It has been a year already!
This time last year, I started the first cohort of the #100daysofData learning path. Although the number of applicants was significant, I narrowed my list to only 20 individuals after completing a vetting process, and this enabled me fully integrate with their learning process.
In this blog, I will answer some questions about my first year as a mentor.
Why did I start the cohort?
I benefitted from the AISaturdays Data Science cohort early in my career for three months. Thanks to career mentors like Tejumade Afonja, I was able to find my footing in the industry and learn through peer mentorship and thought leaders.
The #100daysofdata cohort served as a way of giving back with a critical focus on the following:
Having an instructed-led learning path
Attaining certification goal
Preparing for data roles
Networking and leveraging connections
How was the process?
I discovered new ways to teach and train data enthusiasts through the cohort.
Most importantly, I managed the participants through weekly Notion boards with shared daily tasks. See Azure Data Analyst Roadmap.
I particularly enjoyed the Sunday sessions; meetings with the cohort meant getting a recap of their week, live demos, resources sharing excellent analytics solutions, and understanding study challenges.
What were the highlights?
In the first 30 days, 60% of the participants studied effectively and received their first certification.
In the 90 days, I saw a brighter cohort of individuals who clearly understood end-to-end data projects.
In 100 days, the interest in analytics grew. I saw participants through interviewing process and project portfolio development.
Did I get paid?
No, I genuinely enjoy being a free resource to my participants.
I am also proud of the opportunities they got from learning through this cohort.
Of the 20 participants, 10 secured amazing roles - paying up to six figures.
What do the participants have to say about their experience?
Maryam announced her intentions for the #100DaysofData cohort back in January (To my knowledge) I had just completed my BSc Degree in Economics and had an interest in Data Analytics, it was the perfect opportunity for me. I was absolutely petrified while signing up. Thoughts of being unable to keep up with the learning hounded me but after the very first meeting with Maryam and the rest of the Cohort, I was more confident. The ability to deconstruct complex concepts in ways that’ll be understandable to anyone with basic computer literacy is a talent that Maryam has. Through the #100DaysofData cohort I went from having a basic knowledge of Ms Excel to being able to do complex data analysis in a week. Within the six weeks that followed the first, I had substantial knowledge of the fundamentals of data and the various roles that exist in the world of Data technologies. I was already provisioning and managing Relational and Non-Relational data bases on Azure, I was able to simulate multiple ETL and ELT pipelines using a free Azure Subscription and the Microsoft provided sandbox environment. After the 7th week I comfortably passed the required exam and acquired my Azure Data Fundamentals certification. Maryam didn’t relent after this even though she allowed the the cohort to unwind a bit after the weeks of relentless studying, we had to get back on track. Azure Fundamentals alone wasn’t our target. We were on a journey to find ourselves either as a Data Engineer, Data Analyst, Database Administrator and beyond. We started our journey with Microsoft Power BI in the eight week. We went on to cover Power BI work flow: Getting Data from various repositories - Transforming and modeling that data - Visualizing the data - and then sharing the data as reports, dashboards and Apps. Through the Power BI journey, we covered multiple comprehensive courses including Data Story telling and the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Associate learning path. In summary, through Maryam’s coaching and support from members of the #100DaysofData cohort, I went from being a timid data enthusiast to becoming a confident Data Analyst ready to join the world in creating Data driven solutions. - Olayinka Hassan
When Maryam wrote that she wanted to start a cohort of #100daysofdata, which was opened to both beginners or intermediate learners, i was enthusiastic and nervous, because I wasn’t sure if i would be able to combine work and the cohort. But with Maryam’s guidance and encouragement through our weekly meetings where we all had to share everything we’ve learnt During the week, as we had a notion table that had been shared in the beginning of the week. The weekly meetings was to help us through difficult topics we didn’t understand, in which Maryam explained In details. It was through her patience and encouragement I was able to pass my Azure data fundamentals exam at first try. - Olateju
I always believed that I needed a guide in my data analysis journey. So when Maryam told me about the plan to start a cohort with the aim of learning data analysis in 100 days, I was elated. The beautiful thing about the learning journey was that there was intense focus on both practical and the theories of data, which is necessary for anyone wishing to become a good data analyst. Maryam’s guidance and encouragement was useful throughout the process, and the training was useful in helping me increase my knowledge of data analysis. - Femi Areola Martins
In 2021, I decided I wanted to learn a new tech skill, so I did some research and the "Data" field caught my attention. I had no idea where to start and there were too many conflicting resources online. Then I was introduced to Maryam, and after one discussion with her, I was so sure I had made the right choice and was excited for the journey ahead. She started the 100DaysofData Cohort in January, where I met other Data enthusiasts and our leaning journey began. The Cohort was extremely organised and structured with access to beginner friendly resources and documentations. Maryam provided weekly notion boards on materials (videos and documentations) we were required to cover during the period, and it was always quite detailed. What I particularly liked was the pace at which I could learn and still go about my day job without interference; because I could study for about 2 hours and I would gain a lot of new knowledge. We also had a weekly accountability check-in with Maryam, which was a great way of motivating us. I was also able to, easily I might add, complete the Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals Certification, which I'm quite proud of; and I plan to also get the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst badge soon. In all, it was a really great way to start my data journey and I look forward to continuing my learning path. - Gbemisola
When Maryam announced on Twitter that you will be starting a Cohort for Learning Data, I was more that excited. Finally, this was my path to transition into tech from marketing & Advertising, I thought. But what I have learned is that Data is everywhere and in every sector. You helped me pick up an interest I have not dropped, and I am still learning about everyday. Thank you for this experience. For your time, tutoring, meetings, and yes! The free exam coupons. How would I have known? - Hamid
Mariam’s cohort no doubt has increased my knowledge of data analysis. I learned how to use different tools to gather and analyze data. Many of what I learned have been useful on my job. Even earned me commendations. What I appreciate the most is the fact that she was always available for any questions or problems. Because if we are being honest, no matter how much you teach yourself something, you would get to a point where you wish you had someone to direct and guide what you’re learning. Another the I appreciate was the Azure data fundamentals certification we got and for free. I honestly didn’t know it could have been that easy or possibly. - Folarin Onileowo
I want to say a special thank you to all the participants for trusting me with their journey and working hard towards their goals.