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November 27, 2024

Sondos Aabed: From University Graduate to Full-Time Data Analyst

Sondos, a 22-year-old from Al-Bireh City, Palestine, has transformed her passion for technology into a rewarding career. Her journey showcases the potential of Palestinian tech talents and highlights the importance of building the capacity of new talent in the Palestinian tech industry. By leveraging long-term tech training and embracing a range of specialisations, Sondos has not only found her place in the regional tech ecosystem but is also contributing to the growing demand for digital business practices and ICT services in Palestine.

To dive into this inspiring story we followed the journey of Sondos, from a curious student to a professional making significant changes in the technology sector in Palestine.

Q1: Can you tell us a bit about your background before joining the Palestine Launchpad scholarship programme?

**Sondos:** Before joining the scholarship, I was studying Computer Science at Birzeit University in Palestine. My journey in tech started from a genuine curiosity about solving complex problems and making an impact. I had experience with some programming and data science skills, and I was always looking for ways to develop them further. Being in a region with many unique challenges also gave me a strong motivation to use technology as a tool for positive change.

 

Q2: When did you first develop an interest in technology, and what inspired you to pursue it as a career?

**Sondos:** I always viewed the world as a puzzle to solve, and technology struck me as the perfect way to approach it. When I learnt that technology is about solving real-world problems, I knew it was what I wanted to do. The idea of creating solutions and using technology to address the issues around me inspired me to dive deeper into this field.

 

Q3: What motivated you to apply for this scholarship programme?

**Sondos:** I was actively seeking opportunities for growth, not just in technical skills but also in terms of networking and self-development. This programme seemed like the perfect way to upskill and connect with others in the field, so I was motivated to join and expand my horizons.

 

Q4: What were your initial career goals when you decided to join the programme?

**Sondos:** Initially, I wanted to build a solid foundation in technology with the hope of one day starting my own company. I knew that mastering tools like Git, Python, and core data science concepts would be critical steps towards that goal.

 

Q5: How was your experience during the scholarship programme? What were the most valuable skills you learnt?

**Sondos:** I had a great experience during my programme, meeting a lot of wonderful people with different backgrounds. I learnt a lot of skills, for example, a lot of soft skills such as professional talks, and professional presentations. As for the hard skills, I learnt Git, Python, and data science libraries such as Seaborn and Matplotlib for visualisations, and Pandas for data analysis. In addition to career supervision, I learnt how to self-brand on platforms like LinkedIn and GitHub and create a professional CV.

 

Q6: Did you face any challenges during the programme? How did you overcome them?

**Sondos:** I faced some challenges in time management at the beginning, but as soon as I started following the weekly schedule provided by the programme, I was able to manage and graduate on time.

 

Q7: How did the programme’s mentors and resources support your learning and development?

**Sondos:** They helped me explore concepts and guided me through areas I wasn’t confident in.

 

Q8: Can you share a specific project or task you worked on during the programme that significantly impacted your skills?

**Sondos:** I worked on multiple projects, but presentations and knowledge sharing during the sessions, where I would prepare a new concept and present it, were the most impactful for me.

 

Q9: How did the programme help you in your job search? and how did it prepare you for the job market? Did it provide any direct connections to employers or internships?

**Sondos:** The programme connected me with my current employer and other potential recruiters that I was interested in joining.

The programme material and mentors taught me how to use LinkedIn to find specific jobs, and how to connect with people meaningfully who may help me find a specific job.

We had multiple cardio sessions to practise, once acting as a candidate and once as a recruiter to know how the process works. That way, we prepared for how the real-life interview goes from both perspectives

I learnt how to reach out to people, the network was participants from different backgrounds and professional people.

 

Q10: Can you describe your current job role and responsibilities?

**Sondos:** I am currently a Data Quality Manager, responsible for overseeing the quality of data files coming from studios worldwide. I centralise and manage these files to ensure they meet technical standards. Part of my role is to analyse quality metrics and suggest improvements that enhance data integrity. Additionally, I manage a team of 13 data marking members, coordinating their tasks to ensure accurate and timely data delivery.

 

Q11: How has this new job impacted your personal and professional life?

**Sondos:** This job has significantly improved my professional skills and boosted my confidence. Personally, it has given me a sense of accomplishment and the ability to contribute positively to my community.

 

Q12: How has your community and family reacted to your achievements in the tech industry?

**Sondos:** My community has always been supportive, providing encouragement and resources whenever possible.

My family is very proud of my achievements, and it has changed their perspective on the importance and potential of a tech career.

 

Q13: In what ways do you hope to give back to the tech community and what are your future aspirations within the tech industry and beyond?

**Sondos:** I hope to mentor young aspiring tech enthusiasts in my community and work on projects that address local challenges. I want to leave an impact on humanity before leaving this world.

Sondos Aabed’s journey from a university graduate to a full-time Data Analyst showcases the power of education, commitment, and the right mentorship & support.

Through the Palestine Launchpad with Google programme, she upskilled her technical knowledge and practice, and she developed her career and soft skills needed to land a job.

Inspired by Sondos’s success? Apply now to the Palestine Launchpad with Google programme and take the step towards transforming your university education towards a rewarding career.

Apply now to the Palestine Launchpad with Google programme and take the step towards transforming your university education towards a rewarding career.