After graduating in industrial engineering in France in 2017, Élise dedicated six years to optimizing industrial performance in sectors such as aerospace and agribusiness, helping industries enhance their efficiency. However, driven by her passion for data analysis, she felt the need to pivot toward a more technology-driven field: Data Science. Now a Data Scientist at Sia Partners in Montreal, she shares her journey and experience in transitioning to this new field.
It was on a friend’s recommendation that Élise decided to trust Le Wagon for her career transition.
“It wasn’t easy to find a training program that met my expectations, but Le Wagon’s intensive curriculum convinced me. I was looking for practical skills in a stimulating environment, and the bootcamp was exactly what I needed.”
Élise knew that a structured and intensive program would help her build a strong foundation for entering the Data Science field. She quickly realized that the bootcamp’s format—particularly its hands-on approach—was the perfect fit for her professional goals.
“What stood out to me the most during my training was definitely the quality of the learning materials and the instructors’ teaching,” says Élise. “The sense of camaraderie and the community within my batch and at the Montreal campus were also incredibly motivating factors.”
The skills she acquired during the bootcamp, particularly in Python applied to machine learning, generative AI (GenAI), and Natural Language pProcessing (NLP), effectively prepared Élise for her current role.
“I learned intensively, and while it was challenging at times, it allowed me to develop practical and technical skills that I still use in my job today.”
Among the most impactful projects she worked on during the bootcamp, Élise highlights her final team project, which was showcased during the “Demo Day.”
“This project was crucial in helping me understand the key steps of deploying an AI solution—from collaborating on the solution’s development to its final deployment in the Cloud.”
Élise strongly encourages women to take the leap into tech.
“I would give the same advice to both men and women: choose an inclusive company that treats everyone fairly. And above all, it’s crucial to believe in your skills, even when you feel challenged. You have as much value as anyone else, and you should own it.”
She also advises women not to hesitate in expressing their ideas with confidence, emphasizing that having more women in Data Science and AI is a valuable asset to the industry.
Despite a competitive job market with limited junior Data Science positions, Élise managed to stand out relatively quickly.
“It took me three months to find a job, but it was worth it. My advice for those making a career change is to leverage their network. That was the most effective strategy for me. It’s also essential to refine your CV by highlighting transferable skills.”
She also recommends targeting consulting firms, as they often hire junior profiles.
“Consulting companies are generally more open to entry-level candidates, and that’s how I landed my first Data Science job.”
Today, Élise works at Sia Partners, a consulting firm, where she designs and deploys AI solutions for clients across various industries, including banking, insurance, construction, retail, and manufacturing. On a daily basis, she primarily uses Python and her data engineering expertise to develop AI solutions.
“I love my job, especially the diversity of projects. Working in consulting allows me to tackle vastly different challenges, which is incredibly enriching.”
Ultimately, Élise is thriving in her new career, finding both personal fulfillment and intellectual stimulation.
“I feel much more flexible in my professional life thanks to this job. The ability to work remotely and maintain a good work-life balance are significant benefits.”
Want to take Élise’s advice? Join one of our free, hands-on workshops to experience our teaching methodology or connect with our learning advisors to discuss the next step in your career transition.
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