[Learner’s Story] There’s No Perfect Start but the Right Opportunity: Jacky’s Journey into Data
With a background in psychology, Jacky had already explored data analysis and statistical modeling from his bachelor’s degree. Fascinated by how data reveals behavior patterns, he decided to deepen his skills through Generation Hong Kong’s Junior Data Engineer Program. After graduating, Jacky landed an internship at Green Ladies, a social enterprise in fashion retail—a field that seemed far from tech but offered the perfect chance to apply his new skills in real business scenarios. That internship turned into a job offer, proving his belief: Opportunity matters more than industry background.
Jacky had always been curious about the NGO sector and passionate about serving underprivileged communities. At Green Ladies, he saw how fashion retail relies heavily on data, seasonal trends, and quick business decisions. Their second-hand retail model felt innovative and different from traditional fashion. For Jacky, this wasn’t just an internship—it was a chance to test his abilities and gain hands-on experience. His focus was clear: analyze sales data, improve pricing strategies, and connect data insights with business decisions to pave the way for his future career.
“The skills I learned in bootcamp really paid off—they saved me so much time.”
Before Jacky joined, the team had no dedicated data role—pricing and analysis relied heavily on experience and manual work. He built processes from scratch and helped colleagues understand the value of data. His project involved three key steps: scraping market data, cleaning and integrating business databases, and designing a user-friendly interface for frontline staff. “The hardest part wasn’t coding—it was planning the entire workflow and turning raw data into actionable insights.” Jacky shared. For the first time, he saw the real power of what he learned in bootcamp: automating market data collection saved hours of manual work. Cleaning messy data and fixing brand name errors taught him the importance of precision. Finally, he created a simple tool where staff could input product details and instantly get a suggested price range.
Beyond technical skills: The challenge of connecting data with fashion retail
After building the database, Jacky realized the real challenge wasn’t coding—it was making data easy to use. “How do I help older colleagues access the information they need every day?” He learned that presenting data is about communication, not just spreadsheets. Jacky simplified reports into clear visuals and built an interface where staff could enter a brand and product condition to get suggested price ranges.
“Before the internship, I barely knew these brands. Now I understand their market positioning and how to turn complex steps into simple workflows that boost efficiency.” This journey helped Jacky grasp the core logic of fashion retail: pricing isn’t just about numbers—it’s the result of sales patterns and brand strategies. By introducing a technical perspective to a traditional industry, he helped Green Ladies shift from experience-based decisions to data-driven strategies, improving operational efficiency and competitiveness.
Jacky’s manager, Aries, praised his humility and eagerness to learn: “He listens carefully and keeps improving—qualities many young professionals overlook.”
In just a few months, Jacky strengthened his technical skills, understood user needs, and delivered practical solutions that reduced reliance on individual knowledge and eased workload for senior staff. His story proves that with the right mindset, any industry can become a new stage for growth.
Publish Date: 23 Dec 2025