Introduction

Back in 2022, I took a leap that would reshape my approach to software engineering: I enrolled in Le Wagon's Data Science Bootcamp in Montreal. As a senior software engineer with 7+ years of experience, I wasn't looking to switch careers, I wanted to expand my toolkit. Here's how those 9 intensive weeks transformed my perspective on building data-driven solutions.

Who I Am

I'm a senior software engineer passionate about crafting solutions that actually matter. Beyond writing code, I'm deeply involved in Haiti's tech community, where I work to foster growth and knowledge sharing. I believe technology should solve real problems, not just showcase clever algorithms.

Before Le Wagon

When I joined Le Wagon, I brought a diverse background to the table. I was already working as a senior engineer at Gaya, a US startup using AI to revolutionize insurance workflows, where I built backend systems and APIs that integrated with their AI assistant.

In 2020, I had also founded Syntax Studio, a digital agency where I serve as partner and tech lead. We focus on delivering reliable, user-centric solutions for startups and enterprises, real products for real people.

Why Data Science?

My fascination with data wasn't new, I'd earned an MS in Database Systems back in 2015. But the landscape had changed dramatically. Data science had evolved from a specialty to a necessity. Every industry was drowning in data but starving for insights. I saw how AI was transforming everything from healthcare to finance, and I knew that understanding these technologies at a deeper level would give me a competitive edge.

More importantly, I wanted to bridge the gap between traditional software engineering and modern data science. Too often, these disciplines operate in silos, but the magic happens when they converge.

Why Montreal?

Choosing Montreal wasn't random:

• Language advantage: Being fluent in both French and English, Montreal's bilingual environment was perfect. I could leverage both languages while learning complex concepts.
• Cultural immersion: I'd always wanted to explore Canada. Combining education with exploration meant making the most of my time abroad.
• Tech ecosystem: Montreal has a thriving AI scene, home to pioneers like Yoshua Bengio and organizations like Mila. The city breathes innovation.

The Bootcamp Experience

Le Wagon exceeded my high expectations in every way:

The Curriculum: The 9-week program was brilliantly structured. We didn't just learn tools, we learned to think like data scientists. From Python basics to deploying machine learning models, every module built on the last. The progression felt natural, never overwhelming despite the intensity.

The People: Our instructors weren't just teachers, they were practitioners who'd solved real problems with data. My cohort included professionals from finance, healthcare, and marketing, each bringing unique perspectives. This diversity enriched every discussion and project.

The Approach: Theory met practice daily. Morning lectures were followed by afternoon pair-programming sessions. We didn't just read about neural networks, we built them, broke them, and rebuilt them better.

What Struck Me Most

The curriculum's real-world focus was revelatory. We weren't learning data science in a vacuum, every project mirrored actual industry challenges:

• Predicting customer churn for a telecom company
• Building recommendation systems for e-commerce
• Analyzing climate data to predict energy consumption

The bootcamp taught me that data science isn't about complex algorithms, it's about asking the right questions and telling compelling stories with data.

Overcoming Language Barriers

My biggest concern was relearning mathematical concepts in English after studying them in French my entire life. Terms like "écart-type" suddenly became "standard deviation," and my brain needed rewiring.

I tackled this head-on:

• Created a personal glossary mapping French terms to English equivalents
• Practiced explaining concepts in both languages to solidify understanding
• Leveraged bilingual classmates for quick translations during lectures

This challenge became a strength, I can now communicate complex data concepts to diverse audiences, regardless of language preference.

Post-Bootcamp Journey

After graduating in December 2022, I stayed in Montreal for two months to network and explore opportunities. A local company extended a job offer, which was validating, but personal commitments drew me back to Haiti. The connections I made during that time continue to enrich my professional network.

Applying My Skills Today

Back at Gaya, my role evolved significantly. I'm no longer just building APIs, I'm:

• Designing data pipelines that handle millions of insurance documents
• Implementing ML models that detect fraud patterns
• Creating dashboards that translate complex analyses into actionable insights
• Bridging the gap between our data science and engineering teams

The bootcamp didn't just teach me new tools; it changed how I approach problems. I now see data opportunities everywhere and have the skills to capitalize on them.

Would I Recommend Le Wagon?

Absolutely, but with clarity about what you're signing up for:

It's intensive: This isn't a casual learning experience. For 9 weeks, data science becomes your life. You'll dream in Python and wake up thinking about gradient descent.

It's transformative: Whether you're pivoting careers or enhancing your current role, you'll emerge with a fundamentally different perspective on problem-solving.

It's community-driven: The Le Wagon network extends far beyond graduation. Alumni regularly share opportunities, collaborate on projects, and support each other's growth.

It's practical: You won't just learn theory, you'll build a portfolio of projects that demonstrate real skills to employers.

Final Thoughts

My Le Wagon journey proves that continuous learning isn't just valuable, it's essential in our rapidly evolving field. As AI reshapes every industry, understanding data science gives software engineers a crucial advantage.

The bootcamp taught me that the future belongs to those who can bridge disciplines. Pure software engineering is becoming obsolete; the engineers who thrive will be those who can build robust systems AND extract meaningful insights from data.

If you're considering Le Wagon or any intensive learning experience, my advice is simple: commit fully. The investment, in time, money, and energy, pays dividends when you approach it with genuine curiosity and dedication.

For those ready to expand their horizons and join the data revolution, Le Wagon offers more than education, it offers transformation.