From Property Manager to Data Scientist: Navigating the transition to tech with Ben Marsh By: Kai Block May 23, 2024 Estimated reading time: 3 minutes. Discover how Ben transitioned into a career in Data after gaining a new set of technical skills with Lighthouse Labs’ Data Science Bootcamp. Motivated by a desire for a more fulfilling career, Ben embraced the career change from Property Manager to Data Analyst. The Bootcamp equipped him with the necessary expertise and opened the door to internships, ultimately leading him to a permanent position. Fueled by his passion for learning and the goal of diving into the world of machine learning and AI, Ben shares his valuable insights and advice with aspiring tech professionals, emphasizing the importance of understanding technology’s role in society and being able to harness it. What were you up to before Lighthouse Labs? I had been working as a Property Manager for a non-profit housing society for about 6 years. My main responsibilities included coordinating maintenance and repair work on a portfolio of 30+ buildings, setting up new properties, and acting as a landlord for some of our tenants. I was also providing some IT support for the organization. Though my role was not data-focused, it was important to develop more robust systems for tracking maintenance, asset management, and rent collection as the organization grew substantially over my time there. What led you to want to take a tech Program, and why did you choose Lighthouse Labs? I was looking to change careers and do work more closely aligned with my interests. I had done a little bit of programming in school many years ago and enjoyed it, but I didn't pursue it at the time. I have friends who have had positive experiences with Bootcamps, including some who recommended Lighthouse Labs specifically. Tell us about your experience with the Data Science Bootcamp. I really enjoyed the Data Science Bootcamp. It was challenging, fast-paced, and packed full of new information. I came away feeling like I had a whole new set of tools and skills that I didn't have before. I appreciated the diversity both of my cohort as well as my instructors and mentors. Getting to know the instructors and mentors and their backgrounds helped me better understand the different paths and career options available to me in the field of data science. Become a Data Scientist in as little as 12 weeks! Classes start soon and there's room for you. Sign up now How did the Data Science Bootcamp impact your career? I went to Lighthouse Labs to gain the technical skills to change my career trajectory. It has definitely helped with that. After the Bootcamp, Lighthouse Labs connected me to a software developer internship, where I could learn more and continue to hone my programming skills. Since completing the internship, I have now taken a permanent role as a Data Analyst with a different company. These are roles I would not have had the necessary technical skills to do before Lighthouse Labs. Talk to us about your new job! Explain a little of what you do now. I'm now working as a Data Analyst for a non-profit company. I am helping the organization develop a more robust data infrastructure and better data collection practices. Currently, I'm working on automating some of our reporting and building interactive dashboards for our various programs. My data analysis supports the senior leadership team with data-driven decision-making and program improvement. What do you appreciate most about your new career or what are you most hopeful for moving forward? Compared to some of the work I had done previously, I find much more enjoyment in the day-to-day tasks I'm doing now. I am interested in learning about new tools and techniques in the field, and I now feel as though I am equipped with more relevant core skills that are widely applicable to any number of different industries and environments. What’s next? Tell us about you and your future career goals. I would like to eventually be working more in the machine learning/AI space. I find LLMs fascinating and am intrigued by the possibilities and limitations of what can be done with them. What advice would you give someone who wants to transition into a tech career? Do it! Computers and technology are such an integral part of our society. I think understanding how they work and what can be done with them on a deeper level is such a valuable skill. Sign up for the Data Science Bootcamp today Ready to find a career in Data Science like Ben? At Lighthouse Labs, we're here to help you gain the skills for your next role. Our Data Science Bootcamp is the quickest way to launch a career in Data Science. We offer an online 12-week, full-time, or 30-week, part-time Bootcamp option. The Bootcamp includes on-demand mentorship and lifetime Career Services. At the end of the Bootcamp, you'll have the tools and skills to level up your resume and find a career in Data Science. Read other recent graduates' stories Learn about Matt’s transition to cybersecurity while remaining in BFSI. Discover Oliver’s pathway from healthcare data analytics to machine learning engineering. This and other success stories were supported by the ICT Boost initiative, funded by the Government of Canada's Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program (SWSP).