From Classroom to Codebase: One Mom’s Tech Transformation

Switching careers is not easy, but leaping from teaching English to becoming a Data Scientist—while raising four children—is a story worth telling.

Meet Napsugár Kelemen, Qubiz Data Scientist who completely reprogrammed her future. From solving grammar puzzles to cracking complex machine learning challenges, her journey is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the power of lifelong learning.

In this interview, she shares how she navigated the transition, her lessons from motherhood and teaching into data science, and why she believes now is the perfect time for switching to a tech career.

What motivated you to go from teaching to Data Science?

I've always been passionate about mathematics and technology, but I've also profoundly appreciated literature and teaching.

It wasn't an easy decision at first, but due to the circumstances when I started my career, I dedicated myself to teaching. I enjoyed being around children and often helped my students with their Math homework out of passion for this subject.

Eventually, I realized how much I missed solving those kinds of problems. Then, with the pandemic, my interest in technology and innovation reignited. Completing a 6-month programming course was scratching the surface. I knew I wanted more.

The pandemic allowed me to enroll in a BSc in Computer Science online at the Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania in Târgu Mureș, where my family and I lived at the time.

If the first year hadn't been available remotely and I hadn't received a scholarship, I never would have imagined returning to university studies.

What were some of the biggest obstacles in balancing motherhood and your studies?

By the time I had the opportunity to begin my Computer Science studies, I was already a mother of four (ages 3 to 13) and had been working full-time as an English teacher for a few years.

The most demanding period was when I had to teach online and attend remote university courses and workshops simultaneously. My schedule was hectic, and sometimes, all I could do was listen to the online lectures, which started at 6 p.m., while lying on the floor.

Luckily, some teachers did not require us to turn on the camera! I had a lot of homework and projects, which I had been doing at night. I couldn't have done it if it hadn't been my passion. My husband and children were incredibly understanding and supportive. They saw the spark in my eyes, knowing I was doing something I truly enjoyed.

The children just accepted that Mommy had homework, too. Their patience and encouragement are among God's many blessings, reminding me that I wasn't walking this path alone. After the first two years, I gave up my teaching job and focused on my studies.

Can you share a memorable moment or lesson from your Data Science internship last year?

I liked how the program was structured. After the initial training phase, we were assigned a machine learning project to complete from start to finish. At the end, we had to present our findings and the key steps we followed throughout the process.

The presentation was a memorable experience—about 13 people attended, a few of whom I didn't know, and I had butterflies in my stomach! But that moment made me realize how seriously I had taken the project. Even though it was only a simulation of a real-world scenario, giving it my all turned out to be a good thing.

How does your background in teaching and being a mom influence your work as a Data Scientist?

Being a mom and a teacher has taught me how to make decisions that count, whether it's for my kids or my students. That mindset carries over into data science, where every analysis needs to lead to something practical or valuable for the business.

Time management and efficiency are also critical. When you're managing kids, there's no time to waste. You learn to solve problems quickly, make decisions that matter, and focus on what's important. I try to bring that same energy to my work—prioritising tasks, finding smart solutions, or ensuring the insights I gather make a difference.

With the rise of AI, is this a good moment to switch to a tech career?

This field holds significant potential. If someone is interested in technology and has a solid background in Maths or computer science, they're already on a great foundation. It also requires a lot of energy and a never-ending curiosity. To make the transition, I'd suggest developing key skills in high demand—like programming, data analysis, and understanding how AI and automation work and what value they could bring to the business.

How would you describe your first year at Qubiz?

First and foremost, I'm fortunate to work with such great colleagues! They've been supportive, welcoming, and essential to my growth.

Their encouragement has meant a lot, and I'm humbled by the trust they've shown me—getting to be part of daily client discussions from my third day on the job! Of course, being involved in a project from the start gave me many opportunities to learn from them.

On the other hand, the more I learn, the more I realise just how vast the field of Data Science is. I've committed myself to lifelong learning,

and now I'm trying to figure out which direction to pursue within the field. It's not an easy decision.

What passions or side projects do you pursue outside of Data Science?

I am lucky to say that my job is one of my hobbies, and I genuinely hope it will stay that way. I haven't completely given up teaching. I'm still an active Sunday School teacher on weekends. Additionally, every Summer, I go hiking with my family and friends and disconnect from the world entirely for about ten days.