Johnson Akintoye is a Nigerian-born Data Analyst specialising in commercial operations and applied artificial intelligence. After relocating to the United Kingdom to study Applied Artificial Intelligence at Teesside University, he now works with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, delivering business-driven insights through data. Beyond analytics, he is the founder of GrowthTribe, a community designed to empower immigrants through support, networking and shared opportunities.
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The Challenges That Johnson Faced Before His Breakthrough
Johnson’s journey didn’t begin in technology.
He originally studied Human Anatomy and wanted to become a medical doctor — a dream shaped by expectations from home. But after graduation, the job market in Nigeria was limited. Even though he finished with strong grades, opportunities were scarce. He found himself wanting a career that was:
🔹 financially rewarding
🔹 future-driven
🔹 globally relevant
Tech seemed promising, but there was a barrier — Johnson had zero coding background, struggled with mathematics, and didn’t believe a switch into data or AI was possible.
Meanwhile, he also carried the pressure many international students feel:
⚠ What if the move doesn’t work out?
⚠ What if I fail in a completely new field?
⚠ What if I can’t survive financially abroad?
Emotionally and financially, the risk was real.
The Turning Point That Shifted Johnson’s Life Direction
Everything shifted the day Johnson discovered something surprising online:
It is possible to switch from a non-tech background into a master’s degree in tech in the UK.
He sent an email to Teesside University asking if this was truly allowed — and received a reply that changed his life:
✔ If you have a first degree and you are committed, you can convert into Tech.
Johnson applied.
He was accepted.
And he received the Office for Students Scholarship — funded by the late Queen Elizabeth to support international students transitioning into technology.
That moment became the turning point.
He packed his bags and moved to the UK to build a new career from the ground up.
The Steps Johnson Took to Change His Life and Career
Johnson’s transformation didn’t happen overnight — it was built through strategy, sacrifice and discipline.
🔹 Academic Stage — Becoming a Tech Professional
- Arrived during COVID-19 lockdown
- Learned coding from scratch
- Fought through the fear of mathematics
- Studied Machine Learning, Python, Java and Business Intelligence
- Graduated with distinction and as one of the best students in his cohort
Because of his performance, he secured a Student Assistantship as a Data Analyst — his first UK experience.
🔹 Work Experience Stage — Building a Portfolio
Johnson knew that real experience mattered for employers. So he:
- Worked as a data volunteer
- Joined a Middlesbrough startup (CBI) to apply Power BI practically
- Took unpaid roles to build corporate exposure
These experiences became the foundation of his analytics portfolio.
🔹 Survival Stage — Funding Life in the UK
Despite the scholarship, staying financially stable required grit. Johnson worked:
- Care jobs
- Cleaning shifts
- Agency jobs
Early mornings, snow, fatigue — but he never let the hardship drag him away from the long-term goal.
🔹 Breakthrough Stage — Entering the Corporate World
Johnson applied to the 10,000 Black Interns programme — a career-accelerating initiative for minority talents. After multiple interviews, he secured an internship at:
🏢 Marks & Spencer — Technology Team (Product Analytics)
This became his first corporate experience. It wasn’t easy — intense workload, pressure, culture shock and self-doubt — but he grew through it.
Shortly after completing the internship, he received a full-time role at:
🥤 Coca-Cola Europacific Partners — Data Analyst
Today he plays a key role in using data to drive growth, optimise commercial operations and support sales strategies for one of the biggest companies in the world.
How Johnson’s Career Transformed After His Efforts
Johnson’s career is no longer defined by uncertainty — it is defined by excellence.
✔ Career Transformation
From Human Anatomy → Data Analytics → Applied AI → Corporate Tech
He achieved:
- Scholarship to Teesside University
- Internship at Marks & Spencer
- Data Analyst role at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
- Currently studying toward an MBA
✔ Personal Transformation
From doubting whether he could switch careers
→ to becoming an advocate for skills-transition and growth
From working survival jobs
→ to supporting others in their career journey
✔ Community Impact
Johnson founded GrowthTribe — a supportive community helping immigrants:
- navigate opportunities
- share resources
- connect with like-minded people
- grow through collaboration instead of isolation
Because success grows faster in community.
What Proves Johnson’s Success Today
Johnson’s success is backed by:
🔹 Distinction in MSc Applied AI
🔹 Office for Students Scholarship
🔹 Student Research Assistantship in Data
🔹 Corporate internship at Marks & Spencer
🔹 Data Analyst at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
🔹 Founder of GrowthTribe community
🔹 Currently pursuing an MBA
His story isn’t motivation — it’s evidence that growth is possible, even from zero.
What We Can All Learn From Johnson’s Story
Johnson’s success teaches one powerful lesson:
Skill can take you far — but community will take you further.
Build your circle.
Find like-minded people.
Surround yourself with those who see more in you than you see in yourself.
Because every breakthrough starts with someone who believes in you.
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About The Author
