Hi, I Am Matthew Ukeme-Abasi Akpan
Course: Data Analytics Nano-Degree
Role: Data Visualization Specialist
Course: Data Analytics Nano-Degree
Role: Data Visualization Specialist
I still can’t believe how much has happened in just 8 months. When I first got into Data Analytics at Vephla University, I could never have imagined I’d be landing a role this soon. But here I am, and I’m so grateful because learning at Vephla has truly placed me on a pedestal I never even dreamed of. Looking back, it blows my mind that I worked on almost 60+ data analytics projects and tasks before even graduating. Yes, you heard that right 60+ projects before graduation! That's just how thorough and hands-on the learning process at Vephla is.
If there’s one thing that stands out to me about my experience at Vephla, it’s the emphasis on sharing knowledge. It wasn’t just about learning for myself; it was about sharing and passing on what I knew. This was something my mentor, Dev Richard, constantly emphasized, and let me tell you, it worked like magic. His advice was simple but powerful: “This is the method to put yourself out there, get you ahead of numerous applicants in interviews and mark you a true Vephlan”. And I took it to heart. Every single Vephlan does this, and it’s one of the reasons Vephla Uni stands out to me. We are not just passive learners; we are active contributors in a community that pushes us to achieve greatness.
Now let me tell you about the moment that completely changed my career. It all started on LinkedIn on December 24th when I posted one of my Data tasks. Out of the blue, I received a message from the Managing Director of a company who reached out and asked for my WhatsApp contact. We quickly scheduled a call for later that day, and after our conversation, he sent me a test assessment with a dataset, asking me to create a dashboard and present my findings.
This is exactly what Vephla had prepared me for. I had already done similar tasks as part of my training, and I knew exactly how to approach the assignment. The deadline was set for December 27th, but I was able to submit my work on December 25th, just one day after receiving the task. And I did it all because of the discipline and time management skills that Vephla instilled in me. I’m used to working under tight deadlines, and that’s something I had learned through my training. I knew I could deliver on time or even ahead of time and that’s exactly what I did.
When I submitted the project, I didn’t expect anything less than great feedback, but when the Managing Director told me he was impressed by how quickly I had delivered and how well I had designed the dashboard, I was on cloud nine. We even had three follow-up calls via Google Meet, and during those discussions, I could see how much my work was appreciated.
But here’s something else that really stands out for me in this journey: the power of building in public. I didn’t apply for this role, yet I got it because of my LinkedIn presence and the projects I had shared on my profile and portfolio as made compulsory at vephla. All the work I’d done at Vephla, all the projects I’d worked on, were there for everyone to see. And because I put myself out there, I got noticed. So, to anyone who’s hesitant about sharing their progress don’t hesitate. Build in public. You never know what might come your way.
I want to take a moment to thank the Chancellor at vephla Uni for the scholarship that changed my life. Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’m also deeply grateful to my mentor, Dev Richard, who is no-nonsense and straight to the point. He didn’t just teach me the technical skills; he taught all of us at Vephla discipline, resilience, and grit, qualities that are essential to succeed in the tech space. I remember him saying: “These tasks will put you ahead of a thousand applicants.” Those words have stayed with me, and now I see how true they are. The tasks and challenges I faced at Vephla were exactly what helped me stand out from the crowd. They gave me a unique edge that other applicants didn’t have.
I can honestly say I owe this achievement to Dev Richard. He pushed me when I needed it, and he believed in me even when I doubted myself. His strict yet supportive approach is exactly what helped me succeed. And it doesn’t stop there. I’ve also plugged my brother into Vephla Uni because I know that’s where greatness starts. He’s already been admitted, and I know that with the same training and guidance, he will achieve amazing things too.
The journey has just begun, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity Vephla has given me, and I’m excited for the future. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that when you invest in yourself and put in the work, the results will come. Thanks to Vephla and my incredible mentor, Dev Richard, I’m confident that I’m on the path to even greater success.
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