Data Science Virtual Academy

I'm finishing up my 8th week and my 3rd module.  I have enjoyed this experience so far; because it has made me reach deep into my heart and helped me realize that anything is possible if you want it bad enough.  I can have a better future with their help and that is what I am reaching for.

I am enjoying this course! Google Classroom is utilized regularly and I see it as part of the course, rather than an extension of the course. There is so much helpful information in the Classroom, apart from the system where the main instruction is. In GC, we (students) interact to prompts and from those we can see how our colleagues are doing, areas they are excelling and also where there is room for opportunity. This helps me see that I am not alone and many times the same questions I have, someone else has as well. This is also where I see not just instruction, but other offerings from ENTITY, and is also where I gain much encouragement. 

I'm currently in week 14 of 33 of the data analysis course. This course is a little challenging, but I have access to so much help and mentors, I feel comfortable enough to continue. For those who haven't been in school for a while or feel hesitant to continue school, I definitely recommend this course!

Making the decision to start the program was the best one yet.. I'm super excited to be a part of such great program with  endless opportunities. 

I spent a lot of time and research deciding if I should do a bootcamp or return to college for an undergrad. I was a little skeptical of the bootcamps. Entity really changed my mind about that. I'm a little over two months into my program and I already feel like I've gained so many skills and connections. The financial aid process gave me a lot of confidence in the program as well because my payments are due after I'm done and only if I get a job with a salary above 45,000. (However you do have to get approved for this kind of financing.) The weekly mentor meetings are awesome because not only do you have help with your course work, but also can ask questions about navigating the job field. An added bonus to Entity is that they use Google Classroom on top of your data course work to help you develop your soft skills such as networking, social media, resumes, etc.

This bootcamp is really REALLLY nice. I recommend it to women who are on the go and busy. I work full-time, have a business,a house,and a needy furbaby. I've seen to breeze through classes but when I did need help my mentor Marcy was right there! Find you a great mentor and you'll be set!

Entity Academy is one of the best opportunities for women seeking jobs that are innovative, analytical, and provide financial security. I am a newly single mother with a bachelor's in healthcare administration and Entity not only provides me support academically but as a single mother. There is a community of classmates, mentors, graduates, and people in the field that are supporting you. You are not alone you have a guiding you to meet your goals, understand the material and apply it to work experince. Entity Academy is one of the best online programs anyone can enroll in. 

I highly recommend Entity's Data Science certification. I was scrolling FaceBook and saw an ad for Data Science studies and women were featured in the ad. I clicked on it to learn more and watched some video testimonials. I filled in the form and someone from the Entity admissions staff called me within 30 mins. Wow. I was just looking for a way to re-enter the workforce after being an at home mom for 13 years and as a newly divorced, single mother of 3. Then I found out the classes were starting in a week and a half! I was like whoa I was just fact finding here. But before you know it I was enrolled and taking advantage of the income share option. The option allowed me to go to school now and pay for it once I hold down a job making at least $40,000 per year. Otherwise I would not have been able to study Data Science. The staff believed in me, believed in my life story and granted me the best gift of all -- a chance to thrive. They assigned me a mentor and she was there to meet with me weekly, offer help when I needed it, support when I needed it and that extra push at times. The online curriculum was easy to follow and included codes that I could copy/paste and modify. It kept my interest because there were short videos, text, exercises and quizzes to keep me engaged. Although I was able to go at my own pace generally, assignments were due on Wednesdays and Fridays. I studies humanities in college and it has been 25 years since I graduated. I had never done online learning or studied statistics. Math was my worst subject. At Entity I was able to actually learn basic and advanced statistical analysis. That in itself is a miracle. Furthermore I was able to learn the basics of coding in R, SQL, NoSQL and Python where I executed the statistical testing. The best part of the curriculum is that it walks you through step by step with lots of examples, Vimeo videos and opportunities to practice. If something doesn't resonate there are mentors online almost every day of the year to help you along.  There are extracurricular options as well. For example, fireside chats on Zoom with industry professionals who share real work life experiences as a Data Scientist. Soft skills training such as how to stop negative self talk and how to deal with stress were offered every week. I loved the focus on bringing more women into the field of Information Technology. I also loved the opportunity to have a mentor specifically for my job search. The only things that I could mention as ways for Entity to improve are making the big data curriculum more available to everyone. I was one of many that could not download the required programs to deal with big data. The alternatives offered were not as engaging as the regular lessons would have been. Broken links to supplemental files were also an issue.  Often I would be going through the lesson and not able to access the links. More support for Mac users would be pivotal. The curriculum is geared toward PC users. Sometimes programs needed to be installed and the Mac directions were not clear. There were times it took me quite a while to troubleshoot issues I was having just because I was on a Mac. Besides those things, the experience was golden.

Entity Academy has truly changed me as a whole. I researched several different boot camps and programs to assist me in conducting a successful career change. The moment I chose Entity and started orientation, Ivfelt a huge relief. Thus far, my mentor has been amazing. Maria Panos is always available, whether it be through chat or zoom to assist. The curriculum does have its tough lessons that are a challenge, but the Google classroom has several lessons and resources to assist in mastering the different components of Data Science. Overall, I can say I am confident with all that I have learned at this point from Entity, I will be able to secure a great career opportunity upon my closure of the program.

