I have, since 2017, wanted to acquire some of the data analysis skills. I bought books, paid for online courses. But never actually got to learn any of the skills. Then I stumbled across Pairview training program and I thought I would give it a go. In four months time, I had learned SQL, Python, Machine Learning, Tableau. I even learned things in Excel which I was not familiar with, although I had previously used Excel extensively in my work.
I think two things happened. One was the learning process in a class room setting where there were other students as well. Typically 6 or so, which meant that the learning process became a shared experience. The tutors made sure that each one of us had mastered concepts before moving on to the next topic. Those are things you do not really experience through self-learning tools. I think those are the reasons why I was able to learn these skills in such a short span of time. Credit goes to Pairview. No doubt about that. At the core of Pairview experience is the patience shown by the instructor/tutor in helping you gain the skill knowledge. The admin staff is great in helping you with your course related queries.
Upon the conclusion of the courses I felt satisfied at the new skills I had acquired. However the project experience (there are 2 projects you have to work on) was an even more challenging experience and a practical learning period. This is the time when you prepare yourself to be at par with the real-world skills that are required from you in an actual job. The guidance offered by the project instructor is excellent and you also learn from other students who are at different stages of their project completion.
At the end of the projects you are ready to face the interviews and do the technical tasks during the interviewing process. This phase is also supported by Pairview as they guide you through the CV surgery and recruitment guidance in form of weekly online sessions.
So there are many ingredients in this comprehensive program conducted by Pairview for people like me who want to switch careers or advance further.
Now a few suggestions for Pairview to make the training program better:
- Have a student/delegate relations person who proactively interacts with trainees/students. Most of the trainees are apprehensive about the choice they have just made, the time and money they have just committed to Pairview program. When they call in or email with queries, they need to be assured that they are being taken care of. The Trainee Relations person should be a go-to person for the trainees for all sorts of questions they have. The person should be available on phone, email, whatapp etc. The person should also be proactive in communicating with the trainees. Pairview encourages whatsapp groups among trainees. There should also be whatsapp groups created by Pairveiw for trainee relations where questions and answers happen.
- The datasets used during sql and machine learning can be more diverse and versatile. The data/database used during the project phase can be a more real world dataset.
- Some thoughts may be put in about how to properly position project period as work experience
Finally, as a concluding remark, I would add that although Pairview program is a workable and a successful program, the trainee most definitely needs to invest time and effort, and needs to keep up with the pace (which is not a rocket pace but fairly competitive pace). A good trainee and the training program offered by Pairveiw can achieve great things in my assessment. I concluded by job search 5 weeks after putting my CV in the market. I got a better than expected role. It is a fair assessment to say that I would not have been able to do so without Pairview.