Ebenezer has taken big steps to change his life before, like moving from his native Nigeria to California to be with his wife. Now, with a family including a daughter and a son on the way, it’s time for another big change.
“I have a computer science degree from a college in Nigeria, but that was nine years ago, and I have not been active in computers since,” he said. “When I came to this country, I had to wait for my work permits, and I was directionless. I stopped being active with computers.”
When he was able to work legally, Ebenezer got a job providing care for an autistic adult, ensuring his well-being and safety. It’s a good job, one he’s proud to do, but as his family grows, it’s time for him to pick up his professional career and get back into technology. That’s why he signed up for Calbright’s Data Analysis program.
“When a friend told me about Calbright, I’m like, okay, yeah, I don’t have direction. I don’t know what to do; this is something I can try,” he said.
At first, he didn’t expect much, assuming that because there was no cost for programs, it would not be challenging. Instead he found it to be rigorous and pushed him in the ways he needed.“ I’m really, really proud and impressed. And Calbright has really helped me: I have plans right now for a career in data analysis.”
“I love what I’m doing,” he added. “I love that I’m here.”
Ebenezer likes the courses, but he especially liked that he was able to find two internships as a Calbright student, getting paid to learn on the job.
“My first internship was in AI Marketing and we were paired with an IT company,” he said. “I wanted to work in an IT company, and I was able to explore and try hands-on approaches to data analytics.” His second internship was doing predictive modeling. “I really got to put everything I’d learned into practice. I did an intense data visualization, and I was proud of myself because I did not believe I was able to do something that complex. But I really had learned the skills, and now it’s my portfolio, and it’s on my LinkedIn profile.”
Ebenezer plans to get a job working with data, then eventually pursue a master of arts in data science. He’s confident these goals are within reach after building confidence and upskilling his professional portfolio.
“Calbright gave me the platform, Calbright gave me opportunity, and Calbright gave me hope. I’m really grateful for Calbright.”
