Certification is very important for data professionals, it adds value to the resume…

Charu Vashishtha- Assistant Vice President Data Warehousing and Data Analytics,Max Life Insurance

QUICK INTRO

Birthplace: Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.

Education: Saint Anne’s Senior Secondary School, Graduation IIT Roorkee, CPPM IIM Indore.

Profession: AVP, Data Warehousing & Data Analysis Max Life Insurance.

In Grihshobha’s “University of Life” segment, we have Charu Vashishtha from the field of data warehousing and data analytics. Charu is AVP at Max Life Insurance. In this interview, based on her career journey and experience, she shares some guidance and advice for students, especially those considering a career in data analysis:

What school subjects are useful for a data analysis degree?

If students are interested in this career field, they should focus on mathematics and statistics, as well as reasoning and logic, which weren’t taught in schools in our time. Along with students’ own studies, schools also have a role to play in teaching and explaining these subjects in an engaging way. Simply explaining the mode and medium isn’t enough. They should explain their real-life relevance and provide real-life examples.

Is a college degree or an IT course or bootcamp enough?

First, in your bachelor’s degree, you’re given a little knowledge of every topic in this field, such as logic, networks, programming languages, and warehousing. However, in-depth study and detailed knowledge are available in a master’s.

Because it’s a specialized field, obtaining a degree is essential. Earn an IT degree in areas like computer science, networking, etc., and also pursue certification courses in IT programming.

Now, as for simply attending a bootcamp or a short IT course, no bootcamp can replace a formal or traditional degree. A bootcamp is more of a bonus, not a proper degree.

What role does a college choice play in a strong career?

First, college choices depend on your rank. However, if you have the option to choose, consider the college’s alumni base. Consider the opportunities that graduates have received. Second, consider the college’s faculty experience, performance, and education. Third, if you have a specialized subject, consider how it is taught there and what opportunities are available.

Most importantly, if you’re admitted to a premium university like the IITs or NITs, don’t hesitate, as these colleges offer excellent academics, faculty, environment, campus facilities, and placements. There’s plenty to explore beyond just academics.

What certifications and skills are required?

College degree is very useful in first job. But your career path after that will depend on your performance. So, never stop learning. Pursue certifications in Java, Oracle, AWS (Amazon Web Services) Cloud, Python, or any other programming language. Whether you’re a college student, pursuing a high-level job, or still in school, if you’re interested in this field, consider a career.

If you want to make it, be sure to pursue certification. There’s no age limit for certification. Continue studying alongside your work. Certifications always validate your ability to do the job, that you possess the skills and knowledge, and certifications are crucial for professional advancement.

Additionally, work on your soft skills, such as communication. Focus on both speaking and listening skills to help you present your point of view effectively and listen to others. Also, cultivate empathy so you can work collaboratively with others. Being a team player with your colleagues is crucial; you can’t do everything alone.

What is the importance of college projects and internships?

When undertaking projects, pay attention to two things: first, the idea should be unique, and second, it should be a real-life problem solver; only then can it make a difference. Today, even AI creates projects like paintings. Now, it can create paintings, but will it achieve originality? Therefore, incorporate unique ideas and real-world problem-solving concepts into your projects, such as an app that tackles real-life problems.

Complete your projects well, not because you’ll get good marks, but because you’ll learn. Therefore, complete them well and mention them on your resume so that the employer who hires you during your internship knows that you’ve done such projects and that you know how to do them. Projects and certifications add weight to your resume.

Yes, it’s true that finding a good internship is difficult these days.Don’t worry about the salary. First, get to work, because this is the time to learn. Learn as much as you can, and while working, keep applying to market leaders. Market leaders like our own company, Max Life Insurance, and companies like American Express and RBS offer internships.

What scope do you see for data professionals in the coming years?

Data professionals are in demand everywhere today. Look at any consumer-focused company and you’ll find people working on consumer data, examining who their consumers are, what they like, where they come from, and much more. Even small demographics make a difference. Storing and analyzing that information all fall under the umbrella of data professionalism, which reveals what more can be done for consumers or where we’re missing the mark. So, there’s immense scope for data professionals in every consumer sector, such as banking, financial services, and insurance.

Will AI technology reduce the number of lives in this sector?

AI has grown tremendously today. It will generate reports for you, but you need people to handle decision-making, the process, and the strategy. AI will reduce your hard work a little, but the detailing, solutions, and decision-making are all your responsibility. So, here you need to focus on your intelligence and how to use and implement AI.

CAREER TIPS

  • Bring unique ideas and real world problem solving concepts to your projects.
  • Explore your field, keep learning something new, read books.
  • Certification is very important in the field of data, hence focus on programming certification and skills.

– Rajni Prasad