How Saurabh Switched to a Data Science Career

Are you a working professional from a non-IT background wondering if a transition into data science is even possible? You’re not alone. Meet Saurabh Vaidya, a mechanical design engineer with 7 years of experience, who successfully made the leap to become a Data Scientist at IQ Gateway, proving that with the right mindset and guidance, anyone can break into tech.

Despite having no formal background in programming or computer science, Saurabh mastered essential skills like Python, statistics, machine learning, and model deployment, all while managing a full-time job. His journey is a testament to the power of structured learning, hands-on projects, and consistent practice.

If you're looking for real-life inspiration, actionable tips, and a clear path to follow, Saurabh's story is a must-read. Watch DataMites success stories like his and discover how thousands of professionals are transforming their careers through expert-led training and real-world preparation in the field of data science.

How Saurabh Successfully Transitioned into Data Science with DataMites

Here’s how a mechanical engineer with no coding background transformed his career through structured learning and mentorship.

Q1: Tell us about your background and what inspired you to switch to data science.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and have worked in mechanical design for over 7 years. Over time, I noticed how companies were increasingly using data science and machine learning for structural analysis and simulation tasks. That piqued my interest and led me to upskill in this direction.

On a personal level, I’m a self-declared budgeting freak, I love tracking and analyzing my personal finances. Learning Power BI, Tableau, and statistics helped me build dashboards to monitor my spending habits. That personal passion further fueled my interest in data science.

Q2: Did you have prior exposure to Python or machine learning?

No, I had no professional experience with programming. I only knew basic Python and started learning machine learning from scratch.

Q3: How did you find learning statistics and Python?

Initially, statistics was challenging since I hadn’t studied beyond the basics. But breaking down concepts into smaller parts and learning from first principles helped me understand it deeply.

Q4: What was your approach to learning machine learning?

I focused on understanding how ML libraries are built, starting from NumPy and Pandas, then building statistical models, and finally moving into machine learning libraries. I was especially interested in deep learning, which aligned with my job role.

Q5: How did you get started with learning data science?

I joined a Certified Data Scientist (CDS) course from DataMites in February 2023. The course was remote, and I attended it from Pune.

The curriculum was well-structured: it began with basic Python, then moved into NumPy and Pandas, and finally covered statistics, machine learning, and deep learning.

Q6: How long did it take you to feel confident in Python, statistics, and machine learning?

I committed around 2 hours each weekday after work and approximately 5 hours on Saturdays, while keeping Sundays free for rest. This added up to roughly 12 hours of focused learning per week. Within 6 to 7 months, I developed confidence across all the core areas. Python was the most straightforward to learn, and machine learning concepts resonated well with me, thanks to my engineering background and experience with modeling.

Q7: What kind of projects did you work on?

As a team of four, we worked on projects across domains: travel, finance, healthcare, and deep learning. These projects built confidence. Final preparation included mock interviews.

Q8: What role did mock interviews play in your preparation?

I attended three mock interviews at DataMites. After each one, I received in-depth feedback. My first mock revealed I needed deeper SQL and Python knowledge. I worked on it, revised, and passed the third one.

Q9: How many actual interviews did you attend before getting hired?

• The first one didn’t go through because I stumbled on SQL questions.
• The second was with IQ Gateway, which had six rounds, including technical, managerial, and deployment tasks. I got the offer from them.

Q10: What kind of job role will you take at IQ Gateway?

I’ll be working on end-to-end data science projects, from data collection to deployment. I’m particularly excited as this aligns with my interest in deep learning and building deployable ML models.

Q11: What advice would you give to non-IT professionals aspiring to switch to data science?

Don’t fear Python, it’s beginner-friendly. Focus on core concepts, break down complex topics, and practice regularly. Data science is all about applying what you learn.

Prepare for key interview questions:

• Tell me about yourself
• Why data science?
• Explain your projects

Also, always ask thoughtful questions in interviews, it shows your curiosity and engagement. 

Q12: What was your experience with the DataMites placement team and mentors?

Fantastic. I rate them 10/10.

• The placement team helped me craft a powerful resume and guided me in highlighting the right keywords and project structures.
• My mentors provided excellent support during machine learning training and mock interviews.

Refer to these articles:

• Transitioning into Data Science: Shubham’s Inspiring Journey
• From Fresher to Data Scientist: Yamini's Career Transformation
• From Struggle to Success: Ajay Kumar’s Data Science Journey

Key Findings from Saurabh's Career Transition to Data Science

Here are the key findings that highlight Saurabh’s successful shift from mechanical engineering to a growing data science career:

• Saurabh had 7 years of experience in mechanical design with no IT background.
• He got interested in data science through work trends and personal finance tracking.
• He started learning Python and statistics from scratch.
• Joined the DataMites Certified Data Scientist course in February 2023.
• Studied ~12 hours per week while working full-time.
• Gained confidence in 6–7 months.
• Worked on projects in travel, finance, healthcare, and deep learning.
• Cleared 3 mock interviews; improved after feedback.
• Got hired as a Data Scientist at IQ Gateway after 6 interview rounds.
• Now works on end-to-end ML projects including deployment.
• Advises focusing on fundamentals, practicing consistently, and preparing for interviews.
• Credits mentorship and structured training from DataMites for his success.
• Faced challenges in SQL and improved through revision and mock feedback.
• Finds Python beginner-friendly and ML concepts aligned with his engineering background.
• Personal passion for data analysis helped sustain his motivation.
• DataMites helped with resume building, keyword optimization, and interview prep.

Refer to these articles:

• Data Science Course Fee in Chennai
• Why Data Scientist Career in Chennai
• Data Science Course Fees in Mumbai
• Why Data Scientist Career in Mumbai

Saurabh's journey from a mechanical design engineer to a data scientist is a powerful example of how dedication, structured learning, and consistent practice can lead to a successful career transition, even without a background in IT. His story reinforces that data science is not just for coders or computer science graduates, but is accessible to anyone with curiosity, discipline, and the willingness to learn. Today, data science is considered one of the best IT courses for professionals aiming to future-proof their careers.

If you're considering a similar move, remember: it's not about how smart you are, but how committed you are to the process. Embrace the learning curve, work on real projects, seek feedback through mock interviews, and stay consistent. As Saurabh’s journey proves, with the right mindset, career transformation is not only possible but inevitable.

If you’re inspired by Saurabh’s journey, now is the perfect time to upskill and explore one of the most in-demand IT careers in Data Science. According to Grand View Research, the global Data Science platform market was valued at USD 96.25 billion in 2023, with a projected CAGR of 26.0% from 2024 to 2030. As industries across the globe become increasingly data-driven, the demand for skilled professionals continues to surge.

Coming from a mechanical engineering background with seven years of experience in design, Saurabh successfully pivoted his career with the right mentorship. He enrolled at DataMites Institute, a trusted training provider offering Data Science courses in Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Delhi, and gained expertise in Python, Statistics, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Data Analytics. Through practical projects and globally recognized certifications from IABAC and NASSCOM FutureSkills, he laid the foundation for a rewarding tech career.

Today, Saurabh has been selected as a Data Scientist at IQ Gateway, a testament to his determination and the hands-on, industry-relevant training he received at DataMites.

Whether you're a student, a working professional, or someone looking to switch careers, DataMites offers flexible online, offline, and blended learning options for Data Science training in Chennai, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai. Join the growing community of learners transforming their careers in the growing world of data.