Engineer Spotlight: Jinsha George

We caught up with data analyst Jinsha about her journey into a career in data, how she discovered Digital Futures and how she’s finding her placement.

Tell us a bit about your background. What were you doing before you found Digital Futures?

I completed a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Instrumentation initially, but I still wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do. I managed to get a job at Infosys where I worked for 2 years as a database developer and this role really introduced me to the world of data. I loved being engrossed in my data projects and I wanted to grow further so I chose to pursue a Master’s degree in Data Science at the University of Dundee.

Was technology a career path you’d considered before your role as a database developer?

I really liked problem-solving but technology was really not a pre-determined path for me. I think technology found me rather than me finding technology – but I’m really happy about that!

After you finished your Master’s degree, how was your job search?

With two degrees, one focusing on data specifically, I thought finding a job would be a piece of cake. I was humbled very quickly! The pandemic had disrupted the market quite a bit but there were opportunities out there. But, they were asking for a lot of really specific skills which I just didn’t have the experience to deliver.

Was that when you found Digital Futures?

Yes, exactly. Digital Futures was my beacon of hope. I loved the company’s mission and the focus on removing barriers and giving everyone equal opportunities. I was looking for someone to be in my corner, to tell me what skills I was lacking and where I needed to improve. Digital Futures seemed like it would be that place for me and I was really excited for the Academy.

Did the Academy live up to your expectations?

Absolutely, it was amazing. It wasn’t always a bed of roses, there were definitely things that were really tough but I loved the learning. A big shout out to all my instructors – Lisa, Ryan, Alex, Blair. They invested time in me and supported me. I came in with a lot of insecurities about my skills and struggled with imposter syndrome. They instilled confidence in me. The Academy helped me fill my technical skills gap and taught me what I really needed to know.

At the start of your career you could feel like you’re quite alone, but not with Digital Futures. As I said, I was looking for someone to be in my corner, and the team at Digital Futures always were.

You’re now working with one of our clients – can you tell us a bit about what you’re working on?

I’ve been working as a data analyst with one of Digital Futures clients for 6 months now within the internal audit team at a global bank. In short, my role involves dealing with large datasets, and making sure that the right data is available and that it conforms with the requirements of risk and compliance. I work in data analytics but my role involves plenty of data engineering which I really enjoy.

How did the Academy prepare you for the role?

Before I started my role, I went through a period of upskilling to make sure I was comfortable with the role’s specific tech stack. Digital Futures was really helpful in providing the right materials and I could always go back and ask Lisa and Ryan for help when I needed to. I think what stands out about the Academy is that all the concepts that you’re taught make it much easier to pick other things up, even if you’ve never worked with a technology before.

Moreover, I feel the main thing the Academy brought out of me was my professional skills. I am so much more confident in my communication, in voicing my view but also in listening to others and collaborating in an Agile environment.

What do you like best about your placement?

I think there are three things I would like to highlight:

Firstly, on a technical level, I know I am working with cutting edge tools and I am slowly able to master those tools day-by-day. Secondly, understanding all the business domains in financial services is something I have found incredibly valuable whilst on my placement. And finally, the level of collaboration and communication that has come with both Digital Futures and my client organisation. There is so much help available and I really feel part of a community.

Finally, how has Digital Futures supported you whilst on placement?

Zakiyyah, my engagement manager, has always been pivotal in my development. When I speak with her, it’s not like speaking to a manager, it’s like speaking with a friend.

There are still expectations that I have to meet, of course, but I am able to talk openly, ask for help and support and be completely honest which is so different from previous environments I have worked in.