"I highly recommend NOVA’s AI and Data Analytics program. NOVA provides the tools—you just have to use them. I’ve learned so much, and the opportunity to reach my current level has been incredible.”

Carol Lourdes Wickline, a recent graduate, is already reaping the benefits of her education. After earning an Associate Degree in Information Systems Technology in May, she further honed her expertise by completing the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Analytics Career Studies Certificate in September. Today, she works as an administrative coordinator at the Negative Population Group, applying her knowledge of information systems and data analytics to advance the nonprofit's mission.

Carol’s journey at NOVA began in 2013 when she enrolled in the Teacher Education Specialization and Business Administration programs, initially uncertain about her career path. Her interests shifted after taking a quantitative reasoning class, where she discovered how to use Excel to solve practical problems, and an introductory IT class that sparked her curiosity about programming.

Her turning point came in the Introduction to Digital and Informational Literacy and Computer Applicationsclass with Professor Ryan Ammons. Inspired by his teaching, Carol immersed herself in IT, selecting electives like Applied Data Science Techniques, Advanced Applied Data Science Techniques, and Machine Learning I.

“We completed a data analysis lifecycle in Python,” Carol recalls. “I needed patience and perseverance, but once I succeeded, I felt unstoppable. Seeing the final output—the product—was incredibly rewarding.”

Professor Ammons emphasized practical problem-solving and encouraged students to use their skills and resources effectively. “The hands-on experience was invaluable,” Carol says. “He taught us when to memorize code for offline scenarios and when to rely on tools like Google in an office setting.”

Now thriving in her role at the Negative Population Group, a nonprofit focused on reducing U.S. population growth through education and publications, Carol manages a mix of data-related tasks and IT support. She was hired after the organization discovered her profile on LinkedIn.

“The job description caught my eye—it said, ‘If it plugs, beeps, and makes noise, the job is for you,’” Carol says. The organization values her IT background, especially as they transition their database to the cloud. One of her biggest accomplishments so far has been assisting with this data migration.

Carol spends one to two days a week processing data—cleaning, analyzing, and transforming it into actionable reports. The rest of her time involves creating data visualizations, troubleshooting IT issues, and supporting various projects. “I love the creative aspect of data visualization,” she says.

NOVA prepared Carol in numerous ways, teaching her essential skills like time management, organization, and research. “At work, I use the same methods I learned at NOVA—like prioritizing tasks with a red-green system. Those strategies help us overcome challenges.”

Carol advises prospective students to take full advantage of NOVA’s resources. “Learn Python and Excel—even basic knowledge will take you far. Listen to your professors, earn certifications, visit the career center, network on LinkedIn, and connect with your classmates.”

Reflecting on her journey, Carol shares her perspective: “Data can be powerful when we turn it into information. It’s rewarding to be the person who ties it all together.”