Changing careers can be scary. Changing countries and careers? Even scarier.
But for Adilya Zaripova (or “Adi”), a journalist-turned-data-analyst living in Germany, taking a leap of faith was the best decision she ever made — and it didn’t cost her a cent. Thanks to the Bildungsgutschein, Germany’s education voucher for professional retraining, Adi was able to reskill with CareerFoundry and land not one, but two exciting roles in tech.
Whether you’re stuck in a dead-end job, exploring new fields, or wondering how to fund a career change in Germany, Adi’s story offers both inspiration and practical steps to get started.
From Storytelling to Spreadsheets: Adi’s First Career
Adi began her career in journalism in Russia. After moving to Germany, she transitioned into content creation and social media — creative roles that leaned on her storytelling skills but left her feeling boxed in.
“I felt like I had hit a ceiling,” she shared in a CareerFoundry webinar. “And as a non-native German speaker, my job options in media were limited.”
The turning point came when her company started making layoffs. Instead of scrambling to find another similar role, Adi saw it as an opportunity to pivot into something completely new.
“I had always admired data journalism,” she said. “I loved how numbers could tell stories. I just didn’t know how to start.”
Discovering the Bildungsgutschein: “It Felt Too Good to Be True”
While researching data analytics courses, Adi came across CareerFoundry’s fully remote bootcamp — and more importantly, found out that it could be 100% funded through the Bildungsgutschein (a government-issued training voucher from the German Jobcenter or Agentur für Arbeit).
“At first, I didn’t believe it,” she admitted. “How could a government program cover the cost of an entire tech bootcamp?”
But after speaking with a CareerFoundry program advisor, Adi learned that the process was straightforward — if you were prepared.
To get the voucher, she had to prove to the Jobcenter that her chosen training would increase her chances of re-employment. This meant creating a full presentation: job listings in data analytics, her CV, a career motivation letter, and a study plan from CareerFoundry — all in German.
Her hard work paid off: “I walked into that meeting nervous, but confident. And I walked out with my Bildungsgutschein.”
What It’s Like to Learn Data Analytics from Scratch
Adi enrolled in CareerFoundry’s five-month, full-time Data Analytics Program, designed for beginners. Although she had no prior experience with coding or statistics, she quickly found her footing.
“The course is structured in a way that makes sense,” she said. “Each task builds on the last. You go from zero to understanding real-world tools and techniques.”
Topics covered in the course included:
Excel and spreadsheets
SQL and databases
Python for data analysis
Data cleaning and preprocessing
Data visualization with Tableau and Python
Real-world projects to build a portfolio
Adi particularly enjoyed learning about data visualization — transforming raw data into compelling visual stories. She became “obsessed” with dashboards, even outside the curriculum.
The Job Hunt: 100 Applications, 1 First Role
Adi didn’t wait until graduation to start job hunting. “I started applying after the first few months of the course. I didn’t feel ready — but I knew I had to try.”
She sent out nearly 100 applications, many of which were rejections. But with each one, her confidence grew.
“I even applied for German-speaking roles — something I never thought I could do.”
Her persistence paid off. She landed her first tech role as a Junior Strategist at a communication agency. While not a pure analytics job, it let her blend her new skills with her content background.
After a few months, she transitioned into a Data Analyst role at a tech company — a job that let her work hands-on with real data, code in Python, and use tools like Qlik (similar to Tableau).
A Typical Day in Adi’s Life as a Data Analyst
What does Adi’s new career look like?
SQL: querying databases to extract insights
Python: cleaning and analyzing datasets
BI tools: building dashboards and visual reports
Stakeholder collaboration: communicating findings clearly
Problem-solving: answering real business questions with data
“No two days are the same,” she says. “There’s always a new project, a new dataset, a new challenge. It’s never boring.”
She has already received a promotion, and her learning hasn’t stopped: “I’m still taking courses on the side. There’s always more to learn in this field.”
Adi’s Top Tips for Aspiring Career Changers
Whether you’re eyeing data analytics, UX design, or web development, Adi’s advice applies across the board:
1. Take the Bildungsgutschein seriously
Prepare a clear argument for why the training will help your employability. Use job listings, write your motivation, and show initiative.
2. Start before you feel ready
Apply for jobs even while you’re learning. Real-world job descriptions will help you understand what employers want.
3. Leverage your background
Even if you’re new to tech, your past experience still matters. Adi used her storytelling and communication skills to stand out.
4. Use all your resources
Ask your mentor and tutor questions, join online communities, and use supplemental platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Udemy.
5. Stay resilient
Rejection is part of the process. “If I can do it — with no coding experience and German as a second language — anyone can,” Adi says.
🔎 FAQs: Breaking into Data Analytics with a Bildungsgutschein
1. What is the Bildungsgutschein?
The Bildungsgutschein (or “education voucher”) is a government-funded retraining program in Germany. It covers the full cost of certified courses that improve your job prospects — including online tech bootcamps like CareerFoundry’s Data Analytics Program.
2. Who is eligible for the Bildungsgutschein?
You may be eligible if you’re:
- Unemployed or at risk of unemployment
- Registered with the Jobcenter or Agentur für Arbeit
- Living in Germany with a valid residence permit
Eligibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by your employment advisor.
3. How do I apply for a Bildungsgutschein?
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Contact your local Jobcenter or Arbeitsagentur
- Prepare a motivation letter and a plan showing how the training supports your career goals
- Present job listings in your desired field and a study plan from your chosen course provider (e.g. CareerFoundry)
You’ll have a formal appointment to make your case.
4. Can I apply if I’m not fluent in German?
Yes! While some communication with the Jobcenter may need to happen in German, many successful applicants — like Adi — had German as a second language. You can bring a translator, or ask your provider (e.g. CareerFoundry) for support materials in German.
5. Do I need a background in tech to study data analytics?
No prior experience is required. CareerFoundry’s Data Analytics Program is beginner-friendly and designed for career changers. You’ll learn everything from the basics (Excel, SQL, Python) to building data dashboards and storytelling with data.
6. How long is the CareerFoundry Data Analytics course?
The full-time program takes 5 months, and the part-time option takes 8–10 months, depending on your pace. Both are eligible for funding with a Bildungsgutschein.
7. Will I get a job after the course?
While no course can guarantee employment, CareerFoundry offers strong career support — including career coaching, portfolio reviews, and job prep. Many graduates land roles within 3–6 months after completing the program.
8. Is CareerFoundry officially approved for the Bildungsgutschein?
Yes, CareerFoundry is certified by Germany’s AZAV system and listed with the Arbeitsagentur, making its full-time courses eligible for funding via the Bildungsgutschein.
Final Thoughts: Is Data Analytics Right for You?
Adi’s story is proof that you don’t need a technical background — or a huge budget — to break into tech. With the right support, a growth mindset, and funding through the Bildungsgutschein, an exciting new career is within reach.
If you’re living in Germany and want to make a change, this could be your sign.
💡 Want to follow in Adi’s footsteps?
Explore CareerFoundry’s Data Analytics Program
Need help applying for a Bildungsgutschein?
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