I can’t tell you how many programs I researched before choosing Entity.  A dozen? Paid programs, free ones – I’m smart. I’m motivated. Maybe I could take those and teach myself.  But where to start?  I’ve never enrolled in an online program; is it legitimate? Will it be sufficient to teach me in the absence of in-person learning? How’s their job placement program? Will my investment pay off?  
I had two full careers: as a journalist and a chef. But as I get older, I formed the goal of being able to work remotely, from anywhere. A good salary is a plus, as well.  I’m good with languages, and I had a lightbulb moment that I wish I’d had years earlier: coding is nothing more than writing in another language. I can do both of those things. 
Last summer, I found Entity. I called and the first person I spoke with was Richard Rizzo.  When I tell you I asked him dozens of questions over several phone calls, I’m not exaggerating. He was so patient, and moreover, he had a good answer for every question I asked. He even asked Angelica Pronto, Entity Academy director to call me. And she did!  Who else would do that?  
In the end, I was sold. I believe in their stated goal to get more women into tech.  The support from mentors was key – I met with Devin Moya weekly and every time we spoke, he’d explain concepts from the course, and he’d teach me extra.  Instructor Joseph Raetano is developing leading-edge course content. Technology changes almost daily, and Joseph makes sure the mentors under him continue learning tools and concepts to pass on to students. There’s every skill level of student in the program, from phenoms to entry-level-haven’t-taken-math-since-high-school students.  Mentors assist them all in learning the content.  We learn SQL, Python, R, Tableau using a variety of programs – all of which are golden words to have on a resume! Natural language processing, machine learning, regression, and data visualization – all of these are skills you’ll gain. 
I really can recommend this program; and in fact, have already to some of my friends. A couple women have even reached out on LinkedIn and I’ve gladly answered questions about Entity. From all I’ve seen, they really are trying to give women (and men) a quality education and a good start to entering the tech field. I’m happy to answer any other questions, if you want to reach out on Linked In.  Full disclosure: after graduating, I accepted a position as a mentor with Entity.  I want to be part of what they’re doing! 
 
 

This has been a wonderful experience. I have enjoyed working with my mentor and I appreciate the opportunity. Thank you.

In my previous training I had some statistics and data training but it was incomplete in several areas. The Entity program allowed me to round out my resume with certifications and hands on training that made me feel better equipped for large scale research projects and positions. In addition the support and assistance to work within my schedule remotely allowed me to keep my home life in balance. 

I started the data science course through Entity around the beginning of this year. So far my experience has been wonderful. The mentors are extremely responsive, helpful, and are ready to help when it’s needed. Originally when I started looking into a career in data science I though I don’t think this is something I would be able to do because it looks hard. But as I finish modules I look back like wow I can’t believe I was able to do all of this. The layout of the courses makes it super easy to learn the content. With videos and hands on practice scattered through the lessons it really makes learning the material so easy. I would recommend anyone interested in learning data science to look into Entity Academy as I do not regret doing so myself.  

Entity is powered by Woz-U, but it is about the female empowerment for me. They are there to support you at every step of the way. Being able to work with my mentor 1:1 every week has made such a difference in my learning. I knew nothing of the data world before starting this program, but it hasn't been scary to learn with all this help. So happy that I found this program.

Entity Academy is more than your normal academy or university. Entity is a community of thriving individuals that genuinely would love to see another succeed throughout the program and after the program. Currently enrolled within the Data science program and the amount of resources provided for internal support and external support is tremendous. Each lesson is throughly broken down for maximum benefit in learning the material. Whether it is weekly workshops or recorded material. The mentors are always readily available to help when needed throughout. As well as consistent motivation to make one feel ready to tackle each assignment. I would encourage and recommend Entity to family, friends, or even a stranger due to the strong support system and course material. 

I quit teaching last November, promising myself that I would never settle into a career again.  I longed for a more fulfilling life.  I wanted to pursue a completely new field.  I found ENTITY Academy after taking time to consider my options and decide on the path I wanted take.  It was a leap of faith to start over, but enrolling in the Data Science program at ENTITY has been one of my proudest decisions.  From the very first welcome to the daily check-ins, ENTITY is a place where you will always feel supported.  I absolutely love every mentor, coach, and advisor at ENTITY.  Everyone truly has your back.  ENTITY Academy is a special place with a special team!

I learned so much new material going here. I am glad I chose to go here because it helped me make my promotion goals.

My experience here at Entity has been exciting, challenging and rewarding all in one. The strong sense of community is what I find most endearing. It fosters encouragement, support and achieving one’s goals. 

I have a degree, but when I became a single mom, my old career was no longer a good fit. I knew I wanted a data science certification, and I had been shopping around. Every school I looked at was too expensive or required too much of a commitment. Some I just intuitively knew were not right for me. When I applied to ENTITY, I spoke to someone on the phone that same day. After months of shopping around, within an hour I had made the decision to enroll at ENTITY, and the biggest reason is because I found them to be very empowering. Their unique funding opportunities allowed me to get a certification in a reasonable amount of time. Also, they were willing to gamble on me, and it made me feel supported, right from the start. I love the curriculum and flexibility. But what I really love is things like opportunities to talk to career professionals and explore options, as well as amazing perks like having a life coach at my disposal. I can’t say that the work isn’t challenging, but I can say that I have felt like the entire staff has supported me along the way.

HelloI have been about 6 months in for the data scientist program.  It’s a great program and goes intermediate in R and Python.  Has a great mentor and support program.  Lesson are easy to follow and gain comprehension.  If your looking to learn more more into Data Science, highly recommend.