We at The Data School New York are three days into our journey, and although the contract may be for 2 ½ years, I have a good feeling it will be over before we know it.

Early on in the application process I was excitedly working on my dashboard but nervous about committing to a long term contract. Understandably, this is a sentiment shared by many of us. It was only after talking with a lot of former and current data schoolers that I began to feel more comfortable, and ultimately submitted my application filled with hope.

Skeptical of the glowing reviews online and the lack of negative comments on websites like Glassdoor, I openly began to ask Data Schoolers about their experience during their meet and greet. Unlike some of my new colleagues, I was considering crossing the entire country for this opportunity, and it was extremely important that I understood the culture and the people I would be working with. One of the first things I noticed was how willing Data Schoolers and the core team were to answer my questions. They understood my fears and quickly made me feel as if I was part of the team by sharing their own histories. Unsurprisingly, many were also scared when they first started, fearful that they would not enjoy the experience or the culture. Surprisingly, not a single person told me they regretted the decision to join the team. In fact, most told me that if given the opportunity they would apply to The Data School again, repeating their four months of training and subsequent contracts. This was amazing to hear and played a critical role in my decision to commit to this team (which is why I think it is important that you hear this as well).

There is a level of openness in The Data School that makes it very easy to connect with many people and learn about their experiences. It made me feel incredibly comfortable to cross this country for this opportunity and now, as a Data Schooler myself, I have fallen even more in love with the culture. Unlike many other companies, especially those that provide high-level training in a modern industry space, you are not looked at as a dollar sign. The coaches and core team are invested in you as a person, and that will make the whole experience fly by in the blink of an eye. Good luck on your application and I am wishing you the best of luck.