Deep Dive: Why Learn Data with Colaberry?

As companies today realize the significance of data-driven decisions, demand for professionals who can extract valuable and actionable insights from raw data has grown exponentially. LinkedIn identified the role of a data science specialist as one of the “Jobs on the Rise” for 2021, with recruiting increasing by almost 46 percent since 2019. 

As more organizations recognize the value of data in making business decisions, opportunities for aspiring data specialists will continue to increase. Today, learners interested in starting a data science career are fortunate to have several non-traditional options that allow them to upskill without taking a full four-year college course. 

Colaberry bootcamp is one of the options that stand out among others, offering courses that specialize in data science and data analytics. 

What Is Colaberry?

Established in 2012, Colaberry started as a small group of dedicated technology enthusiasts who wanted to serve their local community in Plano, Texas. A significant part of their mission was to serve veterans by giving them the skills and knowledge they needed to thrive in civilian careers. 

The success of their first cohort and the growing demand for their program led the part-time passion project into becoming a full-time bootcamp. Beyond serving veterans, Colaberry’s mission grew to serve people from all backgrounds and help them transform their lives.

Its name comes from the daughter of Ram Katamaraja, CEO and co-founder of the bootcamp. As a kid, his daughter used to sing and make up her own lyrics. One of the songs she used to sing was “Why This Kolaveri Di,” a popular Indian song. On a car ride, Ram was talking to his young daughter about possible company names, and she started singing the song. 

“Kolaveri” became “Colaberry”. 

Colaberry offers lifelong learning opportunities to their students and helps them to develop in-demand technical, soft, and job search skills. Their programs cater to students from a diverse range of economic, racial, and occupational backgrounds, with over 85 percent of the student population coming from underrepresented and marginalized communities. 

The bootcamp offers two programs: data science and data analytics. And because they only focus on these two areas, Colaberry has become an expert in the said fields. Case in point, their high-quality programs and platform have received numerous recognitions and awards, including the following:

• Inclusion in the Inc.’s 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America for 2020 and 2021
• Inclusion in Inc’s 5000’s Top 70 IT Management Companies in 2020 
• Awarded the MIT SOLVE’s Most Promising ‘Work of the Future’ Solution
• Was a finalist in JFF Lab’s $1 Billion Wage Gain Competition
• Won the General Motors Prize for Advanced Technologies

The Colaberry Learning Experience

Colaberry has several features that make it stand out compared to other bootcamps. It uses a data-driven, gamified, goal-based learning platform that is effective and engaging. It employs a hands-on approach that allows students to gain real-world knowledge and experience.

The bootcamp also developed a Colaberry app, which students and alumni use to maximize their Colaberry experience. The app features sample job interview questions that students can practice answering anytime and from anywhere. The app also includes over 5,000 videos made by students that other learners can watch and rate. Through this process, students can enhance their communication skills through feedback received on their videos. 

Colaberry students undergo five steps during their time in the program.

1. Learn foundations. The program begins with an instructor-led course that teaches key concepts, tools, and frameworks.
2. Practice new skills. Students practice the new skills they’ve learned through project-based assignments. Learners are also required to spend 15 to 20 hours a week outside class instructional hours to ensure success in the program.
3. Create a digital portfolio. All students create a digital portfolio that showcases their new skills to potential employers. 
4. Prepare for the job hunt. At this stage, the program focuses on career services and getting students ready to begin the job hunt.
5. Land your dream job!

Colaberry’s Data-Focused Programs

Data Analytics Program

Colaberry’s Data Analytics course takes six to 12 weeks to complete and is available online. After completing the course, graduates participate in job interview practice workshops and receive full on-the-job support for a year.

This instructor-led course teaches students practical tools and strategies so they can become effective data-driven decision-makers. All program instructors have real-world expertise and bring this knowledge into the classroom.

The Data Analytics program has two phases:

1. Phase 1 – Technical Training

• Duration: 12 weeks
• Cost: $1,999

This phase focuses on technical training and equipping students with the hard skills they need to become successful data analysts. It is divided into three modules. 

The first module covers SQL Server where students gain knowledge of SQL Server Development Tools, data selection and grouping, and variable manipulation. In the second module, students are introduced to Server Reporting Services (SSRS) and learn about charts, graphs, and parameters. The third module sees students delving into variables, data profiling, auditing, and error handling.

Throughout this phase, students engage in hands-on activities and work on project-based assignments.

2. Phase 2 – Career Accelerator Program

• Duration: 12+ weeks
• Cost: $12,000 up front or $15,000 on deferred payment

The second phase equips students with critical job search skills to boost their chances of making a successful career change. During this time, learners work closely with industry experts and mentors to prepare themselves for the job search. Students develop their portfolios, sit through mock interviews, and leverage the information shared within the Colaberry community. 

Data Science Program

Colaberry’s Data Science program covers both theoretical concepts and practical applications of data science. This course provides students with a thorough overview of the technologies utilized by data scientists in the industry. Students attend instructor-led sessions and use project-based assignments to reinforce their skills.

The Data Science program includes three modules, each lasting eight weeks and coming with on-campus and distance learning options. The format is the same as the Data Analytics course and also includes two phases.

1. Phase 1: Technical Training

• Duration: Three eight-week courses
• Cost: $1,500 per module or $4,000 for all modules

The technical training is divided into three sections. The first phase covers Python essentials and data handling for data scientists. The following section, Data Science 2, teaches students the foundations of machine learning (ML), including regression and classification models. The last part of the first phase is Data Science 3, where students study advanced math and stats for data science and gain knowledge on unsupervised learning models.

2. Phase 2 – Career Accelerator Program 

• Duration: 12+ weeks
• Cost: $12,000 up front or $15,000 on deferred payment

The career accelerator phase is the same for both Data Analytics and Data Science programs. Industry experts and mentors assist students as they prepare for their job applications. Students concentrate on putting together strong resumes, producing portfolios, and honing their communication skills.

When a student is nearing the end of a course in both programs, they must complete at least one project that provides them with equivalent experience to an internship or apprenticeship. All student projects are available on the Colaberry app. Fellow students, recruiters, and employers can see how the projects were built from scratch, including the data sets used and a step-by-step explanation of the process used.

These projects also become part of a graduate’s profile at Refactored AI Marketplace. Each profile contains the complete resume of each student, allowing graduates to showcase their experience, skills, and projects to potential employers. 

Also included is a video resume assessed by both a mentor and a proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) program. Before this resume is finalized, it goes under dozens of revisions, which also enhances the communication skills of the graduate.

Colaberry Payment and Financing Options

Colaberry offers a wide range of scholarships and payment plans to make it possible for interested learners to attend its life-changing courses. For the Data Analytics course, Colaberry offers full technical training scholarships to military members, veterans, and spouses of active-duty military. The bootcamp is also an active member of the Welcome.US community that welcomes and supports Afghan refugees into the US.

For the Data Science course, Colaberry offers a Technical Training Discount for their alumni. Students who complete a pre-assessment test prior to enrollment can take Data Science 1, Data Science 2, and Data Science 3 and pay $1,500 only for all three courses. Those who complete all required Data Science projects and earn the advanced Data Science digital badge for a $500 reimbursement. 

Colaberry is passionate about giving back to the community and offers several scholarship and financing options. For example, Afghan refugees can also apply to full data analytics training scholarships specifically for them. The scholarship is explained in detail during the Colaberry open house events. 

Become a Data Professional with Colaberry

Colaberry is a leader in the upskilling space and gives learners the technical and human skills they need to be job-ready in data science and data analytics. If this sounds right for you, get in touch with Colaberry today and learn how they can help you start a new and exciting tech career path.