Discovering a passion for data

Cora Saenz’s transition into tech is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of community. After deciding to change careers, Cora found her calling in data analytics, thanks to the She Codes program, which gave her the skills, confidence, and network to thrive in the tech industry.

“I was looking to transition into a new career, and She Codes provided the perfect opportunity to gain hands-on experience and build confidence in the tech industry,” Cora explains. 

The program brought together women from different backgrounds and age groups, all challenging themselves to learn something new. It was truly inspiring.

The highlight of Cora’s experience was the community of women she found through She Codes. The supportive, open, and motivated environment made learning even more rewarding.

“The biggest highlight for me was the incredible community. Everyone was so open to learning and motivated to be there,” she says. “It created such an inspiring and encouraging atmosphere, which made the experience even more memorable.”

After completing She Codes, Cora ventured into the tech industry, where she quickly discovered her love for data analytics. While the field is challenging, it’s exactly what excites her about the industry: the constant opportunity to learn and grow.

“My experience in tech is still challenging, but that’s what makes it exciting,” she shares. “I love working with data - I’ve truly found a passion for it. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn, so it never gets boring.”

Drawing on her previous experience, Cora brought valuable problem-solving skills and an analytical mindset to her role as a Data Analyst. In turn, she developed new technical skills, including ETL processes, data modeling, SQL, Power BI, DAX, and Power Query, which help her transform raw data into actionable insights. 

I developed the ability to think critically, pay attention to detail, and approach challenges methodically... These skills have been essential in my role, and they’ve helped me present data in a meaningful way that drives informed decisions.

For Cora, the most rewarding part of her role is the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing a report. She takes pride in knowing that her work helps organisations make data-driven decisions.

“The most rewarding part of my role is the feeling of accomplishment when a report is completed,” she says. “Every report comes with its challenges, and there’s always something new to learn. But when the final report is delivered and approved, it’s a great sense of achievement.”

As someone who has navigated the challenges of transitioning into a new industry, Cora offers valuable advice to others, especially women, looking to enter the tech field.

“Don’t give up,” she encourages. “It takes a lot of courage to step into a new industry and embrace the vulnerability that comes with learning something new. But every step forward is progress. Trust yourself, keep pushing through challenges, and always remember how far you’ve come. Surround yourself with a supportive community, stay curious, and keep learning - you belong in tech.”

Cora’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right support and mindset, anyone can succeed in the tech industry, regardless of their background.

Since 2017, Robert Walters Perth have sponsored She Codes to help empower and support women in pursuing careers in tech. Learn more about our partnership here.