#data analyst interview questions and answers

[juliebowie]

Master Your Next Python Interview: Top Questions and Answers to Know

Summary: Feeling anxious about your Python interview? Fear not! This comprehensive guide equips you with the top questions and answers across various difficulty levels. Master basic syntax, delve into data structures and algorithms, explore popular libraries, and prepare for behavioural inquiries. With this knowledge, you'll be ready to shine and conquer your Python interview!

Introduction

Congratulations! You've landed a Python interview. This coveted spot signifies your programming prowess, but the real test is yet to come. To ensure you shine and land the job, preparation is key.

This comprehensive guide dives into the top Python interview questions across various difficulty levels, explores data structures, libraries, and even delves into behavioural aspects. With this knowledge in your arsenal, you'll be well on your way to conquering your next Python interview.

Python, an elegant and versatile language, has become a cornerstone of modern programming. Its popularity extends to countless fields, including web development, data science, machine learning, and automation. As a result, the demand for skilled Python developers is surging.

This guide equips you with the knowledge and understanding to excel in your Python interview. We'll dissect various question categories, ranging from basic syntax to advanced data structures and algorithms. Additionally, we'll touch upon behavioural questions that assess your problem-solving approach and teamwork abilities.

By familiarising yourself with these questions and their potential answers, you'll gain the confidence and clarity needed to impress your interviewer and land your dream Python job.

Understanding the Interview Process

Python interviews typically involve a multi-stage process. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:

Initial Screening: This could be a phone call or a short online assessment to gauge your general Python knowledge and experience.

Technical Interview: This in-depth interview delves deeper into your Python skills. Expect questions on syntax, data structures, algorithms, and problem-solving abilities.

Coding Challenge: You might be presented with a coding problem to assess your practical Python skills and problem-solving approach.

Behavioural Interview: This assesses your soft skills, teamwork capabilities, and how you handle pressure.

Remember, the interview is a two-way street. It's your chance to learn about the company culture, the role's responsibilities, and whether it aligns with your career goals. Don't hesitate to ask insightful questions about the team, projects, and opportunities for growth.

Basic Python Interview Questions and Answers

We're diving into the interview arena! First stop: basic Python. Brush up on your core concepts like data types, loops, functions, and more. We'll explore common interview questions and guide you towards clear, confident answers to impress the interviewer and land the Python job you deserve.

Q1. What Are the Different Data Types in Python?

Python offers various data types, including integers (int), floats (float), strings (str), booleans (bool), lists (list), tuples (tuple), dictionaries (dict), and sets (set).

Q2. Explain The Difference Between Lists and Tuples.

Lists are mutable, meaning their contents can be changed after creation. Tuples are immutable, meaning their elements cannot be modified once defined.

Q3. How Do You Define a Function in Python?

You can define a function using the def keyword, followed by the function name, parameters (if any), and a colon. The function body is indented after the colon.

Q4. What Is a Loop in Python? Explain Two Types.

A loop is a control flow statement that allows you to execute a block of code repeatedly. Two common loop types are:

for loop: Iterates over a sequence (list, tuple, string)

while loop: Executes code as long as a condition is true.

Q5. How Do You Handle Exceptions in Python?

Python's try-except block allows you to gracefully handle errors (exceptions) that might occur during program execution.

Intermediate Python Interview Questions and Answers

Level up your Python interview prep! This section dives into intermediate-level questions commonly asked by interviewers. We'll explore data structures, algorithms, object-oriented programming concepts, and more. Equip yourself to showcase your problem-solving skills and land that dream Python job.

Q1. Explain The Concept of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) in Python.

OOP allows you to create classes, which act as blueprints for objects. Objects have attributes (data) and methods (functions) that operate on the data.

Q2. What Are Decorators in Python, And How Are They Used?

Decorators are a design pattern that allows you to modify the behaviour of functions or classes without altering their original code.

Q3. How Do You Work with Files in Python (Reading and Writing)?

Python provides built-in functions like open(), read(), and write() to open, read from, and write to files.

Q4. Explain The Concept of Iterators and Generators in Python.

Iterators provide a way to access elements of a collection one at a time. Generators are a special type of iterator that generates elements lazily, saving memory.

Q5. What is the Global Interpreter Lock (Gil) In Python, and How Does it Affect Multithreading?

The GIL limits Python to running only one thread at a time in the CPU. This can affect multithreading performance, as threads need to wait for the GIL to be released.

Advanced Python Interview Questions and Answers

Level up your Python interview prep! Dive into the advanced section, where we tackle intricate concepts like time and space complexity, explore design patterns, and delve into unit testing. Sharpen your skills on advanced topics to impress interviewers and showcase your mastery of Python's true power.

Q1. Explain the Difference Between Time Complexity and Space Complexity in Algorithms.

Time complexity measures the execution time of an algorithm based on input size. Space complexity measures the memory usage of an algorithm as the input size grows.

Q2. What Is a Lambda Function in Python, And How Is It Used?

Lambda functions are anonymous functions defined using the lambda keyword. They are useful for short, one-line functions.

Q3. Explain How Context Managers Are Used in Python with The with Statement.

Context managers allow you to handle resources like files or network connections efficiently. The with statement ensures proper resource cleanup even if exceptions occur.

Q4. Describe Common Design Patterns Used in Python Object-Oriented Programming.

Some common design patterns include:

Singleton: Ensures only one instance of a class exists.

Factory Method: Creates objects without specifying the exact class.

Observer Pattern: Allows objects to subscribe to changes in other objects.

Q5. How Can You Unit Test Your Python Code?

Python offers frameworks like unittest and pytest to write unit tests that verify the functionality of individual code units.

Python Data Structures and Algorithms Questions

Now that you've grasped the fundamentals, let's dive deeper! This section tackles Python Data Structures and Algorithms, a core aspect of Python interviews. We'll explore questions on arrays, linked lists, sorting algorithms, and more. Get ready to strengthen your problem-solving skills and impress your interviewer!

Q1. Explain The Difference Between a Linked List and An Array.

Arrays are indexed collections with random access. Linked lists are linear data structures where each element points to the next. Arrays offer faster random access, while linked lists are more efficient for insertions and deletions.

Q2. How Would You Implement a Binary Search Algorithm in Python?

Binary search is a search algorithm that repeatedly divides the search space in half until the target element is found. You can implement it using recursion or a loop.

Q3. Explain The Concept of Hashing and How It's Used in Hash Tables.

Hashing is a technique for converting a key into a unique index (hash value) for faster retrieval in a hash table. Hash tables are efficient for lookups based on keys.

Q4. Describe The Time and Space Complexity of Sorting Algorithms Like Bubble Sort, Insertion Sort, And Merge Sort.

Be prepared to discuss the efficiency (time and space complexity) of various sorting algorithms like bubble sort (O(n^2) time), insertion sort (O(n^2) worst-case time, O(n) best-case time), and merge sort (O(n log n) time, O(n) space).

Q5. How Would You Approach the Problem of Finding The Shortest Path In A Graph?

Algorithms like Dijkstra's algorithm can be used to find the shortest path between two nodes in a weighted graph. Be prepared to explain the concept and its applications.

Python Libraries and Frameworks Questions

This section dives into interview questions that explore your knowledge of popular tools like NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, Django, and more. Get ready to showcase your expertise in data manipulation, visualisation, and web development using Python's rich ecosystem.

Q1. Explain The Purpose of The Numpy Library and How It's Used for Numerical Computations.

NumPy provides powerful arrays and mathematical functions for efficient numerical computations.

Q2. Describe The Functionalities of The Pandas Library for Data Analysis.

Pandas offers high-performance data structures like DataFrames and Series for data manipulation, analysis, and cleaning.

Q3. How Would You Use Matplotlib or Seaborn to Create Data Visualizations in Python?

Matplotlib is a fundamental library for creating static, customizable visualizations. Seaborn, built on top of Matplotlib, provides a high-level interface for creating statistical graphics.

Q4. Explain The Concept of Web Frameworks Like Django or Flask in Python.

Django and Flask are popular web frameworks that simplify web development tasks like routing, database interaction, and templating.

Q5. Have You Used Any Machine Learning Libraries Like Scikit-Learn? Briefly Describe Their Functionalities.

Scikit-learn provides a comprehensive suite of tools and algorithms for machine learning tasks like classification, regression, and clustering.

Behavioural and Situational Questions

Beyond technical skills, interviews assess your approach to challenges and how you fit within a team. Dive into behavioural and situational questions to understand how to showcase your problem-solving, communication, and teamwork capabilities, leaving a lasting impression on your interviewer.

1. Describe a time you faced a challenging coding problem. How did you approach it?

Example Answer: "During a previous internship, I encountered an unexpected error in my code that prevented a key function from working. I started by isolating the problematic section using print statements and debugging tools. Then, I researched similar errors online and consulted with a senior developer on my team. Together, we identified the issue and implemented a fix that resolved the problem and ensured the code functioned as intended."

2. How do you handle working on a project with tight deadlines?

Example Answer: "I prioritise effectively by breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps. I utilise project management tools to track progress and deadlines. Additionally, I communicate openly with my team members to ensure everyone is aware of their deliverables and any potential roadblocks. This allows for proactive problem-solving and course correction if needed to meet the deadline."

3. Explain how you would approach debugging a complex error in your code.

Example Answer "My debugging strategy involves a systematic approach. First, I carefully analyse the error message to understand its nature. Then, I utilise print statements and a debugger to isolate the problematic section of code. I review the surrounding lines for logic errors or syntax mistakes. Additionally, I leverage online resources and consult with colleagues for alternative solutions. This collaborative approach helps me identify and fix the error efficiently."

4. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in Python and its ecosystem?

Example Answer "I'm passionate about continuous learning. I actively follow Python blogs and documentation to stay informed about new libraries and frameworks.

Additionally, I participate in online communities and forums where developers discuss best practices and share solutions. I also consider contributing to open-source projects to gain practical experience with the latest advancements."

5. Do you have any questions for us? (This is a question you ask the interviewer)

Always have prepared questions! This demonstrates your interest in the company, role, and team culture. Ask about specific projects, challenges you'd be tackling, opportunities for growth within the position, and the team structure. 

Conclusion

By familiarising yourself with these diverse question types and practising your responses, you'll be well-equipped to navigate your Python interview with confidence. Remember, showcasing not only your technical knowledge but also your problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and eagerness to learn will set you apart from other candidates.

Bonus Tip: During the interview, don't be afraid to ask clarifying questions if something is unclear. This demonstrates your attentiveness and desire to fully understand the task or problem at hand.

With dedication and preparation, you'll be ready to land your dream Python developer role and embark on a rewarding career in this dynamic field!

[watchmegetobsessed]

UNDONE I.

A/N: i've started like 3 wips these past weeks but finally finished one! so here is some boss!harry for you, let me know if you want more of it, bc i feel like i could def add to this story!

WORD COUNT: 8.1k

WARNING: sexual content

SUMMARY: Harry is obsessed with Y/N. The only problem is that he is her boss, so he keeps this obsession to himself. But everything changes after one drunken night.

MASTERLIST | SUPPORT ME!

Harry has a love-hate relationship with the glass-walled meeting rooms in the office. Aesthetically they are bringing that well-known, usual vibe of every corporate office, nothing new, nothing unusual. Often, he is irritated that people tend to peek inside as they walk past towards the coffee machine or the restroom. He knows it’s second nature, they don’t necessarily try to intrude, but it tends to frustrate him when he is in the middle of a meeting and a random guy is just staring him down from outside. He tried to get the glass covered, but HR declined, they said something about transparency that just pissed Harry off even more, then he just gave up.

But lately, there’s been an advantage of those see-through dividers, because if people from outside can see in, that means Harry can see everything and everyone outside.

Like right now, as he is sitting by the oval table, laptop in front of him while the lawyers are talking about all the legal documents that are needed for their next deal, it’s an important step and Harry is usually great at focusing on what matters, but today his attention is somewhere else.

Outside of the meeting room, right by Y/N’s desk. 

She is the latest addition in the department, a talented analyst who joined a little over three months ago. Harry knows she is great, because he was there at her interview. He is usually not one to attend interviews, but the hiring manager got sick and they needed someone from management to be there as well and Harry had a spare hour he wanted to use to get a little ahead on that tender he’d been working on, but that got thrown right out the window. 

It was the last thing he wanted to do, listen to some random analyst who probably never even saw a DWH system, they always think they are qualified to deal with anything, but then they see just how much data they need to work with and then freak out. Harry was convinced it would happen that time too, but he was wrong.

