After spending a few months in the Google Data Analytics Certification Program, I joined the Data Analytics Accelerator (DAA) boot camp.

However, after more than halfway through, I felt I was still missing a piece of the data career pie. Projects and Portfolio.

I wanted more hands-on experience utilizing the fundamental data skills I was learning.

I eventually stumbled across the Data Career Podcast by Avery Smith, who kept mentioning his Data Career Jumpstart programs.

As a New Yorker by nature, my guard was initially up, but I found Avery to come across as very genuine, even when owning his mistakes on the podcast.

So, after some research, I shot in the dark and joined the DAA bootcamp.
Immediately after joining DAA, I felt a sense of community with many big welcome messages from current and past DAA members.

I was particularly impressed with the level of commitment Avery showcased with his hand-built platform,

customized to lead you through the program daily and weekly. There was structure and clear instructions on how best to succeed in the boot camp.

What I liked most was the ability to finally get my feet wet with real-world scenarios using REAL datasets to do relevant projects for my portfolio.
Just as necessary, I learned how to give my LinkedIn profile a complete makeover and learned to utilize the platform to grow connections in the data world.

I'm happy to say I now have 7 projects in my portfolio, and since joining DAA, I have grown my LinkedIn connections by about +200.

As of 2 days ago I've officially graduated the bootcamp in just a short 2 months and happily beginning my job hunt with confidence in not only my data skillset but more importantly, a meaningful looking portfolio to PROVE my worth $$$.

Thanks, Avery and DAA Club 🙌🏾💪🏾