Entrepreneur and HyperionDev graduate Joel Kenny from Torpoint in Cornwall, England has a solid background in business, but wanted to expand his skillset into the world of technology so that he could combine his knowledge of code with his business ideas. Now a graduate of the DfE-funded HyperionDev Data Science Bootcamp, he is able to make his dreams come true. Read on for his inspiring success story.
Taking on a brand new challenge
Joel saw the advert for the UK Department for Education (DfE)-funded Data Science Bootcamp while passing through the London Underground. He jumped at the chance to apply for the online course, which he completed studying full time over 16 weeks. He was motivated by being able to learn something new in a field he new nothing about. He says:
“The idea of improving my knowledge and skillset in data science was enticing. Not only does it make me more employable, but it also allowed me to challenge myself.”
During the course of the programme he gained expertise in a range of coding languages, including Python and SQL, and expanded his understanding of both artificial intelligence and machine learning. Part of the bootcamp is learning the essentials of probability and statistics for data analysis and visualisation, and data science libraries such as NumPy, pandas and scikit-learn. These toolsets have given Joel the edge as an entrepreneur and business consultant.
HyperionDev and the DfE
Joel was one of over a thousand people in the UK who grabbed the opportunity offered by the DfE to learn an in-demand skill without having to pay a cent. DfE-funded skills bootcamps are offered by educational institutions that have to pass a rigorous quality assessment before they are given the go-ahead. HyperionDev is proud to have been chosen to offer these bootcamps that are backed by some of the top UK universities, including the University of Edinburgh, University College London, and the University of Manchester.
These bootcamps are so popular that we have now reached the limit for the number of funded enrollments for 2023. But the good news is prospective students – whether they want to learn data science, software engineering or web development – can self-fund the course of their choice through our flexible payment options.
No coding skills needed
Like Joel, many of our students are completely new to programming when they enroll. To ensure all our students, including those who are switching careers, easily find employment and can put their new skills to work as soon as they’ve got a job, the bootcamps are expertly structured to offer accelerated, intensive, and career-focused training.
To enrol with us, you don’t need to have a degree or prior technical background – all you need is persistence, discipline, and a willingness to work hard and learn to code. Joel’s advice for those wanting to switch to a coding career by enrolling in bootcamp?
“The difficulty increases as the course progresses, and if you are not on top of things, it will be easy to fall behind. Stay on top of your work!”
Using data science and code in business
Joel currently has a number of business projects on the go. These range from a travel platform for adventure enthusiasts to blockchain applications and construction management plans for projects and demolition work. He has also launched a bespoke design service that translates a brand’s (or individual’s) digital persona into a functional, inviting residential or commercial space that enhances the lives of those who use them.
Combining his business acumen with data science has enabled Joel to make better, more informed business decisions. He admits to constantly seeking out new ways to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible, and says that learning to code has enabled him to fast-track his career to a more senior role.
We asked him how he uses his new-found tech skills in his business. He says:
“As all the leads for the business are organic, it’s interesting to use that data to find better ways to attract new clients and make decisions purely based on what is being searched for and what is not.”
Upskill or reskill with HyperionDev bootcamps
You can follow Joel’s latest projects and his exciting journey in tech at his GitHub portfolio.
If you’re inspired by Joel’s story and feel ready to embark on your own journey toward a fulfilling career in the tech industry, consider registering with HyperionDev here.
Who knows, your success story may be next!
