Plainsight Academy: Fast-tracking careers from BI to AI
As recent Business Engineering Data Analytics graduates, we had the privilege of kickstarting our career with the Plainsight Academy, an intensive month-long training that bridged the gap between academic knowledge and industry expertise. The academy covered a vast array of topics, ranging from Power BI and SQL to Databricks, Azure Data Platforms, Generative AI, and CI/CD with GIT.
This immersive experience was designed not only to develop technical skills but also to foster a customer-centric mindset and prepare us for real-world challenges. In this blog post, we'll share key highlights and insights gained during the program.
The Academy: A Detailed Overview
The Plainsight Academy turned out to be a real game-changer for us as data consultants, equipping us with a wide range of essential skills to excel in our field. The journey began with a solid introduction to Power BI, where we learned how to create impactful reports and visualizations that transform raw data into insightful dashboards. Alongside Power BI, we mastered data modeling techniques that enabled us to structure and manage datasets efficiently, ensuring they could support complex business queries.
SQL - Databricks
From there, we delved into the world of SQL, starting with the basics and progressing to more advanced querying techniques. These sessions were critical in teaching us how to extract, manipulate, and analyze data efficiently, a skill we would find invaluable in real-world business environments. Learning both basic and advanced SQL made us more adept at pulling meaningful insights from even more complex data sources.
Next, the academy introduced us to Databricks and data warehousing, which provided us with a deeper understanding of large-scale data processing. We explored the intricacies of managing data storage solutions and automating data pipelines to ensure that data flows seamlessly through an organization. These sessions were not only technical but also strategic, helping us understand how scalable data solutions can optimize performance and resource use, especially in handling large datasets.
Python, PySpark-skills & Azure Data Platforms
To further enhance our data capabilities, we sharpened our skills in Python and PySpark, two indispensable tools for managing big data. These programming languages were presented as powerful allies in data engineering, offering solutions for processing and analyzing massive datasets in a timely and efficient manner. Being able to code in Python allowed us to automate tasks and develop algorithms, while PySpark enabled us to handle large datasets with speed and precision.
As the academy progressed, we shifted our focus to the cloud with workshops on Azure Data Platforms. These sessions highlighted how cloud technologies allow businesses to create scalable and reliable architectures for data integration and analysis. With a deep dive into batch and real-time data processing, we saw firsthand how Azure's flexible solutions empower modern data engineering. Whether it's orchestrating data workflows or managing secure data storage, these tools are essential for building resilient, future-proof data infrastructures.
Fabric, CI/CD and Generative AI
Microsoft Fabric brought another level of complexity, as it introduced us to managing data warehouses and running data science experiments. We experimented with different scenarios and workflows, which provided insight into how data engineering intersects with data science. Coupled with this was training in CI/CD using Git, where we not only focused on seamless integration and deployment but also learned how these practices align with agile working methodologies. This approach emphasized the importance of iterative development, continuous feedback, and adapting to change rapidly, key principles in modern data projects.
One of the most exciting aspects of the academy was our introduction to Generative AI. We explored how AI can generate new data and models, unlocking possibilities for predictive analytics and creative problem-solving. This technology is revolutionizing how businesses approach data-driven decision-making, and we now feel equipped to recognize potential AI use cases for clients while understanding the costs and specificities associated with implementing AI solutions.
The hands-on nature of the academy made every topic feel immediately relevant. Each workshop was designed to give us practical experience, reinforcing the lessons through real-world applications.
The Capstone: Workation and Final Presentation
The academy culminated in a “workation” at De Haan, where we combined work with a vacation-like setting. Over a few days, we applied everything we had learned to a customer use case and prepared a final presentation. This hands-on project allowed us to showcase our newfound skills and receive valuable feedback from our colleagues. The final day was special, as we presented our solution and celebrated the successful completion of the academy with our peers.
Beyond the Academy: DataMinds Connect
To top off this incredible journey, we were given the chance to attend DataMinds Connect, a three-day event that brought together international experts and a variety of topics. This provided an excellent opportunity to expand our knowledge even further and gain fresh perspectives from industry professionals.
The Plainsight Academy has not only equipped us with a solid technical foundation but also instilled a customer-centric mindset that will guide us throughout our career. From data modeling and warehousing to AI and cloud platforms, we now feel prepared to tackle complex business challenges. This is just the beginning of our journey in the data analytics world, and we look forward to continuing our growth and contributing to future innovations.
Wrap up
At Plainsight, we believe that continuous learning and collaboration are key to unlocking potential. Whether you’re a recent graduate, an experienced professional, or a student looking for an internship, Plainsight offers a dynamic environment where knowledge sharing is a core value.
We invite you to meet us at upcoming job and internship fairs or to reach out to us online. Discover the exciting opportunities we offer, from hands-on training to career development, and become part of a team that’s shaping the future of data analytics.
Let’s connect, learn, and grow together.
Jana Vangansbeke
Hello, my name is Jana. I hold a Master’s degree in Business Engineering: Data Analytics, with hands-on experience in data extraction, deriving insights, text analysis, and predictive modeling through academic projects. Currently, I’m kicking off my first professional project, which is an exciting step and in which I will be developing more profound skills in Power BI. My strong analytical skills, coupled with a proactive approach to learning and problem-solving, fuel my enthusiasm for expanding my knowledge in data engineering and data architecture. Outside of work, I enjoy playing hockey and connecting with new people. Always open to a chat, whether it’s about data or life in general!
Lennert Verhoie
Hello, my name is Lennert. Since the end of high school, I was always eager to learn about numbers and data. Thus, becoming a Business Engineer (specialized in Data Analytics) was the only thing I wanted in my school career. These studies have taught me many new and relevant things for my career as a Data Analytics Consultant, such as processing data, machine learning, and coding. The first project for me will entail working with both Power BI and DBT, which I look forward to! Being very logical and analytical are 2 strengths of mine that I value a lot in this business. A common factor in my professional life and football career is that I am a big team player, which I find crucial for success..
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