Meet Karen, a determined and curious 26-year-old with a clear mission: to build a future in data. Currently working as a data analyst at a French company, Karen is also a student at Le Wagon, where she’s enrolled in the Data Analytics bootcamp.
But her journey didn’t begin in tech.
The switch: from business school to bootcamp
After earning a master’s degree in Big Data and Business Analytics at a business school, Karen quickly realized the program didn’t go deep enough technically:
“We had some introductory courses on Python and SQL, but it was really light. It was more about being aware of what data is rather than learning how to actually work with it.”
Her internship focused on customer success and operations, not analytics. After that, Karen took a long, hard look at her CV and asked herself: “Can I really apply for a technical data analyst job with this?”
The answer was clear: not yet.
That’s when she discovered Le Wagon.
Why Le Wagon?
What drew Karen in was the practical format and the reputation of the program:
“I really liked the format — being able to work most of the week while having one day focused on learning. It felt like I was almost 100% in the company.”
Affordability also played a big role:
“Some bootcamps were over €7,000. And after my parents had already paid €20,000 for business school, I couldn’t ask for more. When I found Le Wagon, I felt like it was a sign.”
Learning beyond the curriculum
Karen’s current role sits somewhere between data analyst and data engineer, and she’s learned to go far beyond the bootcamp curriculum:
“I use SQL and Python a lot, but I’m also working on web apps, deploying them on servers — things we didn’t cover in the bootcamp. Still, thanks to the foundation I got, I’ve been able to adapt and grow.”
She’s also working on a natural language processing project, pushing her technical skills even further.
Gaining confidence through projects
Karen fondly remembers the final project and pitch day, which pushed her out of her comfort zone:
“Public speaking isn’t really my favorite, but the teachers and my group were really supportive. I was able to present with confidence.”
Her team project, “Borne This Way” (a play on words, as borne refers to electric car charging stations in French), focused on optimizing charging station infrastructure for electric vehicles and projecting usage by 2035.
Using data to map the distribution of electric vehicles across France and its evolution over the past five years, the team developed a machine learning model to forecast future trends.
“It was a mix of creativity, data, and forward-thinking — exactly the kind of challenge I enjoy.”
Career services that made a difference
Karen credits Le Wagon’s career services with helping her prepare for her role:
“The sessions — CV reviews, LinkedIn feedback, pitch prep — were really helpful. I might have forgotten a few things along the way, but they gave me the tools I needed.”
She also found guidance through a mentor who supported her with interviews and application prep.
Honest feedback on the platform
Karen continues to use Kitt, Le Wagon’s learning platform, and shared her thoughts:
“The platform was easy to navigate and allowed everyone to complete their challenges smoothly. There were occasional hiccups, but nothing that stopped us from progressing.”
What’s next?
Karen is now applying for full-time data analyst roles, preparing to take her final certification exam in September, and hoping to get her results by the end of the year.
“I just applied for a position yesterday, so I’m waiting to hear back. And I’ll start applying more broadly in September — as Abigail advised me!”
Karen’s story is a reminder that with clarity, courage, and the right support, it’s never too late to pivot. From business to data, she’s created a new path on her own terms — and she’s just getting started. 🌍💻
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