Y/N walked in there, seemingly nervous, fidgeting with the hem of her cardigan, looking like a frightened little rabbit, so innocent, so sweet, something surprising happened. 

Harry was in awe. 

He found himself being drawn towards her, interested in how she’d perform at the interview. He kept a straight face as the recruiter beside him asked her some basic questions and then he took over for the professional part. 

He gave her his hardest questions, things even seniors might not know, he quizzed her about topics that are way too specific to work around and… she excelled. She couldn’t answer every question, but she worked up a logic she would use to at least try to tackle the matter and Harry knew she would succeed if she had the right materials. 

She blew his mind away. Once she left, he turned to the recruiter and said:

“I want her. Get her to start next week.”

And she did. Next monday, she was holding her onboarding package, eyes bright as she got seated at her desk, ready to start working. 

Now she is sitting at the same spot, wearing her blue light glasses, her eyebrows slightly furrowed behind them as she is working on something on her computer. She is wearing a long sundress today with a yellow cardigan to cover her shoulders. Harry has noted her colorful outfits every morning when she strolled into the office, brightening the otherwise dull atmosphere. It’s a whole floor full of developers, analysts and other IT professionals, they are not known for their exquisite fashion taste, but Y/N is different. Her wardrobe is full of colors and pieces others wouldn’t consider as business casual, but somehow she always makes it work. 

She is the kind of person that has a nice word for everyone, she often brings coffee to Linda, whose desk is across from hers and they usually have lunch together, Harry has noted. She is always happy to help others, she is great at seeing problems differently and quick to come up with solutions. She is definitely a favorite among her colleagues.

Unlike Harry.

Not that he wants to be liked, he is head of IT, he needs to lead, keep everything under control and make hard decisions. He is not stupid, Harry knows most people in the department fear him, he is not known for being friendly and chatty. He usually has so much work he doesn’t have time left to get a coffee with anyone, not that he would have anyone to invite. He is the gruff boss who is always busy and people try not to cross paths with. 

He doesn’t mind it. He likes to be focused on his work and most people don’t realize how hard it is to be the one to decide about budget cuts, downsizing and restructuring, because they don’t see what goes down behind these decisions, they just want to blame someone and that’s usually him. They don’t want to be friends with the big boss who fired their work bestie, even if it was a known fact they never did their job.

It was never an issue for him how his employees saw him. Until her. 

Someone stops by Y/N’s desk and he watches her face light up as she gives them her attention. He can’t hear what she is saying, but when she laughs, it rings in his ears. He loves hearing her laugh.

“So what do you think?” one of the lawyers asks him and he snaps back, realizing he has no idea what they were talking about in the last five minutes. He quickly looks down at his notes so far, but there’s no use. 

“Uh, I’ll leave it to you. I have to go now, do you think you can have everything set by the end of next week? We need it for the next sprint.”

“Sure,” the guy nods, his name is something with a J, but Harry can’t remember what it is. 

He is relieved that he could dodge admitting he has no idea what was talked about, shutting his laptop he murmurs a thank you for the group and he is the first one to walk out of the room, heading towards his office. 

Y/N is not at her desk when he walks past and he looks for her, hoping he is not too obvious, but he sees no trace of her. Is she having coffee with that guy who walked up to her desk? Are they planning something outside of work? Does he want to date her?

Harry’s thoughts are racing as he closes the door behind him, shutting out the general buzz of the open office outside. With a sigh, he sits down in his chair, places his laptop onto the desk, but leaves it unopened for a bit as he rubs his face with his hands. 

He always has control. He plans and keeps himself to his plan, he gathers data, analyses and then makes a new plan. Easy as it is. This is why he likes his job, IT is usually exact, the problem might be deeply hidden, but it’s always exact, he just needs to find the data.

But he’s been feeling chaotic lately. He is disoriented, can’t focus at meetings and finds himself thinking about her when he is supposed to be working. He just can’t help it. 

“Fuck,” he breathes out, then rolls his head, his neck cracks and he lets out a groan before opening his laptop and trying his best to get back to working. The code opens in front of him and he focuses on the lines he’s been trying to rewrite, but right when he is about to start typing, there’s a knock on his door. For a second, he feels irritated that he was interrupted again, but then he looks past the screen and sees her.

Harry nods and Y/N walks through the glass door, holding her laptop to her chest, smiling shyly. Harry likes to think that this smile is for him only, that he is the reason to bring it to her lips, though he doubts he has such an effect on her. But still, it’s a nice thought. 

“Hey,” he greets her as she crosses the room and sits across from him. 

“Hi. Am I disturbing you?”

“No,” he shakes his head.

“I finished those tables you asked for yesterday, but I wanted to run a few things with you.”

“You… finished?” he asks as Y/N unfolds her laptop, nodding. 

“Yeah.” She places the laptop onto his desk and he leans closer, focusing on the screen as Y/N explains what she found unclear, but Harry is still stunned when she is done talking.

“Is it… Is it bad? Not what you thought of?” she asks, seeing his face.

“No, it’s… Y/N, you did this all by yourself?”

“Yes?” Her answer sounds unsure and panic settles in her visibly. “I-I’m sorry if it’s–”

“Y/N, this is brilliant.”

She is taken aback by his compliment, it wasn’t the first time, but it feels like a gift every time for her. 

“It is?”

“Yeah. I mean, I didn’t doubt you could do it, but I didn’t think it would turn out this great and you also finished so fast, I thought it would take you the entire week at least.”

“Well… I did stay in a little longer last night,” she admits with a soft chuckle and it tugs on his chest right away. He looks at her over the desk, their eyes meet and for a second, warmth spreads through his veins as he fights the urge to reach out and touch her. 

Clearing his throat he leans back in his chair.

“Send it over, I’ll leave comments on those sections and then you can start the migration.”

“Thank you,” she nods, taking her laptop and heading to the door.

“And well done, Y/N,” he calls after her. She just nods and smiles at him before walking out. 

Harry watches her return to her desk, takes some deep breaths and forces himself to return to the code on his own computer. 

***

Linda wiggles her eyebrows at Y/N once she is sat at her desk. 

“Did you two eye-fuck again?” she asks and Y/N gapes at her, quickly looking around to see if anyone heard her, but luckily, everyone is too busy.

“Linda! That’s–We don’t do that.”

“Oh please,” she scoffs, twirling her pen around between her fingers. 

“We just went over the tables. He said I did a good job.” She shrugs, but Linda doesn’t miss how the corners of her mouth curl up, though she tries to hide it. 

“You do realize you’re the only one in this whole department he has ever complimented, right?”

“That’s not true.”

“It is. Zach go the best reaction from him last spring, when he spent two weeks refactoring a fucked up code, Harry said it was acceptable. That’s all. The fact that he said you did a good job is just another proof that he is into you.”

“Would you stop talking about the head of IT being into me?” Y/N hisses. “Come on, let’s get a coffee before you start screaming it.”

They go down a floor where the coffee station has better options and once they both have a mug full of coffee, they settle by a high table in the common area. 

“I have a confession to make,” Y/N admits, but avoids looking her in the eyes. “Okay, go for it.”

“I’m meeting Archer today.”

“Y/N! Not your fucking ex! Why?!” Linda gasps. “Do you really hate yourself that much?”

“I don’t hate myself,” she gives her a look, before returning her gaze to her mug. “He texted me the other day.”

“And you texted him back?”

“Well, yes, of course.”

“Boo! You should have blocked his number a long time ago!”

Y/N has thought about that. A lot. Her asshole ex has come back a couple of times since they broke up about a year ago, they shared one or two nights, but it always ended with him disappearing and leaving her shattered. His comebacks slowed down the process of getting over him a lot and though she feels like she is finally okay, she couldn’t just ignore his text.

“That’s not like me,” she shrugs, ignoring the thought that she knows Linda is right. 

“Hun, what do you think will happen today that hasn’t happened before?”

The question stings, right in her chest, because she knows it’s true. Her logical side knows Archer won’t just magically apologize for the way he treated her, even though it’s the only thing she wants from him at this point. To admit that he was in the wrong. 

“We’ll talk. That’s it.”

“Please don’t sleep with him,” Linda sighs desperately. “He doesn’t deserve your time.”

“I won’t,” she says, though she is not entirely certain it’s the truth. 

“Uh-huh, okay.” Linda checks the time on her phone. “I gotta go, I have a meeting in ten.”

“I’m coming too, I have a lot to do.”

Grabbing their mugs they head out of the common area, back to the upper floor. 

***

Harry didn’t mean to eavesdrop. He is the last person to be interested in anyone’s private life in the office. 

But when he heard Y/N’s voice as he was about to walk into the room, he stopped and hid behind the wall, listening to a conversation that was truly not meant for his ears. 

Hearing the two women talk about Y/N’s ex has ignited something new in him, especially when it became clear that he has hurt her in the past. Harry is not one to become violent, he channels all his tendencies in the gym while boxing, but from what he heard of the guy, he would have gladly punched him in the face. A few times.

Maybe more than a few.

The short conversation tickled his curiosity about what happened, but when he heard that they were about to leave, he quickly walked away so they didn’t see him. 

Now as he is back by his desk he can’t focus on the code in front of him at all, his thoughts are only about this mysterious ex Y/N is apparently meeting today. At one point, he even considers giving her some extra work to keep her in late and preferably miss the meeting, but that would be too petty even for him. Instead, he spends the next hour pretending to work while he just keeps fantasizing about different scenarios of what happened between Y/N and the guy. 

Slowly, the office starts to empty out as the end of the day nears. Desks get abandoned, lights are turned off and Harry is still there, since he barely got anything done that day. 

He sees when Y/N packs up her stuff and leaves and his jaw almost breaks as he holds himself still and just watches her walk out. 

“I’m fucking insane,” he mumbles under his breath, willing himself to do some work now that he can’t get distracted by Y/N every time she leaves her desk. 

It’s all new to him. This obsession he’s been feeling since the moment he saw Y/N at the interview. An invisible string has been pulling him towards her and it’s unlike anything he has felt with his exes before. 

He wasn’t obsessed. He didn’t think of them all the time. He didn’t lose focus when he was seeing someone. But with Y/N, he is losing his precious control and it’s almost scary. 

He finally manages to lock in for some work and time flies by. Next time he looks up from his screen the whole office is empty, only his desk lamp giving light and the green haze of the exit signs. It’s past nine and he can hear the cleaner vacuuming somewhere on the floor, so with a tired smile he shuts his computer off, gathers his things and heads out. 

He moved less than a year ago and the place he bought is within walking distance of the office. He knows it might have been a stupid idea to get a place just because it’s close to his working place, he probably won’t work there his whole life, but he doesn’t see himself switching for a long time, so it’s convenient. 

With his backpack hanging off one shoulder he steps out into the warm evening, the afternoon rush is over, now the nearby bars and restaurants are full of workers desperately needing to let some steam off before heading home. 

There’s a small park he walks through before reaching his street and it has always been dear to him, a nice change in the scenery of concrete and glass in the middle of the city. There’s even a small pond along the path that takes him across the park with benches and a handful of ducks are usually circling in the water peacefully. 

Older people from around like to come here and sit or take a short walk and they are the only people Harry likes to watch. He admires their slow pace, no rush, just enjoying what they have, a state he dreams of reaching too. 

Tonight, as he passes by the pond his eyes spot a familiar figure sitting on one of the benches. He stops in his tracks, questioning if his sight is right, because the person sitting there with her head hanging low looks just like Y/N. As he slowly approaches he notices the soft shaking of her shoulders.

She’s crying. 

***

Y/N has been sitting on that bench for… God knows how long. Could have been minutes, could have been hours. She was planning to cry her eyes out at once, then move on by the time she gets home, but apparently, she needs more time to get herself over than she estimated. This spot seemed like a great one, it’s far enough from the lights so people don’t notice she is crying, but she definitely did not expect to be noticed by her boss.

“Y/N?”

Harry’s voice makes her jump and as her head snaps up, she finds herself staring up at the person she least expected to see. His eyebrows are furrowed, concern is written all over his face as he stands a few feet away from the bench, as if he can’t tell if it’s a good idea for him to get closer. 

“Oh, hi!” She quickly forces a smile on her face, but she knows she is fooling no one. She wipes her tear-soaked cheeks with the back of her hand and prays her mascara is not smudged all around her eyes in panda style. “What–What are you doing here?”

“I live nearby, I’m on my way home. What are you doing here? Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just… I was just taking a walk and now I’m… not.”

Her brain does not function. She knows what she said didn’t make any sense, but she can’t think of something else to say. She is way too busy thinking about how Harry is standing right there just after her ex made her wait for him for an hour before texting her he is not coming and when she called him to confront, a woman answered his phone.

