How Did I Land a Job as a Data Scientist at Top 500 Fortune Companies From Zero Coding Background?

The Journey of
Activating Both Sides of the Brain

MY STORY

My journey with the piano began long before I even understood the significance of music. I was only three years old, a tiny figure barely able to reach the keys, when I first sat down at the piano in my family's living room.

My parents had noticed my fascination with music early on—whenever there was a melody playing, I would stop whatever I was doing and listen, captivated by the sounds. They decided to nurture this interest by introducing me to the piano, and so began a lifelong love affair with music.

Education

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, ANN ARBOR
Master of Science in Data Science
Master of Music in Piano Performance
Master of Music in Chamber Music, Piano

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE
Bachelor of Music Performance in Piano (Honors)

The Early Years: Discovering a Passion

At first, playing the piano was simply fun. The keys felt magical under my small fingers, and every note I played was like a new discovery. My earliest memories are filled with the joy of creating sounds and the wonder of turning those sounds into simple melodies. My parents arranged for me to take lessons from a local piano teacher, and although I was so young, I took to the lessons with enthusiasm and determination.

As I grew older, the piano became more than just a source of fun—it became my passion. I spent hours each day practicing, perfecting my technique, and exploring different pieces of music. By the time I was six, I was playing more advanced compositions, and it became clear that music was not just a hobby for me; it was something much deeper. It was during these early years that I began to understand the power of music, not just as a form of entertainment but as a way to express emotions, tell stories, and connect with others.

Formal Education :
BUILDING A FOUNDATION

When I was ready to begin formal schooling, my parents enrolled me in a program that allowed me to balance my academic studies with my piano training. My days were filled with schoolwork and piano practice, and I loved every minute of it. I participated in local competitions and recitals, gaining experience and confidence with each performance. The more I played, the more I realized that I wanted to pursue music seriously, and I set my sights on attending a university where I could continue my studies.

After completing my high school education, I was accepted into the National University of Singapore, where I pursued a bachelor’s degree in music. Studying music at the university level was a dream come true. I was surrounded by talented musicians, all of whom shared my passion for music. My professors were not only accomplished musicians but also dedicated educators who pushed me to improve and grow as an artist. The rigorous training I received at the university helped me develop a strong foundation in music theory, history, and performance.

During my time at the University of Singapore, I also began to explore the idea of teaching. I started giving piano lessons to younger students and found that I enjoyed sharing my knowledge and helping others develop their musical abilities. Teaching allowed me to see music from a new perspective—it was not just about playing the notes correctly but about understanding the emotions behind the music and conveying those emotions to the listener.

Teaching Experience

COLLEGIATE TEACHING

Sheila has excelled as an educator, serving as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor from 2018 to 2020. In this role, she taught Individual Piano Lessons and Group Piano Classes for undergraduate music major and non-music major, collaborated with various instrumental and vocal studios, and coached chamber ensembles, demonstrating her versatility as an instructor.Additionally, Sheila was also the Collaborative Pianist for the UofM School of Music and the Musical Theatre Department from 2019 to 2020, collaborated with various strings instrumentalists, brass instrumentalists, and voice major students.

NON-COLLEGIATE TEACHING

Beyond her collegiate teaching roles, Sheila's commitment to music education shines through various engagements. Her expertise also extended internationally, as she conducted a Master Class Series titled "Inspired by the Young" at ID Camp Music School in Jakarta, Indonesia, in 2020. Her continuous dedication to nurturing musical talent is evident through her roles as a Piano Instructor at the Forte Musicademy Singapore from 2015 to 2018, and as both Piano Instructor & Early Childhood Music Educator in Staccato Music School Singapore from 2012 to 2015.

BIOGRAPHY

Sheila Victoria Pietono

Pianist, Data Scientist, and Educator

Originally from Indonesia, Sheila spent most of her life as a classical pianist and a lecturer. She completed her Master in Data Science from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor in 2021. This is her third graduate degree from the same university where she previously studied Master of Music in Piano Performance and Master of Music in Chamber Music.

Previously, she attended the National University of Singapore for a Bachelor in Piano Performance degree and built her music career in Singapore. As much as being passionate about classical music, she also cannot hold her curiosity on how data can be utilized to solve many interesting problems. Her creativity from musical arts combined with her strong analytical mind from data science knowledge lead to a well rounded, integrative thinking when it comes to problem solving.

While completing her last semester in MSc Data Science program, Sheila joined one of the Fortune 500 company in its US Headquarter Office as an Analytics & Insight Manager.Today, she is still working full time and continue to nurture young pianists in her piano studio in Austin TX.