Many people think data professionals spend their days working with numbers. For Tiffany, however, the job is really about solving problems. One day, it might be a new system rollout. The next, a technical issue she has never encountered before.

Today, Tiffany works as a Business Analyst at a technology solutions company focused on AI and digital transformation. While she now independently handles system testing and contributes to automation projects, her transition into the industry was far from smooth.

“There were moments when I genuinely wondered whether I was cut out for this field.”

She recalls spending nearly a month trying to fix a persistent bug.

“At the time, I kept questioning myself and wondering if I really belonged in this industry.”

 

The First Signs Were Already There

A few years ago, Tiffany had no plans to work in data or technology. In her previous administrative role, she managed large volumes of contracts and case records. Rather than the workload itself, what frustrated her most were repetitive manual errors.

To improve the process, she began building simple automated workflows in Excel, reducing repetitive tasks and saving time. Looking back, she realised that her natural habit of breaking down problems and improving processes was already pointing her towards a career in technology.

 

Learning How to Learn

When asked what she gained most from the bootcamp, Tiffany points not to a specific technical skill, but to a way of thinking.

“Work rarely has one right answer. And knowing a tool doesn’t mean you can solve every problem.”

While many of her current responsibilities differ from what she learned in class, the problem-solving approach, logical thinking, and habit of actively seeking answers have stayed with her. These are the foundations of the Growth Mindset that the programme emphasises.

A turning point came through the Live Project, where Tiffany and her fellow learners partnered with the HKUST Sustainability/Net-Zero Office to tackle a real business challenge and present their recommendations.

“The Live Project gave me the greatest sense of achievement because I could apply what I had learned in a real-world setting, and have it recognised.”

The experience also became one of her strongest assets during job interviews. She discovered that employers were often more interested in how she approached problems, managed projects, and communicated ideas than the specific tools she had learned.

 

An Employer Who Saw Potential

Despite completing the programme and building practical experience, Tiffany faced multiple rejections during her job search. Some “entry-level” roles required years of experience, while others questioned whether someone without a traditional technology background could succeed. Then she met her current manager, King from KB Quest.

“Technical skills can be taught. What matters more is whether someone is willing to take the initiative when faced with an unfamiliar problem.” King shared. “What stood out to me about Tiffany was her problem-solving mindset.”

For Tiffany, the opportunity meant more than a job offer. It was someone choosing to believe in her potential.

King explained: “Tiffany wants to understand the root cause of a problem and find a solution. She is also highly self-aware and committed to learning. Independent thinking, self-awareness, and learning agility matter more than any specific tool.”

Reflecting on her journey, Tiffany believes both the programme and her employer played vital roles.

“The programme gave me the foundation, while my employer gave me the opportunity to put it into practice.”

 

When Someone Believes in You, Change Becomes Possible

Today, Tiffany sees data differently than when she first entered the field.

“Data analysis is only part of the process. What really matters is how the insights help organisations make better decisions.”

What continues to motivate her is the challenge of solving new problems. From improving workflows with Excel in her previous role to supporting system testing and automation projects today, the driving force has remained the same: finding better solutions. Looking back, Tiffany believes the most valuable thing she gained from her Generation journey was not a particular tool or technical skill.

Tools evolve. Job responsibilities change. But the ability to break down problems, seek answers, and keep learning continues to guide her career today.

Publish Date: 22 Oct 2026