It didn’t take long for Y/N to draw the conclusions: Archer was only trying to hook up with her tonight, but apparently found someone else and ditched her. A classic move from an asshole like him, but that doesn’t make her feel less like shit. Mostly because she should have known better and not believe he would do anything other than hurting her. 

Harry just stands there for a few moments and Y/N is expecting him to walk away and pretend like he didn’t even see her, but he surprises her when he walks over to the bench and sits beside her. 

“Do you want to… talk about what happened?”

“Nothing happened,” she answers right away, but when she looks at him, it’s obvious he doesn’t believe her. With a sigh, she turns her gaze back towards the pond. She is hesitating between keeping it all to herself or just dumping it on Harry and then deal with the consequences later, but right when she is about to make up her mind, he speaks up.

“Is this about… your ex-boyfriend?”

She turns to him with wide eyes. 

“How do you…”

A guilty look takes over his face before he shrugs.

“I heard you talking about him earlier. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop.”

“I shouldn’t talk so freely with Linda in the office,” she chuckles, shaking her head. They sit in silence, when Harry peeks at her she seems deep in her thoughts and he is desperate to get her to talk, but doesn’t want to push her too much. 

As a last resort, he says:

“Do you want to have a drink?”

***

The tequila is burning her throat, she can’t help the frown as she bites into the lemon. When she looks at Harry, she is not even surprised he has the same, unbothered look on his face he had after the previous two shots. 

“Uh, how are you taking it so well?” she coughs and then takes a sip from her beer. They were lucky enough to find a table at a bar nearby and she was quick to accept that maybe getting drunk is what she needs right now, even if the alarms are still going off somewhere in the back of her mind, because doing it with Harry might not be her brightest idea. 

“I guess I still have some left of my college years,” he shrugs and she starts laughing. 

“Don’t tell me you were a party animal in college,” she snorts. The three shots and half a beer has definitely set her tongue free and took away her sense of embarrassment after saying everything that’s on her mind. She will surely regret it in the morning, but right now she couldn’t care less.

Harry likes this version of her. She is always bubbly and talkative, but in his presence he often senses her nervousness. Now there’s no trace of that and he is sinking in every moment of it.

“What do you think I was like in college?” he asks, tilting his head to the side. 

“I don’t know,” she shrugs, the words slurring a bit on her tongue. “Like a… hot nerd?”

He quirks an eyebrow at her and she realizes only then that she just called him hot. 

“I-I mean… I don’t–What I meant is–”

“I was a nerd,” he says, saving her from her rambling. “I was in the robotics club, spent a lot of time in the library, trying to hack their system so I didn’t have to return some books I wanted to keep.”

She can’t help, but laugh as Harry is smiling at the memory as well.

“Did you succeed?”

“What do you think?”

“For sure.”

“Correct,” he chuckles, taking a sip of his beer. “But I went to parties. I had this friend group from highschool, some of them were friends with the popular kids so we were always invited.”

“I can’t picture you with a red solo cup, filled with cheap booze.”

“But it happened,” he chuckles. “Luckily, photos have been deleted from social media.”

“Did you wipe the internet?” she asks, leaning closer as if she was asking him about a secret.

“No, but I did message those who had the photos posted when I was getting higher in my career.”

“Clever,” she nods and grabbing her beer, she takes a few swigs. Then her smile fades. “Maybe I should tell you what happened, right?”

“Only if you want to.”

Sighing she leans back, pursing her lips as she squints her eyes, looking back at him. She can’t think straight. Her thoughts are jumping, one moment she is thinking about Archer, the next all her attention is on how plump his lips look when they are wet from the beer, or the way his top two buttons of his shirt have come undone and she is seeing fucking tattoos, along his collarbones. 

She wants to kiss them. 

“I was stupid enough to think that I matter to him and he wouldn’t… hurt me. But he did. That’s it, lesson learned.”

She would love to look unbothered, like it doesn’t affect her, but she can’t. Her throat is closing up and when Harry calls out her name softly, she looks up at him with tears in her eyes and wobbling lips. 

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be crying, I know. I’m sorry!”

“Don’t apologize,” Harry shakes his head, but it’s like she didn’t even hear him.

“I know it’s stupid, but I just thought it might be different this time, that he might apologize and I can finally… I don’t know.”

“It’s not stupid. It’s not. You’re allowed to hope, to want to be treated the right way.”

“But I should have learned my lesson before!”

“You could have, but it’s okay. You will now. You’re smart, smarter than you think. You’ll get over it, doesn’t matter how long it takes, you will get there. I know it.”

“How?” she asks in a whisper, unable to break the eye-contact. 

“I don’t know how you’ll do it, but–”

“No,” she shakes her head. “How do you know it?”

He slowly runs his tongue over his lips, thinking his words through before speaking them.

“I just do. Do you believe me?”

Without hesitation she nods.

“I do.”

***

“If someone said one day I would be waiting for an Uber with my boss, drunk out of my ass at two am, I would have laughed them in the face.”

Y/N is holding onto a lamp post with one hand, twirling around it like a little kid as Harry stands by the curb, one hand in his pocket, the other one holding his phone, tracking the Uber that’s supposed to pick Y/N up and take her home. He is watching her with a tiny smile, it’s great to see her so carefree after her breakdown earlier. 

“Which part is so unbelievable?” 

She stops and steps closer to him. She can’t stand still, keeps shifting her weight between her feet and Harry is on alert in case she loses her balance. 

“All of it,” she grins up at him, blinking lazily. “Except the drunk out of my ass. That happens sometimes.”

“Really?” 

“Ooh, maybe I shouldn’t have said that. Am I in trouble?”

“Because you get drunk sometimes? You’re an adult, you can do whatever you want.”

“Yeah, but… you’re my boss,” she giggles, then starts swaying as if she could hear some music. “It’s not professional to get drunk.”

“Not when you’re working. But you’re not at work right now.”

“Nope,” she shakes her head, popping the ‘p’ sound. “I’m on the street, with Harry Styles, after drinking with Harry Styles! And now I’m gonna go home in an Uber that Harry Styles ordered for me!”

“Are you enjoying saying my name?” he chuckles, glancing at his phone again, The car is five minutes away. He is already dreading the moment it arrives, because that means the night ends. But he knows she has to get home and sleep it off.

“I do,” she sings. “It has a nice ring to it. It’s a cool name for a cool guy.”

“Oh, so I’m cool?” He knows he shouldn’t take advantage of her drunken state and keep her talking, but he just can’t get himself to stop.

“Yeah. You’re cool and smart and scary sometimes and mysterious, but not tonight,” she giggles as she keeps swaying around, while Harry can’t take his eyes off her, not when she is talking about him. “People at the office are scared of you, but I think you’re great.”

“You do?”

“Yeah. You’re amazing, I always look forward to seeing you. Sometimes I…” She giggles at whatever she is thinking about, completely oblivious at how intently Harry is listening to her. “Sometimes I ask you about things I know just so we can talk.” She shakes her head with a chuckle, but it’s enough for her to lose balance.

She gasps when she starts falling, but he is quick to grab her by her arms, yanking her towards him to keep her from smashing against the concrete. She is not laughing anymore, especially when she realizes that her chest is pressed against his, hands still holding her arms firmly. And his eyes are piercing into her gaze in a way that takes her breath away. 

“I love when you come asking questions,” he admits. “That’s usually my favorite part of the day.”

Her eyes widen at his words and when his gaze shifts down to her lips, they part as she gasps for air. Her chest presses even more against his as she fills her lungs and she feels even more dizzy now than before. 

“I want to kiss you.”

The words blurt out of her before she could think them through, unaware of the effect they have on Harry. His gaze darkens and it moves down at her lips again. But before he could say or do anything, the Uber pulls up beside them. 

Harry lets go of her, then opens the door.

“Get some sleep, Y/N. I’ll see you on Monday.”

She blinks at him a few times as he just stands there, waiting for her to get inside. She is confused. Drunk and tired and the longer she stays there the more awkward she feels, so she finally gets into the car, then Harry shuts the door and the car starts moving. 

Y/N turns around and sees him still standing there, hands in his pockets, his head hanging low. Then she slides down in the seat, closes her eyes and then replays those couple of moments when she was pressed up against him over and over again until the car stops at her apartment building. 

***

Sunday evening Y/N contemplates calling in sick. Preferably with something that keeps her away from the office… forever. 

Once she woke in the afternoon of Saturday, sobered up, with a killer headache, memories from last night came crashing down on her and the embarrassment took over instantly. She spent the rest of the weekend in agony, cursing herself out for being so stupid. 

Did she really tell her boss she wanted to kiss him?

Yes, she in fact did. After getting drunk with him, crying about her ex and telling him all kinds of stuff she never planned on admitting to him. Like that she finds him cool and smart and sometimes scary. 

But the kissing part is obviously the worst.

No matter how badly she dreads Monday morning, time doesn’t stop or slows down, the week starts and she has to go to work and face the consequences of her actions. 

Maybe Harry won’t be there. But he is always there. 

Maybe she can hide all day and avoid him… until the rest of her life or until she finds a new job. Very unlikely, but whatever. 

Her palms are sweating as she swipes her card at the gates and heads up to her floor. She’s getting paranoid, thinking that everyone in the elevator knows what happened on Friday, even though no one even bats an eye in her direction. 

Luckily, as she logs into her computer at her desk, work swamps her and provides enough distraction to stop her from throwing up when she sees Harry for the first time.

It seems like he is having a busy day too, he is in and out of meetings for the most part of the noon, she only sees him passing by or sitting in his office with his AirPods in, a sign that he is in an online meeting. But even when he is free for a short time, Y/N makes sure she avoids facing him. She even considers moving to another floor’s common room with her laptop for the day if it means she can survive without running into him and God forbid, talking to him. 

But then comes an email. 

It’s a bit after lunch time when it pops up in her inbox and her stomach drops to the floor right away when she sees it’s from Harry. Then another wave of anxiety washes over her when she reads it.

FROM: Harry Styles

Come to my office at your earliest convenience. -H

“Oh shit,” she mumbles under her breath and it catches Linda’s ears across from her, who gives her a questioning look. “Nothing.” She just shakes her head, grabs her laptop and then heads to Harry’s office with shaking knees. 

Is this the part where he tells her behavior was unacceptable? Did he maybe report her to HR for what she said?

She knocks on the door with a sweaty hand, Harry looks up from his screen with a blank face and nods at her to go inside. 

“Hey. I got your email.” She sounds like a frightened little girl as she closes the door behind her and stills, hugging her laptop to her chest. 

“Thanks for coming right away.”

Harry pushes his chair back lazily, stands and rounds the desk before leaning against it leisurely, his eyes glued to Y/N who is still standing by the door, too scared to go further. He doesn’t like the distance.

“Come, sit,” he nods towards one of the chairs in front of his desk. 

Obediently, she walks over and takes a seat, blinking up at him with wide eyes while he looks unbothered and almost… bored. He squints his eyes at her, tilting his head to the side a bit before finally speaking up. 

“Is there a specific reason why you’re avoiding me all day?”

Her lips part at his question and her first instinct is to deny.

“I-I’m not–”

“Y/N, you are. Normally, you would have already asked me at least two questions, but instead you walk out of the office every time I step out of mine. You are avoiding me.”

She shuts her mouth, trying to come up with something to say that could save her, but nothing comes to her mind. 

“I’m sorry.” Her gaze drops to the floor, his stare is too intense for her. “I’m so ashamed about… everything I said on Friday, I didn’t know how to face you. I said all that… inappropriate stuff you definitely shouldn’t have heard. like… ever. I’m sorry.”

“Y/N,” he softly says, but her gaze remains on her shoes. “Y/N, look at me, please.”

Finally, she dares to move her eyes back to meet his and then he continues… in the most surprising way.

“What I’m about to say, it’s going to be fully unrelated to work. Can you treat it as something outside of this setting?” Y/N nods. “Use your words, I need to hear you say it. Do you understand that this conversation is outside of work?”

“I understand,” she answers weakly, her mouth running dry. 

“Good.” He nods and then continues. “Do not feel sorry for anything you said. I’m glad I know all of that. The only downside of it is that now I need every ounce of self-control not to bend you over this desk and fuck you until you forget your own name.”

This time her mouth hangs open. For a moment she is not entirely convinced she hasn’t just imagined it all. That it wasn’t just her sick mind playing tricks on her. But then he speaks again.

“Did you hear what I said? That I want to fuck you into oblivion on this desk?”

“Yes,” she breathes out, trembling. 

“Good. Now I want you to go back to your desk and think it through whether you want that too or not. If you decide that you feel the same way, stay late and come back here when everyone is gone. Understood?”

