Some people are born to code; others are born to learn code so that they can use it to delve into data. David Hickson of Buckingham in the UK is one of the latter.
With years of experience using Microsoft Excel to build analytical and forecasting financial models, he jumped at the chance to take HyperionDev’s Data Science Bootcamp, and today, he runs his own data science consultancy. Find out why David loves Python more than Excel and how it has boosted his business.
The difference a course in data science makes
HyperionDev graduate David had taught himself how to work with databases almost a decade ago, and it served him well in his ‘previous life.’ But he realised Excel limited his freedom to think critically and explore formulas and that things could be done faster and more easily with the right tools. This prompted him to follow our online Data Science Bootcamp, and it has literally changed his world.
Previously, every model was custom-built for every client, but with his new-found skills, David now sees room to build an analytics platform that he can apply to a broader group of clients. This reduces the delivery time, increases workflow capacity, improves product diversity and pricing range, and has strengthened his ability to grow his business. He says:
“Bootcamp enhanced my effectiveness and kept me competitive by introducing me to the new tools used to analyse data.”
As a father of three, David found managing his time while working and doing the bootcamp came with some challenges, but because lectures are recorded and notes are easy to follow independently, he was able to keep up and complete the course in the allotted time.
The magic of machine learning
A big fan of machine learning (ML), the Data Science Bootcamp helped David identify key aspects of data affecting clients’ businesses far easier and more thoroughly than his previous methodologies. All this helped to improve the accuracy of his clients’ strategic decision-making and financial forecasting.
To enhance his knowledge, grow his consultancy, and be better at analytics, it was essential to learn Python, and our bootcamp offered the exact building blocks he needed to do that. For David, Python-based machine learning, data analytics and modelling offer a fantastic, powerful alternative that is far more scalable and offers faster delivery of more in-depth results.
The unlimited possibilities of code
Armed with the latest in data science tools and methodologies, David explains how his new-found skills enable him to forecast projects and business ideas, analyse past performance, and provide clients with critical information and data that aids their business decision. His data science service enables his clients to understand their own businesses better and grow at a measured pace.
Using Python, he has started to build a customised data analytics platform that aids in the forecasting of business ideas based on historical and market data. He says:
“The limitations of Microsoft Excel no longer cap my critical thinking, which means I can freely explore analytics and formulas without limitation. This is extremely exciting for someone who enjoys numbers and code.”
How will code change the world?
David has a unique, philosophical take on code. He believes it can improve and scale to handle multiple tasks, whereas he, as a human, is limited to handling small bits of data at a time. This means he can let the code do the grunt work while he focuses on the fun and exploratory sides of data analytics. For him, code creates a platform from where everything continues to grow and learn, which in turn results in better code and more efficient use of time. He says:
“Code allows me to put a piece of me and my brain into a clone that doesn’t need feeding and resting. The code can be improved as I improve.”
If you’re inspired by David’s student success story and are interested in becoming a web developer, software engineer or even a data scientist yourself, register with HyperionDev here and start your journey to a lucrative career in tech.
Who knows, maybe your success story will be featured next!
