Program Completion Leads to Advanced Strategic Role
California-born but raised in India, Shaina Qureshi made her first foray into the data analysis world in 2011: as an analyst at MMA (Marketing Management Analytics). It’s where she began to hone her skills in dashboard creation, business intelligence, Excel modeling, ETL (Extract, Transform, Load), and data modeling and quality.
After moving to the San Diego area, Shaina continued to elevate her data analysis skills: as a business analyst at Axos Bank and then as a senior analyst at LPL Financial, where she led data visualization efforts and hiring forecast modeling.
What draws her to working in data analysis? “I love the problem-solving aspect: how data can uncover patterns, optimize processes and influence strategic decisions,” she replies. “The ability to transform raw numbers into meaningful insights that drive real business impact is what keeps me engaged. My analytical work has helped improve hiring forecasts, operational efficiency and pricing strategies, and I find it incredibly rewarding to see data-driven recommendations translate into measurable outcomes.”
While pleased to see the fruits of her work have such an impact on the organization, Shaina began looking to dig deeper into her technical prowess—specifically, boosting on-the-job expertise in Python, data visualization and advanced analytics methodologies.
Her goals?
Gaining an enhanced confidence in applying data science techniques to real-world problems and becoming fully prepared to move into a more strategic and technical role—which our program successfully unlocked as Shaina is now working as a lead analyst at Green Dot Corporation.
A data-driven person, Shaina turned to researching top-tier data analytics learning opportunities that would complement her experience, found our program and started her educational journey.
You started the program while working at LPL Financial. How did you fit coursework into a busy life while working full time?
I chose this program because the pace of the courses and the curriculum was exactly what I was looking for. The program offered a structured yet flexible learning experience, allowing me to enhance my technical skills while balancing a full-time job.
The experience with my instructors and classmates was fantastic! The courses were well-structured with a balance of theory and hands-on projects using real-world datasets. I particularly appreciated how practical and applicable the curriculum was.
The instructors were highly experienced professionals who provided great insights into industry best practices. My fellow students came from diverse backgrounds, making discussions insightful. The collaborative learning environment helped reinforce key concepts.
While taking the courses, I experienced a personal loss with the passing of my mother. My instructor was incredibly understanding and supportive, allowing me to submit my assignment at a later date. That kindness and flexibility made a significant difference during a difficult time, and I truly appreciated the support from the program staff.
We’re so sorry to hear about your loss. I’m sure that significantly impacted your ability to focus on classwork.
I was taking all of the classes online, and the flexibility was a major help. My experience in the online classes was smooth and highly interactive. The recorded lectures, assignments and discussion forums made it easy to stay engaged, and I never felt disconnected from the learning process.
The courses were well-structured with a balance of theory and hands-on projects using real-world datasets. I particularly appreciated how practical and applicable the curriculum was.
I’m glad to hear that! During this time, you also moved into a more strategic lead analyst position at Green Dot Corporation.
When I started the program, I was working at LPL Financial as a senior analyst in data analytics. While taking these classes, I gained the desired confidence in my technical abilities, which empowered me to pursue new opportunities.
I transitioned to Green Dot Corporation as a lead analyst in the Program Management Office, where I focus on data-driven process improvements, building dashboards, writing Python queries, and collaborating with stakeholders to enhance data quality and efficiency.
That’s fantastic! How are you incorporating your enhanced technical skills in this role?
The program significantly strengthened my Python skills, which I applied to optimize data pipelines and improve reporting processes at both LPL Financial and Green Dot Corporation. The predictive analytics knowledge helped me refine my approach to forecast modeling and operational analytics, making my work more data-driven and impactful.
While taking these classes, I gained the desired confidence in my technical abilities, which empowered me to pursue new opportunities. I transitioned to Green Dot Corporation as a lead analyst in the Program Management Office.
What does earning this certificate mean to you?
On a personal level, earning the Award of Completion represents a turning point in my career: It gave me the confidence to transition to a more strategic and technical role at Green Dot Corporation.
On a professional level, it has reinforced my expertise in data analytics, visualization and automation, making me a stronger candidate for leadership roles in the future.
What advice would you give to a student who is starting the program?
Stay consistent: The coursework is structured, but keeping up with assignments regularly makes learning easier.
Engage actively: Ask questions, participate in discussions, and network with peers and instructors.
Don’t hesitate to seek help: The instructors and your classmates are valuable resources.
Where can we find you in five to 10 years from now?
In five years, I see myself leading high-impact analytics initiatives and mentoring aspiring data professionals.
In 10 years, I’d love to be at the forefront of AI-driven analytics and Machine Learning applications, driving strategic business decisions through data science. I also hope to give back to the analytics community.
