How to make your application to the Digital Futures Academy a success
Digital Futures 
Are you thinking about applying to the Digital Futures Academy and looking to advance your career in tech? Whether you’re interested in becoming a data engineer, data analyst, or business analyst, here are our top tips to help you stand out and make your application a success. These insights come directly from our Admissions team and successful applicants who have transformed their careers with our data analytics training, data engineering training, and business analysis training.
“My number one tip for application would be – don’t rush. I think this goes for your assessment and your interview. When doing your tech assessment, use the training provided before you attempt the task. You’re better off putting the prep in to brush up on the Python tutorials and taking your time than speeding through it.
When it comes to the interview, a lot of people think you have to answer a question straight away. I would recommend taking your time. You can say “let me think about that for a second” before starting your response. Take your time to think, be calm and considered – that will make a huge difference.”
Oonagh Parker, Software Engineer
“Be proactive and do some self-study before you apply. Having some coding under your belt, like learning Python, is really beneficial. Whether you want train to be a data analyst, business analyst or data engineer it will not only help you with the assessment but it will also set you up really well for the Academy too. I took my time to learn how to code in different programming languages and it was really important in helping me to prepare.”
Stephen Bambagye, Business Analyst
“It had been a long time since I did some basic arithmetic and that was actually pretty stressful – so would recommend anyone to brush up on some good old-fashioned pencil/paper problems before jumping in. The questions weren’t rocket-science but they were considerably more involved than I had assumed. Plus, these skills will really come in handy when you embark on your data analytics, data engineering or business analysis course.
In terms of putting best foot forward with the interview, I didn’t realise how competitive the intake was and that might have overawed me had I been aware of some of the stats. So, I don’t really have any advice per se on that other than the usual: be curious, ask questions, listen intently – so that you are better placed to overcome any nerves, and you can then interject and steer the interview into a conversational back and forth.”
Christopher de Wardt, Data Analyst
“Be curious, ask questions, listen intently - so that you are better placed to overcome any nerves, and you can then interject and steer the interview into a conversational back and forth.”
“It sounds really obvious, but when you’re doing the online assessment, read the questions carefully. Reading the question properly a few times before you start submitting an answer will really help you to identify what the question is really asking.”
Natalie Welsh, Head of Industry Engagement and Acquisition
“It may sound like a cliché, but interviews go far better if you relax and stay true to yourself. Ask the questions you really want answers to, tell the stories that paint a picture of who you are, not who you think your interviewer would like you to be. Conversations flow better when you are not trying to play a role.”
Clara Parra, Associate Networking Engineer
“I think for me the most important thing in the interview is to be yourself, truly. Remembering your interviewer is just another person who is here to get a better understanding of you makes it easier to let your personality sing. I find being authentic makes me come across with stronger conviction and authenticity in an interview – I don’t feel the pressure to mask aspects of myself for an interviewer which I think can help me stand out as an individual.”
Ismael Hamilton El-Aquil, Data Engineer
“I find being authentic makes me come across with stronger conviction and authenticity in an interview - I don’t feel the pressure to mask aspects of myself for an interviewer which I think can help me stand out as an individual.”
“When you get to interview stage, our team really want to see that you’ve done in-depth research. Having a good understanding of our mission and how our Data Analytics, Data Engineering and Business Analysis programmes work is really important to us, so make sure you’ve read through our website and resources to show that you’re well prepared.”
Emily Hill, Communications Manager
“My Academy interview was really enjoyable because I was able to discuss my code projects, not because they were technically amazing (I had very little experience with JavaScript, Python, SQL or C#) but especially since they were things I genuinely cared about and did out of interest. I also noticed that the interviewers remembered me for this, even after I joined the company, which was really nice. So based on my personal experience, even without any completed projects, I’d try to talk a little about my ideas and what I’m excited to work on once I acquire the necessary skills through the Academy.”
Mariana Navarro, Software Engineer
Find out more about how to jump-start your career in tech with our specialised programmes, including data analytics certification, business analyst job preparation, and data engineer training. Ready to make the leap? Check out our programmes to get more details on applying and making your new career a reality.
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