The Data School
The Data School offers a hands-on pathway into Data Analytics, Business Intelligence and Consulting. Combining intensive training, individual challenges and experience on real client projects, the programme provides a strong foundation for a long-term career in the data industry.
Your Pathway into Data Analytics, Business Intelligence and Consulting
The Data School is a unique career entry programme within Business Intelligence and Data Analytics. As an initiative of The Information Lab, it combines intensive technical instruction, personal mentorship and client project experience in a framework that goes far beyond conventional training courses.
Your journey begins with four months of immersive technical training. During this phase, you master modern analytics tools, data modeling techniques and consulting methodologies, working with live datasets to prepare for your operational deployments as a BI Consultant.
Following the initial training, you deploy as a consultant on corporate client placements, helping organisations structure, analyse and visualise their data. The programme is structured as a 29-month permanent employment contract with a competitive salary from day one.
About The Data School
Beyond Traditional Technical Training
The Data School is a structured entry into consulting supported by a clear learning path, practical client delivery and long-term professional development.
You work in small, collaborative cohorts, obtain official vendor certifications and execute client projects. This is complemented by structured feedback, senior mentorship, teambuilding and collaboration with an international data community.
During the initial months, you build core technical competencies across data analysis, visual analytics, Business Intelligence, data preparation, executive reporting, dashboard engineering, and client presentation skills. Instruction centers on market-leading technologies, including Tableau, Alteryx, Microsoft Power BI and dbt.
You apply this knowledge directly within corporate client projects: cleaning datasets, building analytical pipelines, engineering executive dashboards, and presenting technical insights clearly to business stakeholders.
Candidate Profile: Who Should Apply?
The Data School is designed for individuals with strong problem-solving skills, analytical curiosity and the ability to explain complex concepts clearly. A specific academic background, prior corporate experience, or computer science degree is not required.
Our Data School Consultants originate from diverse academic and professional backgrounds—a diversity we view as a distinct strength. Crucial attributes include natural curiosity, structured problem-solving skills, strong communication and an interest in working with data and business stakeholders.
Professional fluency in both German and English (minimum B2 level in both languages) is required for client project delivery across the DACH region.
Programme Architecture
Your 29-Month Journey
- Initial Training Phase (Months 1–4)
Based at our Hamburg hub, you undergo four months of intensive instruction covering core analytical concepts, visual design frameworks and data manipulation tools. You work on practical projects, present findings weekly and sit official vendor certification exams. - Enterprise Placements (Months 5–29)
You execute multi-month placements within corporate client environments, applying your skills across diverse industry sectors and resolving real-world data challenges. - Back-to-School Weeks
Between client placements, cohorts gather at our Hamburg office for structured “Back-to-School” weeks. These dedicated sessions focus on peer feedback, knowledge exchange, advanced technical modules (such as dbt or cloud warehousing) and professional coaching.
4
Months
Training Phase
29
Months
Programme
3
-4
Enterprise
Placements
4
Weeks
Back-to-School
Preparing for Client Projects
At The Data School, you learn not only technical capabilities but also how to understand business requirements, present findings clearly, and engineer analytical solutions that drive value in daily operations. This encompasses consulting expertise, confident presentation skills, project management understanding, and the ability to explain data in clear, accessible terms. The initial onboarding phase specifically prepares you for subsequent corporate client placements.
Client Integration & Practical Value
The Data School maintains strong relationships with clients, deploying consultants on placements across major corporate groups and mid-market companies. Data School Consultants gain experience across logistics, retail, pharmaceuticals, finance and manufacturing.
Why Organisations Hire Data School Consultants
The Data School connects comprehensively trained data talents with real-world project experience. Enterprise organisations benefit from scalable, predictable capacity across Business Intelligence, visual analytics, and Data Engineering initiatives, while Data School consultants apply and refine their expertise directly within production client environments.
- Active Project Delivery: Consultants contribute directly to active BI, analytics and data engineering projects, delivering production-ready dashboards and automated pipelines.
- Senior Governance: Placements are supported by Senior Consultants, technical coaches and The Information Lab’s international network, guaranteeing technical quality and delivery oversight.
- Flexible Resource Scaling: Whether driving dashboard migrations, data preparation, pipeline automation, or scoping new analytics use cases, consultants provide scalable project support.
