Michael | Data Engineering

Michael’s journey to a career in Data Engineering

Michael (28) took part in Generation’s Data Engineering bootcamp in Birmingham in July 2024. Before this he was unemployed for over a year and had been trying to get a role in Data.

“I had a great issue getting shortlisted. My primary issue was being noticed in a sea of graduates with degrees. I noted a total lack of traffic to my projects, meaning I was not even viewed in the first place.

After 12 months and 450 unsuccessful applications, I decided to try a Generation bootcamp.”

During the Data Engineering bootcamp Michael gained valuable insights into both technical and soft skills. He particularly enjoyed developing his soft skills, as this was an area he hadn’t previously focused on..

“The bootcamp helped me to understand my strengths & weaknesses (via retrospective sessions during project work). The most challenging thing for me was teamwork as I had been working mostly alone for some time, but the bootcamp gave me good experiences working together to create projects with requirements that evolve as time goes on.

Generation’s industry contacts and influence really helped me secure interviews as well as adding to my cv an additional formal training over a span of time showing greater dedication.”

After graduating, Michael quickly secured a role as a Data Engineer at Axa.

Through the bootcamp, Michael gained more than just technical skills. He now has financial security and is excited to plan for the future.

“Gaining employment immediately doubled our household income and allowed us to take life off pause.

Looking for work previously had me very depressed, as is to be expected receiving hundreds of rejection emails. Immediately after the bootcamp I received two interviews and eventually two job offers! Working also forces me out of the house twice a week & encourages a routine, helping me to keep on top of my mental health.

Within 12 months of starting work I will have purchased a house and got married. I look forward to being able to utilise the flexibility afforded by some roles in this career to allow me to start a family.”