The real story behind Flexing Data
ECE degree. TCS support job. COVID lockdown. IIM Sambalpur. Flexing Data. Here's every step — unfiltered.
"I started with an ECE degree, no computer background, and a support job. If I could build a career in data and AI, so can you."
Hi, I'm Shashank. Let me be honest with you, I didn't start with any edge. My degree was in Electronics (ECE), not computer science. My first job at TCS was mostly support work: SQL, Linux, raising tickets, change management — the stuff service companies spend 80% of their time on. It paid the bills, but it wasn't the future I wanted.
During COVID, I decided to teach myself Python. As I learned, I started explaining things to others and people kept telling me I made hard things feel simple. That one piece of feedback changed everything. I realised I wasn't just learning; I loved teaching. And to teach well, you have to keep learning every single day.
That path took me to a guest lecture at IIM Sambalpur and I've been invited back every year since 2021. I even built this website the way I teach: research first, then ChatGPT, then Copilot, now Claude. I'm not a content creator chasing views. I'm a teacher who genuinely loves helping people like you get there faster than I did.
B.Tech in ECE — zero tech background
No computer science, no data. Just curiosity and stubbornness.
Support projects — SQL, Linux, tickets
The reality of service work. I learned the basics, but wanted more.
Taught myself Python — and started teaching
People said I explained things simply, so I kept going. It built my skills and confidence.
Master's in ML & AI · Data Analyst at EY · First IIM & Marwadi lectures
From EY to one lecture invite and then an annual invite. Teaching became my passion and purpose.
Founded Flexing Data · IIM Sambalpur 2024 & 2025 · 1,000+ learners
Annual guest lectures at IIM. Working as a Sr. Lead Business Analyst, and a community I mentor every day.
My mission: Make data careers accessible to everyone
With Flexing Data, I want to be the mentor I wish I had — guiding you with a proven roadmap, real projects, and my network until you land the job.
I did it from a non-CS background. You can too.
No fancy degree, no head start — just consistency and someone to guide me. Take the free 5-minute assessment and I'll send you a personalised roadmap.