This week I sat down with one of our Data School Alumni. In this conversation, Oliver went through his background prior to joining, his experience during the program and his advice for potential applicants.
Oliver graduated from USYD with a Bachelor of Science (majored in Mathematics, Financial Mathematics and Statistics) and has 7 years in teaching experience. During his time studying and tutoring, he discovered his passion for data analytics while exploring the world of finance and investing.
Over the years, he researched how innovative companies have leveraged their data by building valuable products, services, and technology. He soon realised he wanted to be part of a company that helped others make smarter decisions and really understand their data. That’s when he recognised he would be the perfect fit for The Data School!
In his free time, he enjoys watching anime, sports (particularly NRL and NBA), lifting weights, and talking about anything investing related.
1. What were you doing before the Data School?
I spent eight years as a private teacher and tutor, teaching high school students math and chemistry. It was my primary role from when I left school, during university, and even throughout COVID. Teaching was fulfilling, but during the lockdowns, I had time to reflect and realized I wanted a new challenge. I came across the Data School online and was intrigued by its unique structure and opportunity to learn while working. I saw it as the perfect way to switch careers and explore the world of data analytics.
2. Can you walk us through a typical day during your initial training period?
Training was intense but structured. Mornings began with our coach, Bethany, explaining key concepts and providing examples. We would then apply what we learned through hands-on exercises, often collaborating with our cohort. Afternoons were spent practicing new tools like Tableau, Power BI, and Alteryx. The focus on both technical and soft skills was a highlight. It was rewarding to see our progress over the four months, building confidence and capability through consistent practice and feedback.
3. How did the 4-month training prepare you for working with industry clients?
The training laid a strong foundation in both technical and interpersonal skills. Bethany provided clear objectives and exercises that mirrored real-world scenarios. When transitioning to client projects, I initially struggled to adapt as I had to determine how training exercises applied to client needs. Over time, with experience from multiple projects, I became more confident in translating those skills into tailored solutions for stakeholders. The training also taught me the importance of communication and flexibility, which proved invaluable in managing client expectations and delivering impactful results.
4. Describe a memorable project you’ve worked on so far.
A standout project involved building an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) tool using Alteryx and Python for internal audit. We were tasked with detecting member signatures in PDF forms—something I initially doubted was possible. After six months of hard work, we delivered a solution that converted PDFs to text, applied logic to detect signatures, and validated findings for accuracy. This tool was so effective that it was recommended for ongoing use by another team. It was incredibly rewarding to see our work not only meet but exceed client expectations and contribute to improved business processes.
5. What do you most enjoy about your work with clients?
I love engaging with new people and building rapport before diving into business discussions. Establishing personal and professional connections is both fulfilling and vital for successful collaboration. Consulting allows me to combine my passion for problem-solving with helping others. It’s incredibly satisfying to provide data-driven solutions that address client challenges and make a tangible impact. The rewarding moments come when clients express how our work has simplified their processes or answered critical questions, reinforcing my purpose as a consultant.
6. What advice would you give to someone considering a career switch into data analytics?
Understand that it’s okay to feel uncomfortable—it’s part of the growth process. Switching careers requires a long-term mindset and patience. Don’t expect overnight success; focus on incremental learning and improvement. When I first learned Tableau for my Data School application, I was overwhelmed. But by pacing myself and embracing challenges, I gained confidence. Career switches are investments in yourself, and with persistence, the results will compound. My advice: stay consistent, trust the process, and seek out supportive environments like the Data School, which guide you through the transition and provide invaluable learning opportunities.
