From chemistry to code: A valedictorian’s journey

From Chemical Engineering to Data Analytics.

Andres' academic foundation was in chemical engineering, a field he worked in for two years before realizing his passion was elsewhere. “I started learning about IT and programming on my own,” he says.

Despite the challenge, Andres secured the role and soon found himself drawn to data analytics. That curiosity led him to seek out post-degree programs in Canada, ultimately choosing Vancouver for its lifestyle and Langara College for its hands-on approach and applied focus.

I was feeling really burnt out with my experience working as an engineer in Colombia. It just wasn’t a good fit for me. The type of work and situation didn’t feel meaningful. That pushed me to start learning new things and explore a path that excited me.

The two-year full-time Post-Degree Diploma Program in Data Analytics at Langara is designed for students who enjoy working with data. The program covers the entire analytics lifecycle, from data collection and analysis to visualization and implementation. The cohort-based format was exactly what Andres was looking for. A strong foundation allows students with degrees in other fields to transition into data analytics by building technical and analytical skills.

“I was looking for a two-year program in Vancouver, and Langara stood out to me,” he explains. “It had the right balance of theory and practical experience, which was exactly what I wanted.”

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Turning initiative into experience.

From the beginning, Andres looked for opportunities to build his experience outside of the classroom. Encouraged by an orientation speaker who stressed the importance of applied learning, he reached out to various departments at Langara to inquire about work opportunities.

I sent emails to different departments explaining my background in chemistry and my growing skills in data analytics. Someone from the Chemistry department saw the value in my combination of knowledge and invited me to join a project.

That first opportunity involved automating data processing in the chemistry lab. Previously, researchers spent up to an hour manually transforming data collected from lab instruments, which increased the risk of human error and was inefficient. Using Python, Andres developed an automation tool that reduced the process to under a minute, significantly improving efficiency and accuracy. He is proud to say the tool is still in use today, and he continues to assist the experts by providing support to enhance the tool’s performance and usability, ensuring it works more efficiently and easier for users.

His success led to more opportunities through the Applied Research and Technology Partnership (ARTP), which connects students with real-world projects for external organizations. Andres contributed to multiple industry collaborations and is now co-authoring several research papers in development for publication.

The impact of these projects wasn’t just academic. They gave him direct industry experience and the confidence to take on larger challenges. But to Andres, this was just another result of believing in himself and embracing change.

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Advice for Future Data Analytics Students.

For students considering the Data Analytics program at Langara, Andres has one key piece of advice: take chances.

If there is an opportunity I can take, I will take it. Doesn’t matter if I don’t know how to do it, doesn’t matter if I feel fear to do it, I’ll just try it.

Beyond academics, he stresses the importance of networking. “Make connections. Not just with classmates, but with professors and industry professionals. Look for volunteer opportunities and real-world projects. These experiences will set you apart.”

Langara’s Post-Degree Diploma in Data Analytics equips students with the technical skills, practical experience, and industry connections needed to succeed in one of the world’s fastest-growing fields. Ready to start your journey? Learn more about the program and apply today.