When Sebastian Manley completed his university degree, he was eager to take his skills to the next level, but he wasn’t sure how. Freshly graduated and seeking a path that offered intellectual stimulation, meaningful impact, and the flexibility to work remotely, Sebastian turned to coding. That decision would shape the trajectory of his professional life.
Today, he works as a Medical Laboratory Scientist at SYNLAB, one of the leading providers of diagnostic services in Europe, and credits his HyperionDev Data Science Bootcamp as the bridge between academia and real-world tech.
A Passion for Data Sparked by Academia
Sebastian first discovered his love for data during his master’s degree, where he was introduced to R, a language used widely in data science. The experience piqued his curiosity and laid the foundation for what would come next.
“What sparked me to undertake the bootcamp was my previous experience with R, which I found really enjoyable. Combined with the tech industry’s growth, I realised how important it is to understand this field.”
But he didn’t just want to learn for the sake of knowledge, he was looking for a career that offered freedom, flexibility, and future growth.
“I wanted to work remotely, control my time, and have opportunities overseas. Learning to code gives you the power to do that.“
The Bootcamp That Bridged the Gap
Sebastian enrolled in the Department for Education Skills Bootcamp: Data Science through HyperionDev, choosing the online full-time track to fully immerse himself in the experience.
Like many students, the beginning was challenging.
“The most difficult part was the initial stage, the jargon, the unfamiliar concepts. But HyperionDev’s clear explanations and structured learning helped me overcome that quickly.”
What stood out most was the support from code reviewers and the sense of accomplishment with each completed task.
“When I completed Task 9 and built a fault-tolerant calculator, it felt like a turning point. That was when I realised—this is something I want to do long-term.”
Building Real-World Skills That Translate into Career Success
Throughout the bootcamp, Sebastian built a range of technical and problem-solving skills, from Python and R to error handling, automation, and data analysis. He also applied these skills to personal side projects, like creating a stock price scraper using Yahoo Finance.
Today, those same skills are integral to his work at SYNLAB.
“My role involves preparing clinical samples and analysing data using R and Python. The bootcamp was invaluable, it gave me the exact skills I use now.”
But Sebastian didn’t stop at doing his job—he found opportunities to innovate.
“The lab faced a bottleneck due to high sample volumes. Instead of hiring more staff, I suggested using machine learning to automate the analysis. Management loved the idea, and now I’m working with the IT team to make it a reality.”
The Power of Career Support and Confidence Building
HyperionDev’s Career Services team played a vital role in helping Sebastian position himself for success in the job market.
“They helped me refine my employability skills and guided me through platforms and strategies for job hunting.”
That support paid off Sebastian secured his role through Indeed after a multi-stage interview process involving virtual and in-person interviews.
A Future Fueled by Growth, Flexibility, and Global Potential
Sebastian’s story is just beginning. He’s passionate about staying on a path of continuous learning, picking up new tools, and adapting to emerging technologies.
“In my current role, I’m already learning new R packages and adapting how I work. I love being able to continuously grow.”
He hopes to remain in roles that allow for flexibility and global mobility.
“In five years, I see myself working in tech while travelling the world. That’s the kind of life coding makes possible.”
Advice for Aspiring Coders and Career Changers
Sebastian encourages anyone considering a move into tech to take the leap.
“Learning to code is an empowering experience. Even if you don’t plan to become a developer, understanding tech is becoming essential in every industry. It’s intellectually stimulating, fun, and opens so many doors.”
Ready to Transform Your Career?
If you’re inspired by Sebastian’s story and ready to launch a career in data science, take the first step today.
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