“Yes.”

She feels dizzy, but not the same kind she felt on Friday, this is entirely different. Turning around she walks out of the room, but she’s on auto pilot as she returns to her desk. She leans back in her chair and slowly looks around.

No one in the room knows what just happened. Everyone is just minding their own business while Y/N is on the verge of fainting.

“You alright?” Linda peeks out from behind her screen with a concerned look on her face. “What did he want?”

If only she knew! Y/N thinks. She is dying to share, to take the whole conversation apart and analyze every bit, but she can’t. Instead, she forces a smile to her face.

“Just checked in with me about the migration.”

Linda examines her suspiciously for a second, but then her phone rings and she returns to her work while Y/N opens her laptop as well, but as she stares at the document in front of her she was working on before Harry’s email, she can’t even make out a word. 

Instead, she is busy thinking about what happens when the office empties out. 

***

Harry was dragged into some urgent issue sometime in the afternoon and it gave him enough work to take his attention away from prying outside, impatiently waiting for everyone to leave while making sure Y/N is still there. 

He answers one call after the other while emails keep popping into his inbox and he loses track of Y/N. When he finally drags his gaze away from the screen he looks up and finds the whole floor empty. All of it.

Meaning that Y/N left as well. Groaning he stands from his desk and walks over to the window, staring out into the night that has slowly creeped up on him. He truly thought she would stay. That she felt the same desire and thirst as him and she wants to explore whatever it could be, but maybe he read it all wrong. 

How will this affect their work? He should have thought of that before telling her he wants to fuck her on his desk. Who even does that? He is supposed to be her boss, her mentor, this was so incredibly inappropriate, he is thinking about reporting himself to HR and–

There’s a knock on his door. 

Turning around he freezes when he sees Y/N standing there with doe-like eyes and with just one look she is already making his pulse jump. He nods, barely noticeably, but she sees it and lets herself inside, closing the door behind her even though it’s truly just the two of them now. 

“Hey,” she sheepishly says, stopping exactly where she did earlier when he wrote her that email. This time however, Harry is the one to cross the room and then stop just inches away from her. She wonders if he could hear the wild hammering of her heart in her chest, the dizziness is back and she hides her hands behind her back so he doesn’t notice them shaking. 

“Did you think about what I said?”

Harry talks slowly and clearly and she couldn’t tell just moments ago he was freaking out too. But now that she’s there, every racing thought is gone from his mind, all he is thinking about is… her. 

“Yes.”

“And what’s your conclusion?”

“I’m here, aren’t I?” There’s a tiny bit of sassiness in her tone, just enough to start a fire in him. 

She catches the way one corner of his lips curls up as he takes another small step towards her, his hands come up to cup her jaw on either side and he gently tilts her head back, angling it perfectly. Then slowly, he leans closer until his lips are almost touching hers, but then stops. As if he is giving one last chance for her to change her mind, but she is still there, waiting for him to finally break down the wall between them and he gives in. 

He lets his hunger take over instantly. There’s no testing the waters, feeling each other up, he kisses her in a demanding, needy way that takes her breath away at first, but she is quick to react the same way. 

Her hands move to his shirt, grabbing the fabric at his stomach while his hands are still holding onto her face, but then they slide down her sides, settle on the back of her thighs and she knows exactly what he wants her to do. So without breaking them apart, she jumps up, he catches her with ease as she wraps her legs around his waist and he blindly carries her to the small sofa by the wall. 

He sinks into the cushion and she straddles him, giving her a bit of advantage in height this way, so now he is the one to crane his neck while she is leaning down to meet him. 

It’s a mess, lip biting, tongues crashing, soft moans and grunts, his palms wander over his thighs and ass and then he sneakily peels her soft pink shirt out of her tight jeans so his hands can slip under the fabric and feel her heated skin. 

She is desperate to feel more, to ease the aching throbbing between her legs, so when she starts rolling her hips and grinding against his rapidly growing bulge, he can’t help the moan that slips out of his mouth, right into hers. 

His head drops to the back of the sofa and she takes the chance to kiss her way down the column of his neck. After dozens of fantasies doing the same thing during meetings, now she is finally tasting his skin, gently nibbling on a spot that has his hands grab onto her ass, pushing her even more into him. 

When their lips meet again her fingers dance down his chest, feeling up his abdomen through his shirt and then settle on his belt, she starts undoing it, but he is quick to stop her, which breaks her out of her trance., scared that she did something wrong. 

Reading her from just one look, Harry shakes his head softly.

“I know I said I want to bend you over my desk, but I don’t want the first time I’m inside you to be here. So we are gonna do it differently for now.”

As he speaks, his fingers work the buttons of her shirt, one after the other until the white, lacy bra is revealed underneath. 

“Is it fucking Christmas?” he breathes out, hooking a finger into one of the cups and tugging it down so your breast spills out of it. An airy chuckle slips out of her, but it quickly turns into a gasp when he sucks her pebbled nipple into his mouth, even gently biting and tugging on it. Her fingers comb through his hair, his fingertips massaging his scalp as her grinding continues. 

“I’ll tell you what we’re gonna do,” he murmurs against her chest, one hand freeing her other breast from the bra as well, so he can pay equal attention to them both. “You’re gonna grind that needy cunt of yours against me until you come, just so you can see what it is like when you’re not even undressed and imagine what will happen once I get to unwrap you.” He smacks her ass gently, a moan slipping out through her parted lips. “And I’m gonna leave marks all over tits and suck your nipples until they are so tender you can barely touch them, so when you go home and see yourself in the mirror, you’ll remember every moment of what’s happening right now.”

His hands grab her hips and make her roll them harder, his erection and the seam of her jeans rubbing into her soaking wet cunt. She eagerly takes the pace he dictated, desperate to chase her release that’s building in the pit of her stomach rapidly. 

“Do you like that? Do you like my plan?” he asks, his lips brushing against her nipple, teasing her with his touch just enough to make her whine and ache for more. 

“Yes,” he nods eagerly, hands clasping the back of his head to pull him closer to her chest and feel his lips on her heated skin again and he complies happily. 

“Then let me feel how badly you want to come.”

If someone told Y/N in the morning, that tonight she would be dry humping her boss like a horny teenager, she would have checked that person into a mental hospital. Yet here she is, grinding against Harry’s massive bulge, shamelessly rubbing her cunt against his erection while his mouth is full of her breast. 

He has already left a few marks on her and she knows she’ll have to wear turtlenecks for the next 2 weeks, but she couldn’t care less. 

“Fuck, I’m so close,” she cries out when she finds just the right angle where the seam of her jeans and the tip of his restrained cock rub her clit perfectly, sending sparks through her nerves. 

“Go on, want to see you come undone.” He bites the side of her left breast and she hisses, but it feels so good, so fucking great she moans loudly, her head falling back at the sensation.

“Harry, I–Ah!”

His hands grab her ass and he pulls her in, making her fall forward, her chest pressing up against his as she buries her face into his neck, fastening her movements as her orgasm is nearing. 

“Come on, Y/N. Let me see you come undone.”

“Wanna feel you inside,” she whines, but keeps moving.

“I know and you will. Just not now.”

She whines again in a disapproving manner, but doesn’t stop and Harry’s hips start moving as well. He encourages her a few more times, his lips brushing against her ear, sending shivers down her spine and right when she thinks she can’t take it anymore, the bubble pops. 

She gasps and moans, her movements get dragged out and Harry forces her to look him in the eyes as she rides out her joy. She loses track of time, can’t tell if it lasts for seconds or hours. But when it’s over she collapses into his arms. 

“You did so good. So fucking good,” he murmurs into her ear, kissing the side of her face wherever he can reach. When she finally catches her breath she sits up straight and looking down she sees that he’s still hard underneath her. 

Instantly, she reaches down, ready to take him out and take care of him, but he stops her again. 

“Not now.”

“But you… didn’t–”

“I know,” he smiles softly. “But if we go further now, I won’t be able to stop and I told you, I want the first time I’m inside you in a different setting.”

She understands and it’s flattering knowing he wouldn’t be able to control himself if they continued, but it feels unbalanced now that only she came. 

“Are you sure?” she asks, hands flattening on his stomach. 

Smiling, he nods. “Very sure.”

She thinks to herself for a bit and reaching up Harry brushes a lock of hair behind her ear as a smile stretches slowly across her face.

“What is it?”

“So… this means there will be a next time?”

The playful glint in her eyes amuses him. She is sitting on his lap, her chest still exposed, lips swollen from his kisses while his erection is still straining against his pants and she asks if there will be a next time. 

“Oh yeah. I will watch you come undone over and over again in every possible way. If you let me.”

She bites into her bottom lip, sheepishly blinking down at him, but her answer surprises him for a moment.

“I’m not letting you.” His face falls and his heart drops into his stomach, but she is quick to continue: “I’m begging you.”

“Oh baby, for that, now I’m adding  spanking to when I’m bending you over my desk and fuck you.”

Her smile only grows wider.

“Please, Boss!”

PART II.

Thank you for reading, please like and reblog if you enjoyed and buy me a coffee if you want to support me!

[brodygold]

The Interview

Ben adjusted his tie nervously, his fingers fumbling against the silk fabric as he sat in the reception area. This was his big break: a chance to work as a data analyst for the prestigious Golden Army. He had spent countless hours perfecting his resume and rehearsing answers to potential questions. Now, all that preparation boiled down to a single meeting with Captain Scott.

Ben glanced at his reflection in the polished glass of the office door. His charcoal suit was crisp, his blue tie perfectly knotted. He looked the part, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that he didn’t belong here. Soccer wasn’t exactly his passion; numbers were. He could crunch statistics, perform regression analysis, and optimize strategies—that was his real talent. Surely the Golden Army would see his value, even if he wasn’t an athlete.

The door to the inner office opened, and a tall man with a commanding presence stepped out. Captain Scott—a broad-shouldered Brit with a sharp jawline and piercing eyes—surveyed the room. His golden soccer jersey, emblazoned with the team’s emblem, caught the light as he turned his gaze to Ben.

“Ah, you must be Ben,” Scott said, his British accent smooth yet authoritative. “Come on in, lad.”

Ben rose quickly, nearly tripping over his own feet as he followed Scott into the office. The room was adorned with Golden Army memorabilia: framed jerseys, championship trophies, and photos of triumphant players. Scott gestured to a chair, and Ben sat down, clutching his briefcase like a lifeline.

Scott leaned against his desk, arms crossed. “Now then, Ben, I’ll get straight to it. I’ve had a look at your resume. Impressive stuff. But I’m afraid there’s a bit of bad news.”

Ben’s heart sank. “Bad news?”

“Aye. The data analyst position’s already been filled,” Scott said, his tone apologetic but firm. “Just last week, in fact.”

Ben’s stomach churned. “Oh, I see. Well, thank you for considering me,” he said, rising from his chair. “I appreciate the opportunity.”

Scott held up a hand. “Hold on, lad. I’ve got another idea.”

Ben paused, curiosity flickering through his disappointment. “Another idea?”

Scott’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “Aye. It’s not exactly what you came here for, but it’s a position that’s crucial to the Golden Army. And I reckon you might be just the man for it.”

Ben tilted his head. “What kind of position?”

Scott’s smile widened. “Let me show you.” He snapped his fingers.

The sound echoed in Ben’s ears, sharp and commanding. For a moment, he felt a strange tingling sensation coursing through his body. He blinked, trying to shake it off, but the feeling only intensified. His muscles began to ache, then burn, as if he’d just completed a grueling workout.

“W-what’s happening?” Ben stammered, clutching the arms of the chair. He looked down and gasped. His once-slender arms were bulging, his biceps swelling with newfound strength. His chest expanded, his shoulders broadening, and his legs thickened, stretching the fabric of his trousers.

“Relax, lad,” Scott said, his tone calm but commanding. “You’re becoming who you were meant to be.”

Ben’s mind raced, but it was becoming harder to think. The numbers and equations that had once dominated his thoughts were slipping away, replaced by something simpler, more primal. Images of soccer fields, roaring crowds, and the camaraderie of a team flooded his mind. He tried to hold on to his old self, but it was like gripping sand; it all slipped through his fingers.

His suit and tie began to shimmer, the fabric dissolving into golden threads. The threads wove themselves into a shiny golden soccer jersey, snug against his newly muscular frame. His trousers transformed into matching shorts, and his dress shoes hardened into gleaming gold soccer cleats.

Ben’s breathing steadied, his initial panic giving way to a strange sense of purpose. He looked up at Scott, his eyes now bright with determination.

