Breaking into Tech Through Data Science and AI

My name is Vikash Sharma, and I hold a Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA). I have always been interested in data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, and I wanted to build a career in a technology-driven field. After completing my degree, I explored several courses and learning opportunities, but I realized that I needed a more structured understanding of machine learning and data science. This led me to enroll in Simplilearn’s program, where I built my knowledge across various aspects of machine learning and AI. After completing the program, I explored multiple career opportunities and eventually joined AcrossSS as a Business Analyst. Alongside my professional role, I have also started working on my own startup, Shrenit AI, where I am applying the knowledge and skills I gained through my learning journey.

My decision to upskill was driven by a gap I experienced while trying to enter the AI and machine learning industry. Although I had completed multiple courses and developed a strong interest in the field, I found it difficult to get shortlisted for relevant roles because many companies preferred candidates with more specialized technical degrees. I realized that simply having knowledge was not enough—I needed to build stronger, industry-relevant expertise and demonstrate my capabilities through a recognized certification. That realization motivated me to look for a comprehensive program that could give me structured knowledge, practical exposure, and greater credibility when applying for technology roles.

I first discovered Simplilearn after attending a two-day workshop at IIT Kanpur focused on AI and machine learning. During the workshop, I learned about several certification providers and decided to explore my options. I researched and applied to multiple programs, and Simplilearn was the first organization to reach out to me. As I learned more about the program, I found that its curriculum and focus on machine learning aligned well with what I was looking for. I wanted a program that could bring everything together in a structured way rather than having to learn individual concepts separately, and Simplilearn felt like the right fit for that goal.

My learning experience with Simplilearn was extremely positive. I had the opportunity to learn from multiple trainers, but Shubham Pandey made a particularly strong impression on me. His teaching style was impactful, and the concepts he explained have stayed with me even after completing the program. I also really valued the support from my peers and the Simplilearn support team. Whenever I had questions—even late at night—I was able to get assistance. If a technical trainer was unavailable, the team would schedule a session for the next available time and ensure my doubts were addressed. I also benefited from the career support resources, including AI-powered interview preparation and personalized feedback. The ability to practice interviews with an AI interviewer helped me identify gaps in my knowledge and understand where I needed to improve.

The program had a significant impact on both my professional confidence and career opportunities. Before enrolling, I believed I had sufficient knowledge of data science, but the learning journey helped me understand how much more there was to explore. It expanded my technical knowledge and gave me greater confidence in my abilities. Most importantly, it helped me move past the challenge of not getting shortlisted. After completing the program, I began receiving more opportunities to interview with organizations, eventually leading to my current role as a Business Analyst at AcrossSS. I found that the role allowed me to combine my technical understanding with business knowledge, which made it an exciting direction for my career.

The program also gave me the confidence to explore entrepreneurship. I started working on Shrenit AI, an initiative inspired by the skills and knowledge I gained during the program. One of the projects I worked on was an AI-powered placement assistant, which helped me see the possibilities of building technology solutions of my own. The learning and career support I received gave me the confidence to move from simply looking for opportunities to creating them for myself.

Today, I am balancing my role as a Business Analyst with building my startup, and I see continuous learning as an important part of both journeys. My experience with Simplilearn helped me develop not only technical knowledge but also the confidence to explore new career paths and entrepreneurial opportunities. It showed me that upskilling can go beyond getting a job—it can give you the knowledge and motivation to build something of your own.