TL;DR
From Cloud Analyst to Data Scientist at Oracle in just 5 years—proving that with grit, continuous learning, and unwavering determination, you can transform your career and achieve your dreams. This is the story of how I turned my passion into my profession, one step at a time.
Five years ago, I put down my academic hat and stepped into the corporate world with curiosity, ambition, and a lot of uncertainty. I was fortunate to graduate with five job offers on the table—a privilege I don't take lightly. Among them, Oracle stood out. For me, it was nothing short of a dream company, and I proudly chose it as the starting point of my career.
The excitement and nervousness of starting a new chapter at Oracle - little did I know this would be the beginning of an incredible transformation.
The Early Days
I began my journey as a Cloud Analyst. Truth be told, it wasn't exactly aligned with my passion. My heart was already set on Data Science, but at that moment, the role of a Data Analyst was the closest bridge I could find. Instead of feeling stuck, I made a decision—to persevere, learn, and create my own opportunities. Sometimes, the path to your dreams isn't a straight line—it's about taking the first step, even if it's not perfect.
Even after long office hours, I pushed myself to work on side projects, one of them being my personal blog. These small but consistent efforts kept me connected to what I truly loved. The secret? Never let your day job define your dreams—let your dreams define your actions.
Those late nights and weekend projects that kept my passion for Data Science alive, even when my day job wasn't aligned with my dreams.
A Bold Step: Masters While Working Full-Time
In parallel, I decided to invest in myself and self-fund a Master's in Data Science & Engineering at BITS Pilani—all while continuing my day job at Oracle. This wasn't just about getting a degree; it was about investing in my future, one weekend at a time.
It meant sacrificing weekends, personal time, and comfort for two full years. It wasn't easy; balancing a demanding job and rigorous academics tested me in every way possible. But when I graduated in 2023, I realized those sacrifices had been stepping stones to something bigger. The best investment you can make is in yourself—and the returns are limitless.
The countless hours of study, the weekend sacrifices, and the determination to invest in my future - all while maintaining excellence at work.
Growth at Oracle
My first three years at Oracle Fusion HCM were invaluable. The colleagues, mentors, and team culture shaped me into a better professional and person. But I knew deep down that I wanted to transition into Data Science within Oracle itself.
The incredible colleagues, mentors, and team culture at Oracle that shaped me into a better professional and person - the foundation of my growth.
The next six months were some of the toughest—countless internal interviews, rejections, and retries. Breaking into a Data Scientist role in a company as large as Oracle wasn't going to come easy. But persistence has its own reward. Every 'no' is just a step closer to your 'yes'—never give up on your dreams, even when the path seems impossible.
Breaking Through
Finally, the opportunity came knocking: Data Scientist II at Oracle Finance. After rounds of rigorous interviews, I secured the role. That moment remains one of the most defining milestones of my career. When preparation meets opportunity, magic happens—and that magic is called success.
The moment of breakthrough - securing the Data Scientist II role at Oracle Finance after countless interviews and rejections. Dreams do come true with persistence.
Today, I serve as the Product Owner of a niche Data Science product in the ML4AML (Machine Learning for Anti-Money Laundering) space. The work is complex, impactful, and exactly where I envisioned myself when I started this journey five years ago. This is proof that when you align your actions with your aspirations, the universe conspires to help you achieve your goals.
Today's reality - serving as Product Owner of ML4AML, working on complex, impactful Data Science solutions that make a real difference in the world.
Looking Back—and Ahead
These five years have been a blend of grit, learning, setbacks, and breakthroughs. From Cloud Analyst to Data Scientist, from side projects to a Master's degree, from rejections to breakthroughs—it has been nothing short of transformative. Your journey is your story—make it worth telling.
The incredible transformation over five years - from a fresh graduate to a Data Scientist and Product Owner, proving that dreams do come true with dedication.
I'm grateful to my colleagues, mentors, and friends who stood by me through this journey. But this is just the beginning. The road ahead is long, and my aspiration is to grow into something far bigger and more impactful. Remember: the best is yet to come, but only if you keep pushing forward.
The journey continues - with gratitude for the past and excitement for the future. The best is yet to come!
Onwards and upwards. 🚀
To anyone reading this: Your dreams are valid. Your aspirations matter. Your journey, no matter how challenging, is worth every step. Keep going, keep growing, and never stop believing in yourself. The world needs what only you can offer.
— Sughosh Dixit