“How do you feel, lad?” Scott asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Ben stood, flexing his powerful arms. “I feel… incredible,” he said, his voice deeper, more confident. The hesitation that had marked his earlier speech was gone. “What position do you need me to play, Captain?”

Scott clapped him on the shoulder. “That’s the spirit! You’ll be our new striker. Quick, agile, and unstoppable. Just what the Golden Army needs.”

Ben nodded, the role already feeling natural. “I won’t let you down, sir.”

“I know you won’t,” Scott said, his tone firm but encouraging. “Welcome to the team, lad.”

As Ben left the office, he no longer felt like the nervous data analyst who had walked in just minutes ago. He was a striker for the Golden Army, a proud member of the team. And he couldn’t wait to hit the field.

As Ben stepped outside into the bright sunlight, the world seemed sharper, more vibrant. His cleats clicked against the pavement as he made his way toward the training grounds. It was strange; just an hour ago, he couldn’t have imagined himself even holding a soccer ball, let alone playing professionally. Now, he felt an unshakable drive to prove himself, to be the best.

The training field stretched out before him, a lush expanse of green bordered by gleaming bleachers. A group of players was already warming up, their golden jerseys shining in the sun. They moved with precision and confidence, their camaraderie evident in their easy laughter and banter. Ben hesitated for a moment, suddenly unsure of how to approach them.

“Oi, new guy!” one of the players called, jogging over. He was tall and lean, with sharp features and a mischievous grin. “You must be the new striker. I’m Brody, co-captain. Welcome to the team.”

Ben shook his hand, the firm grip reinforcing his new reality. “Thanks. I’m Ben.”

Brody raised an eyebrow. “Ben, eh? Not anymore, mate. You’re part of the Golden Army now. We’ve got a tradition here: new name, new start. How about… Blaze? Got a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?”

Blaze. The name resonated with him, sparking a sense of pride and excitement. “Blaze it is,” he said, grinning.

“Good on ya, Blaze. Let’s see what you’ve got,” Brody said, tossing him a soccer ball. “Warm up with us.”

Blaze joined the other players, quickly falling into the rhythm of the drills. His body moved with an ease and power that felt both foreign and familiar. Each pass, each shot, each sprint reinforced his new identity. By the time practice ended, he was drenched in sweat but exhilarated.

As the team gathered around Scott for a debrief, the captain’s gaze fell on Blaze. “Not bad for your first day, lad. Keep this up, and you’ll be unstoppable.”

Blaze nodded, determination etched on his face. He had found his place, his purpose. The Golden Army wasn’t just a team; it was a family. And he was ready to give it everything he had.

After the team dispersed, Scott called out, “Blaze, a word in my office.”

Blaze followed Scott back to the office, his heart pounding slightly. He wasn’t sure what to expect. Once inside, Scott closed the door and leaned against the desk, studying Blaze with a thoughtful expression.

“You’ve adapted faster than I expected,” Scott said, his voice softer now. “Most lads take a bit of time to find their footing, but you… you’re something special.”

Blaze felt his cheeks warm at the compliment. “Thank you, sir. I just want to do my best for the team.”

Scott smiled, his eyes glinting. “That’s what I like to hear.” He stepped closer, his tone dropping. “But there’s more to being part of the Golden Army than just skill on the field. It’s about trust, loyalty… connection.”

Blaze swallowed hard, the air between them charged. “I understand, Captain.”

Scott’s gaze lingered on him, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. Then, with deliberate intent, Scott reached out, his hand resting lightly on Blaze’s shoulder. “Do you?”

Blaze nodded, his voice barely a whisper. “Yes.”

Scott leaned in, his lips brushing against Blaze’s in a kiss that was both firm and tender. Blaze responded instinctively, his hands resting on Scott’s waist as he deepened the kiss. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in the quiet, golden-lit office.

When they finally pulled apart, Scott’s eyes searched Blaze’s, a rare vulnerability showing beneath his confident exterior. “Welcome to the team, Blaze. Truly.”

Blaze smiled, his heart racing. “I’m proud to be here, Captain.”

[mariacallous]

Defying all predictions, populist Russia-friendly politician Calin Georgescu won the first round of Romania’s presidential elections on Sunday – signalling that the EU member state has joined the growing trend towards the far-right in the region.

Georgescu, 62, who has no party of his own, got around 23 per cent of the votes, with more than 99 per cent of ballots counted.

At midnight on Sunday, Georgescu hailed the first-round vote as a victory for the “Romanian people”.

In another big surprise, centre-right Elena Lasconi, the leader of the reformist Union for Saving Romania, came second, just a few hundred votes ahead of Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, who leads the Social Democratic Party.

George Simion, leader of the nationalist Alliance for the Union of Romanians, came fourth.

Experts’ pre-poll predictions had put Ciolacu and Simion as the favourites.

“This vote is the biggest surprise in all the elections held so far in Romania,” said journalist Dan Tapalaga.

The second-round run-off will be held on December 8, but before that, Romania has parliamentary elections on December 1, with its political scene thrown into in turmoil by Georgescu’s unexpected success.

Under the Romanian constitution, the president wields considerable power – including oversight of foreign and defence policy and responsibility for appointing the prime minister.

‘TikTok candidate’

Georgescu, a religious nationalist, conducted a low-profile campaign, focusing primarily on social media platform TikTok and making in-person appearances only in selected rural areas. He received no coverage in the mainstream media.

In his campaign messages, he advocated reducing imports, strongly supporting farmers, and boosting food and energy production. He also criticised the EU, claiming it does not adequately represent Romania’s interests.

Georgescu questioned military aid to neighbouring Ukraine and called for an end to the war. In a 2020 interview, he described Vladimir Putin as one of the world’s few genuine leaders, stating that the Russian president loves his country, regardless of the methods he employs.

Speaking late Sunday in front of his home near Bucharest, as he did not even have a campaign headquarters, Georgescu congratulated the Romanian voters for backing him.

“By rekindling the flame of hope, the Romanian people have chosen to no longer kneel, to no longer be invaded, to no longer be humiliated,” he declared.

“Tonight the Romanian people shouted ‘peace’ and they were very loud ,” he added.

Experts struggled to explain the election’s outcome.

“The result of the vote was made possible because there is a significant demand in Romanian society for a politician like Georgescu. Why? I could give a more precise answer if there were high-quality sociological data on what Romanians want. Unfortunately, we lack such data,” said political analyst Claudiu Tufis.

Journalist Tapalaga said he believes that Georgescu’s success, after largely conducting his campaign via social media, also marks a shift in the way political communication is conducted in Romania.

Tapalaga said it was “the first election where social media has been more influential than television. We have seen how TikTok can defeat mainstream media,” he added.

The Romanian diaspora played a crucial role in the first round of the presidential elections. Over 800,000 Romanians living abroad cast their votes – a record turnout.

[kpop---scenarios]

Linked (1)

Pairing: Byun Baekhyun x Y/N

Word Count: 3.2k

Warnings: Eventual Smut, Mean people, Language.

A/N: I'm back baby! I hope you all enjoy the first chapter!!

"Miss Y/N?" A woman says, breaking you out of your concentration of looking at tikok’s. 

Startled, you look up and standing before you is a very pretty, well dressed woman holding files between her petite fingers. "Are you ready for your interview?" She asks. 

Taking a small breath, as you nod your head and smile at the woman. "I'm Ava, and I'll be conducting your interview on Mr. Byun's behalf." She says, walking through the office hallways. It's so plain, the white walls just dying for at least a pop of color, or even a picture of some sort. Ava leads you into a plain white room, nothing in it but the necessary items. Did you really want to work somewhere so boring? You were lost in your thoughts again after answering only a few routine questions. 

"I think you'd be a perfect fit for this job." Ava smiles. You'd only been talking for 15 minutes before she decided. 

"Thank you." You smile. 

"I'd like to offer you the position as the Senior Data Analyst. You'd be working directly under Mr. Byun." She tells you. 

"Sure. Yes, thank you so much." You say. One thing checked off your list. Find a job, find an apartment, and get settled in this new town. Luckily you had an apartment view right after this interview, and considering you were hired on the spot you had an extremely good feeling. 

The apartment sucked, but you took it anyway. You would try your best to make the small studio apartment feel like home, but you weren't quite sure how. You weren't the most stylish, if you really had to describe yourself, you were quite bland. You knew the clothes you wore were a size or two too big, but you had no urge to change yourself. For what, or for who? You had no one in your life to care about, you didn't even care about yourself.

You laid in your bed that night, staring at the popcorn ceiling, as you remembered why you moved here in the first place, and your heart broke all over again. 

**

Slowly and quietly you pressed your ear to the bedroom door at this party. 

"Stop telling Y/N she has a chance with me. Please, it makes me sick to even think about it." You hear Hongjoong laugh loudly. "I can't even listen to her talk for more than 30 seconds at a time. I don't know how you do it. Her voice is so fucking annoying." 

"Right? I swear to go sometimes I feel like my ears are bleeding. And you should see her when she cries. So fucking ugly." You hear Maya giggle. 

"And is it just me or is she fucking dumb? How could she love me for all these years and not realize how repulsed I am by her?" He asks. 

Ouch. 

“I know math isn’t her best subject but Christ, can't she add up all the things you don’t do around her and see you’re not into her, and never will be? I mean, you try to leave the room whenever she enters." Maya laughs. "So there's no chance of you leaving me for her?" 

"You think I'm gonna leave a goddess like you, for that thing? Come on, baby, you should know me better than that. Plus, she doesn't have a set of tits like these." He laughs. 

As quickly as the hurtful words began, they stopped. You weighed your options of what to do but your body still felt too numb to move. 

You stood there, your ear pressed against the door feeling your stomach sink. You wanted to run away but it was like your feet were glued to the floor. 

The floor that made your knees feel weak as you turned the door knob and pushed the door open to see Maya, on top of Hongjoong. 

The music that was once pounding in your ears was now quiet. It was so muffled as you began to only hear your own shallow and fast breaths. You could hear and feel your heart pumping at a pace you were sure was off the charts, while also slowly ripping into tiny pieces. 

You felt like you couldn't breathe as his hands gripped her body. They hadn't heard the door opening. 

The walls were suddenly caving in as he slowly slid his fingers up and down her curves moving over her ass to squeeze it. 

Tears fell from your eyes as you watched him touching her in ways that you had once dreamt about. 

Your face begins to burn in complete embarrassment. The fucking betrayal you felt from someone who said they loved you. Maya was supposed to be your best friend. She was the one who was by your side when you cried, wondering why he didn't love you back. She held you as you sobbed into her lap, she wiped your tears away and always had comforting words for you. She would laugh at his Instagram page with you and acted as if she didn't even like him.

But here she was ripping you apart with him for their own enjoyment.  

**

Tears streamed from your face as you rolled over in your bed. You hated remembering that day. The day you lost your best friend. It hurt so bad and you know you needed to move on but that's always easier said than done.

The next morning you woke up, exhausted and not ready for the day but you had your first day of work. You'd tried to look up Mr. Byun last night, but there were no pictures of him anywhere. You thought that was a little odd, but didn't chalk it up too much. You got ready for the day in record time, putting on your too big skirt, with your too big shirt and oversized blazer. You put your hair up the best you could and avoided all makeup. 

Slowly, you walk into the building, making your way to the 35th floor, where your office was supposed to be. The entire floor was empty when you arrived. Just the way you liked it. You popped in your airpods, started your music and got to work organizing the 5 items on your desk. It took you roughly 3 minutes. You glanced at the clock, 6:55am. You still had 35 minutes until you were technically supposed to start, but it never hurt to get a head start. You worked for a little bit, listening to your favorite songs before you barely noticed a few people entering their cubicles. You mostly ignored them, offering a small nod of acknowledgement before getting back to work. You hadn't noticed anyone walking into the all glass office in front of you, until you felt your heart tug. A feeling you had never once felt before. You looked up and saw the most handsome, stone-cold looking man you'd ever seen. You couldn't take your eyes off of him, it was like you were drawn to him. 

"Handsome, huh?" You hear, breaking you out of your trance. 

"Who? What?" You say, looking up. Standing in front of you is a thin, blonde bombshell with a smile that could make you forget any worry in your life. “Hi. I’m Y/N.” You cough. She was so beautiful, it made you extremely nervous. 

"Hi, I'm Lisa, I work in that cubicle to your left." She says with a smile. “I just wanted to bring these over for approval from you, and introduce myself.” She explains, showing a small pile of papers in her hand. You were listening to her, but you had a hard time keeping yourself engaged in the conversation. Your eyes continued to dart towards the man who took your breath away and Lisa definitely noticed. She let out a small giggle to regain your attention. You swiftly looked back at her, giving her an apologetic smile. 

