From Economics to Data Analytics: Antoine’s journey

1) Can you please introduce yourself and give an insight into your background?

My name is Antoine Vandendael, I come from Liège, and I am 24 years old. I studied economics and management at HEC Liège, specialising in sales and marketing management. I also spent two years working in the medical sector during my Masters. I’ve always tried to do continuous training alongside my studies, and the world of data was of great interest to me.

2) What inspired you to enter the tech industry through Le Wagon’s data analytics bootcamp?

I believe that nowadays data is everywhere and is essential for companies to process and analyse their data to make decisions. I wanted to keep my management skills as well as to add the technical side of data analytics, and this bootcamp seemed to be the perfect bridge between the two. Le Wagon certainly inspired me to learn about the world of data and the technical tools that exist.

3) Can you tell us about your experiences at Le Wagon? What were the highs and the lows for you?

My experience at Le Wagon was incredible. I learnt a lot in a short amount of time. I really enjoyed the dynamic of the bootcamp, working in pairs and having easy access to the teachers and assistant teachers. The learning platform was also very well designed and knowing that I have access to it for life is a real asset. Obviously, when you learn so much in such a short amount of time, you sometimes wish to have a bit more of it to master the subject, it is however part of my ongoing training. In short, my experience at Le Wagon was enriching both personally and professionally.

4) How did the hands-on projects contribute to your learning experience?

The end-of-bootcamp project wasn’t the easiest but it was very challenging to be able to apply all the topics we’d seen. It was a great experience, which I think prepares us as well as possible for what a data analyst might have to face in the professional world, and as such it provided added value to the project.

5) Did you find the Le Wagon community and networking opportunities valuable?

For me, having access to such a large community worldwide is also a major advantage of Le Wagon. The career week at the end of the bootcamp is also very rewarding. Although I found a job by other means, I’m very happy to be able to be part of the Le Wagon community.

6) Can you tell us what you do now? Are you happy with what you do?

I found a job within Intys, a consultancy firm based in Brussels. My first mission isn’t directly linked to the world of data, but I keep on training within my company so that I can land a job as a data analyst in the next few months. I’m happy with my current mission, but I really want to apply what I’ve learnt at Le Wagon as soon as possible and join a data team within a company.

7) Did the skills you learned during your bootcamp experience give you the confidence to handle everything in your new job?

I think that Le Wagon has given me the basics and a bit more of the technical tools needed to work in data, but as in any profession now, I need to evolve and practise daily to gain as much confidence as possible.

8) As a young graduate how did you learn about Le Wagon?

I learned about Le Wagon through social media and as I was very interested in the world of data, Le Wagon quickly came up in my research. In addition, several people I know had already taken part in a Le Wagon bootcamp.

9) What advice would you give to other young graduates considering enrolling in the data analytics bootcamp?

I would tell them that Le Wagon offers intensive and qualitative training to have the basics of the tools in hand and that the Le Wagon network offers immense possibilities on the professional stage. However, to work in data you must always stay up to date and that it is very important to carry on training, both within and outside the profession.