- Cross-Industry Experience: Rotating through placements exposes consultants to varied database architectures, software stacks and business requirements.
Mentorship, Coaching and Community Support
Throughout your time at The Data School, you receive structured professional and personal guidance. Experienced trainers, senior consultants and dedicated mentors provide regular feedback, answer technical questions and help you navigate client project environments.
Additionally, you benefit from knowledge-sharing across the global alumni network and community of The Information Lab.
Application Framework
Practical Evaluation
The application process for The Data School evaluates practical potential rather than traditional CV metrics. Alongside standard application documents, candidates build an original visual dashboard using free Tableau Public desktop software.
This practical task demonstrates how you approach raw data, formulate analytical questions and communicate visual insights effectively.
Career Pathways Post-Graduation
Upon completing the 29-month programme, you possess extensive experience spanning technical analytics, cloud tools, data modeling and consulting.
You will have mastered data preparation, advanced analytics, executive presentation and client advisory, establishing a resilient foundation for long-term career growth. Graduates transition into specialised roles across the technology sector:
Data Analyst
BI Consultant
Data Engineer
Tableau Developer
Analytics Consultant
E-Commerce Analyst
Analytics Solution Developer
Analytics Engineer
Data School Consultant Testimonials
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– Maria Maske | DSDE 8
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– Dominik Wieser | DSDE 7 -
From the beginning, The Data School demonstrated a genuine commitment to my development. I grew on both a technical and personal level and enjoyed working on diverse client projects. I particularly value the team culture, which fosters healthy collaboration.
– Johann Shin | DSDE 9 -
I truly value the focus on continuous professional development at TIL. The support has not only strengthened my technical skills, but also shows me that they are genuinely invested in my long-term success.
– Tawab Hussainy | DSDE 7
Insights
into Daily Life at The Data School
On our blog, Data School Consultants regularly share insights into their training, projects, and day-to-day life at The Data School. It offers a firsthand look at the topics covered within cohorts, how peer learning and feedback work in practice, and the real-world experience gained during client placements.
These posts help you get a better feel for the program and prepare your application. Exploring these examples, tips, and community stories is especially valuable when building your initial Tableau Public dashboard.
Ready to Start Your Career in Data?
The Data School offers a structured pathway into Data Analytics, BI Consulting, and data-driven project work. You will master modern technologies, work on real-world business challenges, and grow in an environment that combines technical depth, community support, and practical experience.
Romina Wiechern
Data School Engagement Specialist
Startseite- & Serviceskontakformular ENG
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need programming skills to apply for The Data School?
No. The Data School is designed explicitly for career changers from non-technical disciplines. You do not require prior experience in Python, SQL, or computer science architectures. What matters is logical curiosity, structured analytical thinking, and the motivation to present complex information visually. The core technical skills (such as Tableau, Alteryx, Power BI, and SQL) are taught thoroughly during the initial four-month training phase in Hamburg.
Is there a fixed application deadline for upcoming cohorts?
New cohorts commence multiple times per year. Because the application process, specifically creating your original Tableau Public dashboard, requires time, we recommend applying early. Exact start dates and submission windows for upcoming cohorts can be found on our application page.
What are the requirements for the initial Tableau Public dashboard application?
We evaluate how you approach data structurally. Your dashboard does not need to be technically complex. Download free Tableau Public Desktop software, select a dataset that interests you personally (avoiding standard tutorial data like “Superstore”) and construct visualisations that reveal clear insights from the data.
Is the initial training phase fully paid?
Yes. You receive a paid, full-time 29-month permanent employment contract with The Information Lab from day one. The initial four months consist of intensive, fully paid training at our Hamburg hub. This is followed by 25 months of corporate client placements and structured Back-to-School weeks.
Where do client placements take place?
Following the four-month training in Hamburg, you deploy on client placements across major organisations ranging from global logistics and retail groups to pharmaceutical firms. Many client engagements operate under remote or hybrid working models, though occasional travel to client offices across the DACH region forms part of IT consulting delivery.
What career options are available after completing the 29-month programme?
Upon graduation, you hold extensive practical experience and represent a highly sought-after professional in data analytics. Some graduates join the core consulting team at The Information Lab as Senior Data Analysts or BI Consultants. Others transition into internal specialist or leadership roles within corporate data departments across industry sectors.