 "That's Mr. Byun.” She tells you. “Do your work, don’t get in his way and don’t question him and you’ll be just fine.” she tells you. 

“He looks mad.” You say, taking a quick glance at him before looking back to Lisa. 

“That’s just his face I think. He always looks like he’s got a painful stick up his ass." She whispers. 

"Why did you start whispering?" You asked. 

She sets the pile of papers on your desk, looking back towards Mr. Byun's office and looking back at you. "He hears everything." She whispers again, walking out of your office with a smile.  

Your eyes turned over to Mr. Byun, you were having a hard time turning your gaze somewhere else. There was just something about him that was driving you crazy. You watched as he shouted at someone on the phone, the veins in his neck and hands popping out intensely. His dark brown hair flowed perfectly on his head. His suit fit him perfectly, you could see the muscles all over his body. 

Suddenly he slammed the phone down onto the receiver, you were surprised it didn’t break with the amount of force he used. He rubs his eyes before running his fingers through his hair. He looks up, his eyes meeting yours without hesitation. Your heart pulls toward him. You wanted to get out of your seat and slip your tongue into his mouth. You wanted to be near him, holding him and you didn't know why. His eyes are still on yours as he walks out of his office, heading straight for you. Your heart begins to pound as he gets closer to you. 

"Who are you?" He asks, abruptly. You're looking directly in his eyes, you can’t help but almost get lost in them. They’re so dark, like they're filled with pure hatred. 

"Uh, I'm L/N Y/N. I'm your new Senior Data Analyst. " You respond. "Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Byun." 

"We’ll see about that. Get to work Miss. L/N." He says, walking out of your office and back to his. Your eyes meet again as he brings down his shade, his eyes still glued to yours. 

The rest of the day, you couldn't get him off your mind. You had a hell of a time trying to focus on any of your work. You just wanted to see him again. Anytime you let your mind wonder, it went to him immediately. You felt like you loved him but you didn't even know him.

After you had finally finished all your work, it was dark outside. You let out a big, loud yawn as you stretched your body from your desk. You gathered all your belongings and turned the lights out to your office. As you walked by Mr. Byun’s office, you noticed the lights were still on. You peaked in through a small patch of glass that was uncovered from the shade and saw him sitting at his desk with another extremely handsome man, sitting across from him. You knew you shouldn’t have been peaking in, but your curiosity got the better of you. Within seconds, Mr. Byun’s head whipped around, his eye’s shooting daggers towards you. 

You let out a small screech before you quickly take off to the elevator, hoping that either it comes fast or he doesn't come out of his office after you. You get onto the elevator and press the close door button as quickly as you can.

You made it home that night without incident and without Mr. Byun yelling at you for being nosey. You just needed to mind your business and not do that again. 

You dreamt of him that night. His hands gliding over your body, his tongue licking you everywhere, how he tasted, how it felt to have him on top of you. You woke up in a puddle of sweat the next morning. You had so wished it was real. 

The rest of the week went by, and he paid you no attention at all. He didn't even bring up your little snooping issue. Whenever he had a request from you, he sent Ava to ask you. Obviously he couldn’t be bothered to do it himself. You hated that. You wanted to see him again. 

He kept the shades of his glass office down, further avoiding any contact with you. It wasn’t until the next week that you’d finally be able to see him again. Lisa had ever-so apologetically placed a stack of papers on your desk, minutes before 5pm. You weren't one to just leave the papers for the morning, and honestly, you had no one waiting for you at home so why wouldn't you stay late and do them. Around 8pm, you’d finally finished and you were carefully planning Lisa’s murder for the next day. You were exhausted. You grabbed your coat off the back of your chair and rubbed your eyes while you walked towards the elevator. You were so tired you didn’t even look in Mr. Byun’s office as you passed it. You had expected him to have left hours ago anyways. You pressed the down button on the wall and waited silently. It wasn't until a few seconds later you felt someone standing behind you. The doors to the elevator ding, sliding open. You turn around and see him standing there, an unimpressed expression plastered on his face. 

He looks at you and at the open elevator doors, motioning for you to get in. your brain finally clicks and you get on as he follows behind you. You press the button for the first floor and prepare for an uncomfortable and silent ride down 34 floors. Mr.Byun takes a deep breath as he stands next to you, your arms just almost touching. “Why are you here?” he murmurs under his breath. You barely didn’t quite catch what he had said. 

“What was that?” You ask, turning your head to look at him. 

He sighs. Turning towards you, taking a few steps until you're backed into the wall. He places his hand next to your head, leaning himself in closer to you. 

“I said.. Why are you here?” he whispers, his lips so close to yours. “Do you have any fucking idea what youre doing to me?” he asks, breathing heavily. His head moves closer to you, his lips narrowly escaping yours as he places his head onto your neck, inhaling deeply. It was like he couldn't get enough of your smell. Before you could say anything the elevator dings, and he moves away from you as fast as he can, walking out into the lobby, leaving you there wondering what the fuck just happened.

**

Over the next several weeks after that incident, he kept trying his best to ignore you. Everyday. Occasionally you’d catch a glance of him, and the eye contact was so intense you could feel heat running through your entire body. Everyday that you didn’t see him, your heart hurt more and more. You couldn’t explain why but it felt like it was breaking you. You knew it was ridiculous, he was your boss, how could you love him? 

You didn't have an answer to why you did, but you did and you really didn't want to.

After working at your office for a few months, you decided you needed a change. You were tired of looking frumpy and exhausted while everyone around you looked bright and amazing. You needed to reinvent yourself, and spice up your life and you needed to do it now or you wouldn’t do it at all. That weekend you took the plunge. 

You went to the salon first. you got your hair done something that was better suited for you, a new style and new color. You went to the mall, and completely changed your wardrobe from the baggy clothes you were wearing to things you normally would never wear. You bought outfits that actually fit you, and showed off your body instead of hiding it. You bought proper bras and sexy panties. You felt good and different, but a good different. You couldn't wait to showcase the new you. You had never felt so confident in yourself before, and you loved it. 

Monday morning, you strutted into the office, your dress hugging your curves, your hair bouncing as you walked. You could feel all eyes on you as you walked to your office. You had never felt everyone watching you in a good way before and it felt amazing. You placed your jacket on the hook and sat in your chair to get to work. Lisa walked into your office with her mouth hanging wide open. 

“Girl.” She squeals. “You look phenomenal!” She eye’d you up and down, admiring your outfit.

You could feel your cheeks get hot from the compliment. “Thank you.” you laughed. “It feels weird, but good.” you tell her. 

“It should feel all good, girl. You look great.” she smiles. “Also Ava is out today, so i've been instructed to tell you that Mr. Byun needs to see you in his office.” She says, side eyeing his office.  

You try your best to swallow the lump in your throat as you nod your head. You hadn't seen him when you walked in, and you anxiously wondered what he would possibly think of your new look. You stood up, smoothed out your dress before heading towards his office. You stood in front of the door, breathing heavily as you knocked lightly on his door. 

“Come in.” you hear from a gruff voice. 

You turn the handle to his door and walk in and it’s like you can’t breathe. He sits there, his hands in his lap, leaning back in his chair. Fuck he looks so good. 

“You wanted to see me?” you ask. 

“You changed yourself.” he points out. His eyes trail your body up and down as he admires you. 

“Just a few things. What did you need to see me for, Mr. Byun?” you ask. You wanted to get out of there as fast as you could. Your heart was racing, you could feel the sweat covering the palms of your hands. 

“Call me Baekhyun.” he says, getting out of his chair. He walks towards you, almost in slow-motion, like he was gliding towards you. You step back as he gets closer to you. His head reaches out, caressing your face. 

“It’s getting too hard to fight, Y/N.” he whispers, looking deep into your eyes. “I don’t want to want you.” 

“I don’t want to want you either.” You admit. 

“You feel it too? The pull, the urge, the desperation?” he asks. You can’t speak, you can only nod your head. “Then it’s true.. You are my mate.”  

“I'm your what..” you ask. Before he can answer, his door swings open. Baekhyun backs away from you and in walks a brunette bombshell. She was absolutely stunning and you’d never seen her before. 

“Jennie.” Baekhyun says, clearing his throat. “What are you doing here?” he asks. 

“Poor girl looks frightened, Baeky.” she smiles. “I hope you're not scaring your staff too much.” she giggles. 

“Who are y..” you begin before she cuts you off. 

“Oh!” she laughs. “I’m Jennie Kim.” she announces, moving closer to Baekhyun,  wrapping her arm around him. 

“I’m his fiancee.” 

[puckpocketed]

Hello. You might have seen this floating around on twt:

link 1 // link 2, archive link

If by any chance you or someone you know are thinking about joining in on the challenge… no one can stop you but I implore you as someone who makes art, as someone with friends in an often-exploited creative industry, as someone who lives in late stage capitalism alongside you and has seen this play out before: proceed with caution.

Read the fine print on that form. There is NO guarantee of an internship, much less a job at the end of it. I haven't gone further than this form, but if anyone reading this does, and if there's no written agreement that your work won't be used without credit to you + payment for services rendered - RUN.

This is a common corporate tactic to get free labor out of people. I'm not saying this is necessarily what’s happening; for all we know this was done as a completely innocent move to drum up some fan engagement and as a genuine search for talent for their analytics team. WHO KNOWS. But I can't ignore that I’ve seen this situation play out again and again, at every scale.

Job interviews, when they ask you how YOU think they should improve their systems, how YOU would solve their problems? When they require that you do some problem-solving for them, and it goes beyond a simple task? That’s a free consultation you’re giving them, that's free work you or someone else should be getting paid for.

When big streamers/influencers ask their fans to join in on a fan art contest to choose their new pfp/banner? That’s hundreds, possibly thousands of pieces of free art they never would’ve gotten otherwise. They could've gone to the trouble of paying someone in-house to do it, hiring someone for that position, commissioning a professional for a piece. It's free work from their dedicated fans.

In this case, Utah HC is asking fans to not only choose/provide their own dataset, but to do a complex analysis on it AND do the work of visual and verbal communication to senior management, who likely do not have a deeper grasp of the concepts and will need it simplified. The stipulation that you will present your work could be ANYTHING!! The "five page deliverable" is already bananas to me, having dipped my toe into what analytics is and how complex the fun ones are. Condensing it all is WORK. The presentation portion may include speaking time and answering questions; the groundwork for doing this effectively may include producing data visualisations, making spreadsheets, time consuming write-ups. Maths and science communication is hard. It is WORK. They are asking for free labor.

Many have already called it out, but it's still gaining traction via retweets from big accounts uncritically sharing it. I found out through the official Puckpedia account. Jack Han called it out pretty eloquently on twitter and on his substack:

Many people aspire to work as an analyst in the NHL. Earlier today the Utah Hockey Club gave those people a glimmer of hope. Utah’s Summer Analytics Challenge is unusual in that it doesn’t provide a dataset or detailed instructions. The open-ended contests contrasts with other public (ex: Big Data Cup) or private (ex: NHL team interview) events. In those scenarios, participants are given proprietary data to clean, model and analyze, which influence direction and methodology. Meanwhile, Utah is seemingly happy with anything as long as the writeup is under five pages long. Utah’s contest also stands out in its near-total absence of legal fine print. There are no mention of intellectual property implications, which is perhaps fitting when the team is asking participants to bring their own data and analysis. [...] Open casting calls such as Utah’s analytics challenge start out as a lose-lose-lose proposition: > The employer loses because it will have to invest massive human resources to trawl/filter/evaluate/reverse-engineer the hundreds of write-ups it is sure to receive, with no guarantee that any of them will be of use > Applicants lose because the vast, vast majority of them will have nothing to show for their efforts, while a tiny minority risks having its IP stolen > Good ideas lose because they’ll be born into an environment where their parents (the applicant & the employer) have no defined relationship and won’t be in a position to grow together

link, archive link

I do try to keep things light on this blog, but this is super personal for me <3 thank u for listening

[darkmaga-returns]

After recently uncovering detailed BioPharma and US government documents on the upcoming H5N1 Pandemic Virus Vaccines, Greg Hunter interviewed me to answer the questions that matter most.

Karen Kingston

Nov 01, 2024

November 1, 2024: As a BioPharma med-legal advisor and analyst, I tend to get bogged down in the details of product’s scientific and clinical data, as well as the laws and regulatory environment that establish its marketing, manufacturing, distribution, and human usage parameters. I invested well-over 10,000 hours in research and analysis on the COVID-19 mRNA injections with a strong focus on Pfizer and the mRNA technology patents.

