iOLAP Academy participants - Career progress

It's time to dive into the iOLAP Academy's world and discover past participants' incredible career journeys!  

The iOLAP Academy, renowned for its innovative approach and learning experiences, has become a game-changer for those looking to start their career in the IT world.  

Keep reading and unveil the inspiring stories of these former iOLAP Academy attendees, who took the iOLAP Academy route and reached the position in which they are now.  

Jelena's story: from iOLAP Academy participant to a Data Engineer - with two years of experience

My name's Jelena, and I've been a Data Engineer at iOLAP for nearly two years. I've worked on several big projects in various capacities (including being a tech lead) in cloud-native and non-cloud-native technologies. Currently, I'm working with Oracle and Snowflake.  

My application to iOLAP Academy resulted from a set of coincidences: I wanted to learn more about the practical uses of things I'd only studied theoretically at FER. I spotted iOLAP's call for the first Academy applicants on social media literally one day before the closing. Fate wanted me to do it!  

Despite my extensive background in IT and my attending a technical faculty, the Academy was a completely new experience. It was a full-time job, constantly practicing classic programming languages, learning new technologies, and learning how to work in teams in a professional setting and with near-real data.   

My post-Academy story is straightforward: I went to the final party on Wednesday, said goodbye to my fellow students, and a few days after, I got a call with a job offer. Honestly, I was so surprised because I didn't process it for at least a day. What was more, I immediately got into the project that used my newly acquired skills at the Academy, both technical skills in AWS, and soft skills– I even got lucky enough to have one of the Academy teachers as a team leader, so I had a familiar face to help me along the way during the first months.  

I'd say that the Academy profoundly impacted my career: it got me my first job, after all - and opened a whole new world at iOLAP, that I've been in for two years now and counting. More than improving any of my IT or professional communication skills, though, it showed me what I could do in the future and how to do it. It is my greatest achievement and the greatest lesson I learned there. Incidentally, that is also my goal: constant betterment of myself, professionally and personally – perfection may be impossible to reach, but improvement is always possible.  

To sum up, the Academy was a game changer for me on several levels: whether you want to work with new technologies, create new contacts in the field, or get an idea of what it feels like to work in a professional environment with near-real data and projects, iOLAP Academy is definitely for you! 

Monika's story: from a desire to learn to landing a job

My name is Monika, and I am currently a Junior Data Engineer at iOLAP. I hold a bachelor's degree in mathematics and am pursuing further studies in Discrete Mathematics and its Applications at the University of Rijeka, Faculty of Mathematics.   

I decided to apply to iOLAP Academy to enhance my knowledge of Python and SQL. The iOLAP Academy seemed like an ideal course to gain hands-on experience and expertise in different technologies, making it a natural choice for me to apply.  

My experience during the iOLAP Academy was truly enriching. Firstly, I had the opportunity to meet new people and collaborate with them, which helped me develop my teamwork skills and understand the importance of being a valuable team member. The Academy also provided comprehensive training on new technologies, particularly AWS. Additionally, the practical knowledge of Python and SQL I acquired during the Academy significantly boosted my proficiency in these programming languages, allowing me to apply them more effectively in real-world scenarios. One aspect that made the experience even more enjoyable was the memorable and lighthearted moments shared with other iOLAP Academy participants. I formed friendships with many of my peers through team activities and social interactions, creating a supportive and fun learning environment.  

After finishing the iOLAP Academy, I received a job offer just one week later. I accepted the offer without hesitation and began working as a Junior Data Engineer. Each day, I have the opportunity to learn new things and face exciting challenges. The knowledge I gained during the iOLAP Academy has proven itself valuable in my current role.  

In conclusion, the iOLAP Academy has been a transformative experience for me. Through the Academy, I gained practical knowledge in Python, SQL, and AWS, expanding my technical skill set and preparing me for a career in data engineering. The emphasis on teamwork and collaboration during the Academy helped me develop strong communication and collaboration skills, which are essential in any professional setting. Additionally, the Academy provided me with valuable networking opportunities and allowed me to form lasting friendships with fellow participants. Overall, the iOLAP Academy has played a significant role in shaping my career and has equipped me with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in the field of data engineering.  

You liked the stories from our talented girls, and you got inspired? Now is your chance to create your very own successful iOLAP story too!   

Apply to iOLAP Academy, and let's build your career together. Also, take a sneak peek at our latest blog post, where we spoke about what a day at iOLAP Academy looks like.