduation certificate.
  • He completed a BCA in Data Science from SRM University, Chennai.
  • Arif felt college education was too theoretical and sought hands-on learning, which he found at DataMites.
  • Learned Python, SQL, machine learning, and deep learning with a practical and interactive approach, including real-world projects.
  • Initially found statistics and coding difficult but overcame them with structured training and consistent practice.
  • Preferred self-study over group learning, emphasizing consistency and motivation.
  • Gained real-world exposure through capstone projects and internships on topics like sales forecasting and customer segmentation.
  • Mock interviews at DataMites helped build confidence and deepen theoretical understanding of ML algorithms.
  • Focused on machine learning topics such as boosting techniques, time series forecasting, and Random Forest, which helped during the actual job interview.
  • Received resume building and interview prep assistance from DataMites’ placement team.
  • Prefers Random Forest due to its reliability and accuracy in multiple use cases.
  • Currently interning in Bangalore, aiming to convert the internship into a full-time role and further grow in AI and ML.
  • Encourages non-tech learners not to fear starting, and emphasizes hands-on practice, consistency, and understanding core concepts.
  • Success depends on selecting training programs that offer practical learning, real-time projects, job assistance, and recognized certifications.

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Arif's story is proof that with the right attitude, practical learning, and persistence, anyone can transition into a high-demand field like data science. Whether you're from commerce or any non-tech background, the doors are wide open, as long as you're willing to walk the extra mile. His first-job success story is a reminder that preparation and opportunity often meet only when you put in the effort. Data science is one of the best IT courses today, offering immense career potential for those ready to commit to continuous learning and skill-building.

If you're inspired by Arif’s journey and looking to step into the world of data science, there's no better time to enhance your skills. 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 projected to exceed USD 676.51 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 16.20%. As industries generate vast volumes of data, the demand for skilled data professionals continues to surge. Choosing the right training institute, one that emphasizes hands-on learning, real-time projects, and job support, is crucial for building a successful career. Enrolling in a reputed data science course in Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, or Delhi can open up a world of exciting tech opportunities.

For Arif, who came from a non-technical background, expert guidance and structured training were instrumental in his transformation. By pursuing in-depth courses in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Python, and Data Analytics, along with earning globally recognized certifications from IABAC and NASSCOM FutureSkills, he built the competence and confidence to enter the tech domain.

DataMites Institute offers data science training in Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Coimbatore, and Mumbai, along with flexible online learning options. This makes high-quality data science education accessible to fresh graduates, working professionals, and career switchers, just as it did for Arif.