After recently uncovering detailed BioPharma and US government documents on the upcoming H5N1 Pandemic Virus Vaccines, Greg Hunter invited me on USA Watchdog on Tuesday, October 29,2024, to answer the questions that matter most to Americans and global citizens, including:

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from the New York Times:

Last week, Tesla laid off most of its electric car charging team, raising doubts about the feasibility of the Biden administration’s ambitious E.V. expansion plans.

Though Tesla accounts for more than half of the fast E.V. chargers currently installed in the United States, and though it has continued to build them faster and cheaper than anyone else, the E.V. charging market may no longer need Tesla to lead it.

In fact, experts I spoke to believe the E.V. charging industry is set to expand quickly over the next few years. Let me explain why.

At first, Tesla’s move seemed like a blow to a sector that may seem like it’s struggling to grow despite the $7.5 billion investment from the bipartisan infrastructure law passed by President Biden in 2021. The administration’s goal is to build a network of a half million fast and slow chargers in the country by 2030, more than double what the U.S. has today. But roughly two and a half years after the bill’s passage only eight federally funded charging stations have opened in six states, according to government data.

Elon Musk, Tesla’s C.E.O., hasn’t explained why he decided to cut back on charger construction, but some analysts interviewed by my colleagues Jack Ewing and Ivan Penn said he had probably concluded that it would become harder to make money from charging as more companies entered the market.

As Ewing and Penn wrote, last year all major automakers selling cars in North America agreed to use the charging plug developed by Tesla, which has a reputation for being reliable and easy-to-use.

That leaves the question I set out to answer. What’s holding back the expansion of America’s electric charging infrastructure? Spoiler alert: The picture isn’t nearly as grim as it may seem.

“We’re not seeing a lag in process or progress,” Ellen Kennedy, a transportation expert at RMI, a clean energy think tank, told me. “I think that people have been taking a dim view of this without actually considering that what has been happening is amazing.”

You might think Kennedy is being overly optimistic, but she’s not alone in thinking the U.S. is turning the corner on E.V. chargers.

My colleague Ewing, who has been covering automakers for decades, told me he has been hearing much of the same thing from experts. “A lot of people told me that the charger infrastructure has a momentum of its own,” he said. “Things are going up pretty fast.”

Including the federally funded program, the U.S. has added an average of about 2,800 fast and slow charging ports a month over the past year, according to government data. (A charging station can have several ports.) Many companies are excited, Ewing said, about the prospect of building out E.V. stations that can offer entertainment, dining and shopping options for drivers. That’s already happening in Norway.

The point of the federal government’s program isn’t simply to add more chargers to the network, but rather to guarantee there is an equitable distribution across the country, and to match charging infrastructure to demand.

“The charging networks, you know, just aren’t building these charging stations where there’s very little E.V. traffic,” Loren McDonald, the C.E.O. of EVAdoption, an industry data and analysis company, told me. “But it’s a chicken and egg thing, and that’s what this program is trying to solve.”

In a statement, the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, which is responsible for the federal charger program, said, “We want to get it right to ensure we have a charging network that makes it easier for Americans to find a charge than to fill up on gas.”

[plantifycogocs]

Welcome to my ask blog!

You are free to ask questions about my Cog OCs here!

You may ask questions directly to me, or ask it to the character themself, and I will try to answer as they would.

(This chart is old so I may make a new one later and replace this with that one, whenever that happens to be)

Rules Sorta:

Since this blog is meant for all of these OCs, I suggest that you specify who you are asking a question to, whether it be in text, or with these emojis:

All: 📣

Brand Celebrity (Michelle Soundwave, Sellbot): 🎙️(she/her)

Marketing Analyst (Barbara Graphylite, Sellbot): 📊 (she/it)

Safety Sleuth (Andy Safeguard, Cashbot): 🏦 (he/him)

Security Technician (Keyes Lockstep, Cashbot): 🔑 (he/him)

Court Clerk (Camila Corkscrew, Lawbot): ☎️ (they/them)

Adjudicator (Gary I.N. Justice, Lawbot): ⚖️ (he/him)

Interview Assassin ("Hayden", Bossbot): 🕴️(any/all)

Post-Mortem Debriefer (Frank Wick Morgans, Bossbot): 🕯️ (he/they)

Equity Investor (Anna Light, Boardbot): 🔎 (she/her)

Operations Manager (Odessa Light, Boardbot): ⚙️ (she/her)

Data Archivist (???, Boardbot): 📱(any/all)

[champagne-socialiste]

Most startups have no idea what they’re doing when it comes to making their first numbers hire. They overweight technical skills—SQL fluency, Accounting, tooling and systems—and miss the bigger picture entirely. They think they’re hiring someone to answer questions. But the real value of a great analyst, especially early on, is that they change what questions you ask in the first place.

This hire isn’t about execution. It’s about judgment. You’re looking for someone who can walk into a room of ambiguity and leave with clarity. Someone who knows how to navigate messy data, fuzzy metrics, and incomplete context and still get to something useful. That’s not about tooling. That’s about instinct. It’s about understanding how a business works, knowing what to measure, and being brave enough to say, “This number doesn’t matter. Here’s what does.”

I made this mistake early at Intercom. Some of my first hires were incredibly technical. They could query anything. They built beautiful charts. But they didn’t bring clarity. It wasn’t until later that we hired someone who could challenge assumptions and reframe the way we thought about performance. And have that conversation with the CEO. That hire changed everything.

And here’s the catch: what makes a great hire depends entirely on how your business works. There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all analyst. In a product-led company, you need someone who lives in databases. In enterprise up-market SaaS, you need someone with RevOps instincts. Someone who can talk pipeline health and win rates with a VP of Sales. In a marketplace or eComm business, you need someone who thrives on experimentation and iteration; conversion, pricing, and speed of feedback are everything. Hiring a generic “data person” is how you end up solving the wrong problems with beautiful dashboards. Fit matters.

Once you’ve nailed the context, the real differentiators aren’t found on a resume. Curiosity matters more than credentials. The best analysts don’t wait to be assigned projects—they’re already five “why’s” deep by the time you’ve finished asking your first question. They have the business judgment to separate signal from noise. They can tell you when a metric is lying. And they can communicate clearly—because if your Head of Sales doesn’t understand the insight, it might as well not exist.

There are also a few easy red flags. If someone needs perfect data to get started, they’re not ready for startup life. If they build dashboards and disappear, they’re not your person. And if they never ask about your customers, business model, or goals—they’re thinking like a technician, not a partner. And what you need at this stage is a partner.

I’ve hired for over 50 analytical roles in the last decade, and I’ve interviewed hundreds of candidates. I’ve tried it all: take-home tests, live case studies, fancy frameworks, behavioral questions. Most of it’s noise. Today, there’s only one question I really trust to give me signal.

I ask: “Walk me through an analysis you did, end to end.” Then I spell out what I mean. I want to understand where the idea came from, why they chose to work on it, how they structured the analysis, what blockers or aha moments they encountered, what the recommendation was, and what impact it had on the business.

It’s a mouthful. So I repeat it if needed and tell them to jot down the sub-questions. Any analyst worth hiring will light up and run with it. That’s when the conversation gets good. And that’s when your job begins— to listen analytically. Ask follow-ups. Don’t let them skip steps. Be genuinely curious. Try to learn something. It’s the best way to evaluate how they think.

As they talk, I’m listening for a few things. Can they tell the story to someone who wasn’t there? Were they intentional about choosing the project? Did they break down the problem with structure and clarity? Did they face blockers? And more importantly, did they push through them? Was there a real insight? Did it lead to a real decision? Did the business change as a result?

If they walk you through a project that’s still in flight and doesn’t have impact yet, ask for another one. If they can’t name one with clear business results, that’s your answer. Junior candidates might reasonably say the project was assigned. That’s fine. But for senior candidates, I want to see that they’re originating work—not just reacting to it.

The rest of the interview, I keep it simple. I’ll ask the same question again. Maybe with a twist. “Tell me about an analysis you came up with yourself.” Or, “Tell me about a time your recommendation didn’t pan out.” What matters is that we’re in the zone where the real work happens: context, methodology, insight, narrative, and impact. That’s the job. And this one question tests all of it.

When you get this hire right, it’s one of the most leveraged decisions you’ll ever make. Because the best analysts don’t just analyze. They provoke. They reframe. They change how the company sees itself. They don’t just give answers—they give you better questions.

Don’t botch the hire. Get it right, and your entire company will be sharper for it. Bobby Pinero

[freshyblog07]

Top SQL Interview Questions and Answers for Freshers and Professionals

SQL is the foundation of data-driven applications. Whether you’re applying for a data analyst, backend developer, or database administrator role, having a solid grip on SQL interview questions is essential for cracking technical rounds.

In this blog post, we’ll go over the most commonly asked SQL questions along with sample answers to help you prepare effectively.

📘 Want a complete, updated list of SQL interview questions? 👉 Check out: SQL Interview Questions & Answers – Freshy Blog

🔹 What is SQL?

SQL (Structured Query Language) is used to communicate with and manipulate databases. It is the standard language for relational database management systems (RDBMS).

🔸 Most Common SQL Interview Questions

1. What is the difference between WHERE and HAVING clause?

WHERE: Filters rows before grouping

HAVING: Filters groups after aggregation

2. What is a Primary Key?

A primary key is a unique identifier for each record in a table and cannot contain NULL values.

3. What are Joins in SQL?

Joins are used to combine rows from two or more tables based on a related column. Types include:

INNER JOIN

LEFT JOIN

RIGHT JOIN

FULL OUTER JOIN

🔸 Intermediate to Advanced SQL Questions

4. What is the difference between DELETE, TRUNCATE, and DROP?

DELETE: Removes rows (can be rolled back)

TRUNCATE: Removes all rows quickly (cannot be rolled back)

DROP: Deletes the table entirely

5. What is a Subquery?

A subquery is a query nested inside another query. It is used to retrieve data for use in the main query.

6. What is normalization?

Normalization is the process of organizing data to reduce redundancy and improve integrity.

🚀 Get a full breakdown with examples, tips, and pro-level questions: 👉 https://www.freshyblog.com/sql-interview-questions-answers/

🔍 Bonus Questions to Practice

What is the difference between UNION and UNION ALL?

What are indexes and how do they improve performance?

How does a GROUP BY clause work with aggregate functions?

What is a stored procedure and when would you use one?

✅ Tips to Crack SQL Interviews

Practice writing queries by hand

Focus on real-world database scenarios

Understand query optimization basics

Review basic RDBMS concepts like constraints and keys

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a fresher starting out or an experienced developer prepping for technical rounds, mastering these SQL interview questions is crucial for acing your next job opportunity.

📚 Access the full SQL interview guide here: 👉 https://www.freshyblog.com/sql-interview-questions-answers/

[ckgupta07]

Data Analyst Interview Questions: A Comprehensive Guide

Preparing for an interview as a Data Analyst is difficult, given the broad skills needed. Technical skill, business knowledge, and problem-solving abilities are assessed by interviewers in a variety of ways. This guide will assist you in grasping the kind of questions that will be asked and how to answer them.

By mohammed hassan on Pixabay

General Data Analyst Interview Questions

These questions help interviewers assess your understanding of the role and your basic approach to data analysis.

Can you describe what a Data Analyst does? A Data Analyst collects, processes, and analyzes data to help businesses make data-driven decisions and identify trends or patterns.

What are the key responsibilities of a Data Analyst? Responsibilities include data collection, data cleaning, exploratory data analysis, reporting insights, and collaborating with stakeholders.

What tools are you most familiar with? Say tools like Excel, SQL, Python, Tableau, Power BI, and describe how you have used them in past projects.

What types of data? Describe structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data using examples such as databases, JSON files, and pictures or videos.

Technical Data Analyst Interview Questions

Technical questions evaluate your tool knowledge, techniques, and your ability to manipulate and interpret data.

What is the difference between SQL's inner join and left join? The inner join gives only the common rows between tables, whereas a left join gives all rows of the left table as well as corresponding ones of the right.

How do you deal with missing data in a dataset? Methods are either removing rows, mean/median imputation, or forward-fill/backward-fill depending on context and proportion of missing data.

Can you describe normalization and why it's significant? Normalization minimizes data redundancy and enhances data integrity by structuring data effectively between relational tables.

What are some Python libraries that are frequently used for data analysis? Libraries consist of Pandas for data manipulation, NumPy for numerical computations, Matplotlib/Seaborn for data plotting, and SciPy for scientific computing.

How would you construct a query to discover duplicate values within a table? Use a GROUP BY clause with a HAVING COUNT(*) > 1 to find duplicate records according to one or more columns.

