Data Science Bootcamp - Rebuilding After Covid

Hi, my name is Sarah Zimmer. Welcome to my GoFundMe campaign to raise $6500 for the full-time Data Science Bootcamp at WeCloudData. In 2020, covid closed my business, Philadelphia Pet Care Company, after a successful run of eight years. After the dust settled on several post-covid life changes, I did a deep dive into my interests, strengths, and goals to determine how to move my career forward. For those who do not know me personally, my path has been non-linear. Before I explain how the Data Science Bootcamp will benefit my career, I want to take a moment to share my journey.

The full cost of this program is $12500 USD. I will be funding the balance using money saved from unemployment payments and my own savings. Your generosity will not only make this bootcamp a reality; it is a demonstration of belief. A belief that my non-linear path, with obstacles that have been consistently overcome, is on course to make the world better. Whether helping to reduce carbon emissions in a supply chain or assisting an environmental scientist with data analysis for environmental policy changes - this bootcamp allows me to contribute to change in this world. Ultimately, I will pay your investment forward by assisting women and minorities with their STEM journey once I am working in data science.

Thank you for your consideration. If you’re interested in my full story, read below to understand more deeply how the Data Science Bootcamp will benefit my career.

My Journey - From Art To Business

In 2008, I earned my MFA (Masters of Fine Art) from the University of Pennsylvania. My graduate studies were focused on digital media (video, sound, photography, and web design) with research into human perception. I remember my initial experiments with the department’s first 3-Chip HD video camera. There was no guide, and I did not understand codecs, workflows, etc. It was the first major technology-based problem that I solved independently. As a result, I went on to create immersive HD video and sound installations. The spark lit the technology flame.

After completing my MFA, I worked as a public art studio manager and continued to create art that utilized technology on a greater scale.

My work incorporated the following:

In 2010, I assembled a public art team and submitted a proposal for my first public art project. The Mural Arts Program in Philadelphia selected the proposal for an interactive light installation. The project did not evolve as imagined. It dragged on for two years with fundraising and management challenges. I had to adapt.

I developed the side gig that paid the bills during those two years and transformed it into a successful small business.

Over the next eight years, I took advantage of every opportunity to acquire management, web development, accounting, and marketing skills. Philadelphia offered a fantastic amount of resources, from the small business development center at Penn to the Corzo Center at the University of the Arts. In 2017, I was selected for the small business accelerator Power Up Your Business. This provided both formal business education and professional coaching for two years.

My enthusiasm for technology continued to grow throughout the life of the business. I enrolled in the workshops provided by the local chapter of Girl Develop It, which included: WordPress, Agile, SQL, CSS, UX, HTML, and various other subjects. I applied this knowledge by building a mobile and SEO-optimized WordPress site for the business. My confidence and independence as a female entrepreneur soared. Technological understanding made me more independent.

The third component of my business journey was data. Data was integral to learning to analyze and interpret every aspect of business operations. From sales dashboards that provided insight into revenue streams, to the google analytics dashboard used to track website usage - data was front and center.

Being a female entrepreneur and business manager was an intense experience that provided an unending stream of real-world education. It was transformational. Unfortunately, Covid brought my business to an end in late 2020. When the dust settled on several other significant life changes, including the death of two loved ones and my father's near-fatal accident, I saw this as a beginning, not an end.

So. . . Why data science?

Over the past year, and with the guidance of career coach Pat Fligge, I have undertaken focused research on several career paths, along with an assessment of my professional background, strengths, and personal interests. Feel free to take a look at my updated LinkedIn profile. Data is where everything comes together - technology, business, research, and creativity. Data science has an impact. I aim to gain the data science skills necessary to effectively contribute to sustainability and environmental preservation—an AI for a good career.

My dedication to the environment is reflected in my daily life - from understanding the life cycle and toxicity of the ingredients in personal care products to opting for public transportation (or a bike) over a car. I have also volunteered with wildlife rescue organizations, and animal shelters, and taught myself organic,pollinator-friendly gardening. At the heart of my decision to pursue a career in data science is the motivation to take on a role that actively contributes to environmental protection.

My acceptance into WeCloudData's Data Science Bootcamp allows me to begin my AI for good career. While I realize there are other educational pathways to this career, WeCloudData’s program is the best fit for me. Unlike self-paced programs, I will learn online through 3-hour live teaching sessions and office hours for questions, Monday-Friday, for 3.5 months.

Upon completing the program, I will work on real client data projects. This will allow me to expand my project portfolio and understand the nuisances of the day-to-day flow within a real data science team. WeCloudData also boosts a 95% job placement rate with full support throughout the job search. This is a career with apparent growth. The employment of data scientists is projected to grow 36 percent from 2021 to 2031. About 13,500 openings for data scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. To help me prepare for the January Bootcamp, WeCloudData has kindly allowed me to audit the part-time data science Bootcamp that started in mid-October. In addition to the audit, I am using free and low-cost educational tools, such as Zero to Mastery, Kahn Academy, Coursera, and Udemy, to gain prerequisite skills in statistics, excel, python, and SQL.

With the help of my supportive career coach, Pat Fligge, I continue to build connections with data professionals from various sectors on LinkedIn to learn about different data science roles, while creating a more extensive network. And I have joined Women Who Code for additional guidance and mentorship in a supportive community. Ultimately, I would like to pay your investment forward by assisting women and minorities with their STEM journey once I am working in data science. This is an essential part of my career development because, as of 2021, women make up around 29 percent of all functions in technology companies, and ethnic minorities make up around 22 percent (source).

Thank you for taking the time to understand my journey. Asking for your monitary support was not an easy decision. The transition into a new career is not an easy, or fast path. Your kindness and belief in me means more to me than a simple "thank you" can convey. Both donations and shares of this campaign me the world to me.

Many thanks and much apprectian - Sarah