From learning English to loving data

Samima Akter is a lively 27-year-old from Poplar, London. Her story is a whirlwind of languages, countries,
and a love for learning that’s taken her from Bangladesh to Italy, and finally to London.

Born in Bangladesh, Samima moved to Italy when she was 18 months old. She spent her childhood living between Bangladesh and Italy, soaking up both cultures and both languages. But, aged 19, she and her parents made the move to live in the UK, and that’s where her London adventure began.

Starting out, Samima knew she needed to get better at English. So, she enrolled in the ESOL programme at New City College (NCC London). She said: “I needed to communicate better, to really be part of the community.” But life had more in store for her than just mastering a new language.

Samima married and landed a job at Marks and Spencer. Her potential didn’t go unnoticed, and she was promoted to Team Leader. “I was responsible for tasks that needed digital skills, like managing inventory and handling returns to manufacturers,” she explains. It was her first real taste of how important digital know-how had become.

Then came the curveball no one expected: COVID-19. The economic shockwaves post pandemic eventually led to the closure of the Liverpool Street branch where she worked, and she was made redundant. With two young boys at home, Samima threw herself into family life. But something was missing.

“My husband could tell I was getting a bit bored,” she laughs. “He suggested I go back to college, do something for myself.” But it wasn’t just about her. Her dad is a self-employed taxi driver, he needed help with his business accounts and tax returns. “I realised I needed to brush up on my digital skills, because I really wanted to help him out,” she says.

So, back to New City College she went, signing up for the Gateway Qualifications Entry Level 3 Essential Digital Skills course. One course led to another, and before she knew it, over two years had flown by. Now, she’s diving deep into Level 3 Data Analysis. “I didn’t think I’d get this far,” She says, ” But once you start, you can’t stop. There’s always something new in IT, always something new to learn.”

College life also opened up a whole new social circle. “I’ve got a bag full of friends now,” Samima said, “People from all over the world – doctors, pharmacists… all of us learning together. It’s amazing.”

Her digital skills haven’t just impressed her college mates. At home, her eldest son thinks she’s a bit of a digital whizz. “He was so pleased when I helped him with his Chromebook,” she says. “I started volunteering at his school and completed the Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification. He tells his friends, ‘My mum knows everything!’ It’s the sweetest thing.”

Of course, it hasn’t all been easy. “Excel was a tough one,” she says. “All those formulas – it was like learning a new language again!” But the support from her tutors at NCC London made a huge difference. “They’re very helpful and supportive. They really want you to do well.”

Samima is passionate about the importance of digital skills today. “You just can’t get by without them,” she insists. “Whether you’re in retail, education, or just managing day-to-day life – everything’s online. The NHS, banking, even paying bills. Digital is everywhere.”

Her advice to anyone thinking about taking the plunge? “Make sure you’ve got basic English first – that really helps. Then just go for it. Enrol on that course. You’ll get through it and you’ll love it.”

As for what’s next, Samima isn’t entirely sure. “I’m really loving data analysis at the moment,” she says thoughtfully. “Who knows where it will lead? I’m just excited to keep learning and see where this journey takes me.”

Samima’s story is a tale of where curiosity and determination can take you. From helping her dad with his taxi business to wowing her son with her tech skills, she’s embraced every opportunity. And… this is just the beginning for her.