
Jordan Smith
During my career transition I was eager to advance my skills in data analysis and business intelligence but had limited technical skills. After completing an IBM Business Intelligence Analyst Certificate, I realized that there was still a lot to learn. I started research programs that provided more in depth learning with real-world applications. I decided to join the program because of its reputation for practical, hands-on learning and its focus on end-to-end data workflows. What stood out compared to other programs was the combination of real-world projects, mentorship from industry experts, and access to advanced tools and technologies that allowed me to practice analyzing datasets. Since joining, I have successfully led projects analyzing large datasets, developed interactive dashboards, and provided actionable insights that informed strategic decisions. I have significantly improved my technical skills in SQL, Excel, and Tableau, while also gaining the confidence to showcase my project work on my resume and in interviews. My favorite part has been working on real-world datasets, networking with peers who are on similar paths, and watching my growth as a data analyst. The hands-on projects allowed me to directly apply my learning and immediately see results, which has been both motivating and rewarding. I would highly recommend the Data in Motion program to anyone looking to advance their career in data analysis or business intelligence, especially those who want practical experience working with real datasets and gaining skills that directly translate to business impact.