Behavioral and Situational Data Analyst Interview Questions

These assess your soft skills, work values, and how you deal with actual situations.

Describe an instance where you managed a challenging stakeholder. Describe how you actively listened, recognized their requirements, and provided insights that supported business objectives despite issues with communication.

Tell us about a project in which you needed to analyze large datasets. Describe how you broke the dataset down into manageable pieces, what tools you used, and what you learned from the analysis.

Read More....

[jcmarchi]

Soham Mazumdar, Co-Founder & CEO of WisdomAI – Interview Series

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/soham-mazumdar-co-founder-ceo-of-wisdomai-interview-series/

Soham Mazumdar, Co-Founder & CEO of WisdomAI – Interview Series

Soham Mazumdar is the Co-Founder and CEO of WisdomAI, a company at the forefront of AI-driven solutions. Prior to founding WisdomAI in 2023, he was Co-Founder and Chief Architect at Rubrik, where he played a key role in scaling the company over a 9-year period. Soham previously held engineering leadership roles at Facebook and Google, where he contributed to core search infrastructure and was recognized with the Google Founder’s Award. He also co-founded Tagtile, a mobile loyalty platform acquired by Facebook. With two decades of experience in software architecture and AI innovation, Soham is a seasoned entrepreneur and technologist based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

WisdomAI is an AI-native business intelligence platform that helps enterprises access real-time, accurate insights by integrating structured and unstructured data through its proprietary “Knowledge Fabric.” The platform powers specialized AI agents that curate data context, answer business questions in natural language, and proactively surface trends or risks—without generating hallucinated content. Unlike traditional BI tools, WisdomAI uses generative AI strictly for query generation, ensuring high accuracy and reliability. It integrates with existing data ecosystems and supports enterprise-grade security, with early adoption by major firms like Cisco and ConocoPhillips.

You co-founded Rubrik and helped scale it into a major enterprise success. What inspired you to leave in 2023 and build WisdomAI—and was there a particular moment that clarified this new direction?

The enterprise data inefficiency problem was staring me right in the face. During my time at Rubrik, I witnessed firsthand how Fortune 500 companies were drowning in data but starving for insights. Even with all the infrastructure we built, less than 20% of enterprise users actually had the right access and know-how to use data effectively in their daily work. It was a massive, systemic problem that no one was really solving.

I’m also a builder by nature – you can see it in my path from Google to Tagtile to Rubrik and now WisdomAI. I get energized by taking on fundamental challenges and building solutions from the ground up. After helping scale Rubrik to enterprise success, I felt that entrepreneurial pull again to tackle something equally ambitious.

Last but not least, the AI opportunity was impossible to ignore. By 2023, it became clear that AI could finally bridge that gap between data availability and data usability. The timing felt perfect to build something that could democratize data insights for every enterprise user, not just the technical few.

The moment of clarity came when I realized we could combine everything I’d learned about enterprise data infrastructure at Rubrik with the transformative potential of AI to solve this fundamental inefficiency problem.

WisdomAI introduces a “Knowledge Fabric” and a suite of AI agents. Can you break down how this system works together to move beyond traditional BI dashboards?

We’ve built an agentic data insights platform that works with data where it is – structured, unstructured, and even “dirty” data. Rather than asking analytics teams to run reports, business managers can directly ask questions and drill into details. Our platform can be trained on any data warehousing system by analyzing query logs.

We’re compatible with major cloud data services like Snowflake, Microsoft Fabric, Google’s BigQuery, Amazon’s Redshift, Databricks, and Postgres and also just document formats like excel, PDF, powerpoint etc.

Unlike conventional tools designed primarily for analysts, our conversational interface empowers business users to get answers directly, while our multi-agent architecture enables complex queries across diverse data systems.

You’ve emphasized that WisdomAI avoids hallucinations by separating GenAI from answer generation. Can you explain how your system uses GenAI differently—and why that matters for enterprise trust?

Our AI-Ready Context Model trains on the organization’s data to create a universal context understanding that answers questions with high semantic accuracy while maintaining data privacy and governance. Furthermore, we use generative AI to formulate well-scoped queries that allow us to extract data from the different systems, as opposed to feeding raw data into the LLMs. This is crucial for addressing hallucination and safety concerns with LLMs.

You coined the term “Agentic Data Insights Platform.” How is agentic intelligence different from traditional analytics tools or even standard LLM-based assistants?

Traditional BI stacks slow decision-making because every question has to fight its way through disconnected data silos and a relay team of specialists. When a chief revenue officer needs to know how to close the quarter, the answer typically passes through half a dozen hands—analysts wrangling CRM extracts, data engineers stitching files together, and dashboard builders refreshing reports—turning a simple query into a multi-day project.

Our platform breaks down those silos and puts the full depth of data one keystroke away, so the CRO can drill from headline metrics all the way to row-level detail in seconds.

No waiting in the analyst queue, no predefined dashboards that can’t keep up with new questions—just true self-service insights delivered at the speed the business moves.

How do you ensure WisdomAI adapts to the unique data vocabulary and structure of each enterprise? What role does human input play in refining the Knowledge Fabric?

Working with data where and how it is – that’s essentially the holy grail for enterprise business intelligence. Traditional systems aren’t built to handle unstructured data or “dirty” data with typos and errors. When information exists across varied sources – databases, documents, telemetry data – organizations struggle to integrate this information cohesively.

Without capabilities to handle these diverse data types, valuable context remains isolated in separate systems. Our platform can be trained on any data warehousing system by analyzing query logs, allowing it to adapt to each organization’s unique data vocabulary and structure.

You’ve described WisdomAI’s development process as ‘vibe coding’—building product experiences directly in code first, then iterating through real-world use. What advantages has this approach given you compared to traditional product design?

“Vibe coding” is a significant shift in how software is built where developers leverage the power of AI tools to generate code simply by describing the desired functionality in natural language. It’s like an intelligent assistant that does what you want the software to do, and it writes the code for you. This dramatically reduces the manual effort and time traditionally required for coding.

For years, the creation of digital products has largely followed a familiar script: meticulously plan the product and UX design, then execute the development, and iterate based on feedback. The logic was clear because investing in design upfront minimizes costly rework during the more expensive and time-consuming development phase. But what happens when the cost and time to execute that development drastically shrinks? This capability flips the traditional development sequence on its head. Suddenly, developers can start building functional software based on a high-level understanding of the requirements, even before detailed product and UX designs are finalized.

With the speed of AI code generation, the effort involved in creating exhaustive upfront designs can, in certain contexts, become relatively more time-consuming than getting a basic, functional version of the software up and running. The new paradigm in the world of vibe coding becomes: execute (code with AI), then adapt (design and refine).

This approach allows for incredibly early user validation of the core concepts. Imagine getting feedback on the actual functionality of a feature before investing heavily in detailed visual designs. This can lead to more user-centric designs, as the design process is directly informed by how users interact with a tangible product.

At WisdomAI, we actively embrace AI code generation. We’ve found that by embracing rapid initial development, we can quickly test core functionalities and gather invaluable user feedback early in the process, live on the product. This allows our design team to then focus on refining the user experience and visual design based on real-world usage, leading to more effective and user-loved products, faster.

From sales and marketing to manufacturing and customer success, WisdomAI targets a wide spectrum of business use cases. Which verticals have seen the fastest adoption—and what use cases have surprised you in their impact?

We’ve seen transformative results with multiple customers. For F500 oil and gas company, ConocoPhillips, drilling engineers and operators now use our platform to query complex well data directly in natural language. Before WisdomAI, these engineers needed technical help for even basic operational questions about well status or job performance. Now they can instantly access this information while simultaneously comparing against best practices in their drilling manuals—all through the same conversational interface. They evaluated numerous AI vendors in a six-month process, and our solution delivered a 50% accuracy improvement over the closest competitor.

At a hyper growth Cyber Security company Descope, WisdomAI is used as a virtual data analyst for Sales and Finance. We reduced report creation time from 2-3 days to just 2-3 hours—a 90% decrease. This transformed their weekly sales meetings from data-gathering exercises to strategy sessions focused on actionable insights. As their CRO notes, “Wisdom AI brings data to my fingertips. It really democratizes the data, bringing me the power to go answer questions and move on with my day, rather than define your question, wait for somebody to build that answer, and then get it in 5 days.” This ability to make data-driven decisions with unprecedented speed has been particularly crucial for a fast-growing company in the competitive identity management market.

A practical example: A chief revenue officer asks, “How am I going to close my quarter?” Our platform immediately offers a list of pending deals to focus on, along with information on what’s delaying each one – such as specific questions customers are waiting to have answered. This happens with five keystrokes instead of five specialists and days of delay.

Many companies today are overloaded with dashboards, reports, and siloed tools. What are the most common misconceptions enterprises have about business intelligence today?

Organizations sit on troves of information yet struggle to leverage this data for quick decision-making. The challenge isn’t just about having data, but working with it in its natural state – which often includes “dirty” data not cleaned of typos or errors. Companies invest heavily in infrastructure but face bottlenecks with rigid dashboards, poor data hygiene, and siloed information. Most enterprises need specialized teams to run reports, creating significant delays when business leaders need answers quickly. The interface where people consume data remains outdated despite advancements in cloud data engines and data science.

Do you view WisdomAI as augmenting or eventually replacing existing BI tools like Tableau or Looker? How do you fit into the broader enterprise data stack?

We’re compatible with major cloud data services like Snowflake, Microsoft Fabric, Google’s BigQuery, Amazon’s Redshift, Databricks, and Postgres and also just document formats like excel, PDF, powerpoint etc. Our approach transforms the interface where people consume data, which has remained outdated despite advancements in cloud data engines and data science.

Looking ahead, where do you see WisdomAI in five years—and how do you see the concept of “agentic intelligence” evolving across the enterprise landscape?

The future of analytics is moving from specialist-driven reports to self-service intelligence accessible to everyone. BI tools have been around for 20+ years, but adoption hasn’t even reached 20% of company employees. Meanwhile, in just twelve months, 60% of workplace users adopted ChatGPT, many using it for data analysis. This dramatic difference shows the potential for conversational interfaces to increase adoption.

We’re seeing a fundamental shift where all employees can directly interrogate data without technical skills. The future will combine the computational power of AI with natural human interaction, allowing insights to find users proactively rather than requiring them to hunt through dashboards.

Thank you for the great interview, readers who wish to learn more should visit WisdomAI.

[infograins-tcs]

AI/ML Training in Indore – Future-Proof Your Tech Career with Infograins TCS

Introduction – Master AI & Machine Learning with Industry Experts

In the fast-evolving digital era, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are revolutionizing the tech world. Whether you're an aspiring data scientist or a developer looking to pivot, enrolling in AI/ML Training in Indore can give you a competitive edge. Infograins TCS offers a practical, project-based learning environment to help you gain expertise in AI and ML, and prepare for high-demand job roles in top companies.

Overview – Deep Learning to Data Science, All in One Course

Our AI/ML Training in Indore covers the full spectrum of artificial intelligence and machine learning — from Python programming and data handling to deep learning, neural networks, natural language processing (NLP), and model deployment. The training is designed to be hands-on, incorporating real-time projects that mimic real-world business problems. This ensures every learner gains practical exposure and problem-solving skills needed for today’s data-driven ecosystem.

Key Benefits – Why Our AI/ML Training Is the Right Choice

Infograins TCS offers more than just theoretical knowledge. With our training, you will:

Gain hands-on experience with real-world AI/ML projects

Learn from industry experts with years of domain experience

Work with essential tools like TensorFlow, Scikit-learn, and Python

Receive job support and opportunities for ai ml training in Indore as well as internship options

This comprehensive approach ensures you're ready for both entry-level and advanced roles in data science, AI engineering, and analytics.

Why Choose Us – Elevate Your Career with Infograins TCS

Infograins TCS stands out as a trusted AI/ML Training Institute in Indore because of our consistent focus on quality, practical learning, and placement outcomes. With personalized mentoring, updated course content, and real-time learning environments, we ensure every student gets the tools and confidence to succeed in this competitive field. Our goal isn’t just to train you—it’s to launch your career.

Certification Programs at Infograins TCS

After completing the course, students receive a professional certificate that validates their expertise in AI and Machine Learning. Our aiml certification in Indore is recognized by employers and gives you the credibility to showcase your skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile. The certification acts as a career gateway into roles such as Machine Learning Engineer, AI Developer, and Data Scientist.

After Certification – What Opportunities Await You?

Post-certification, we support your journey with job assistance, resume workshops, and interview preparation. We also provide internship opportunities to bridge the gap between theory and application. This helps you gain industry exposure, build a real-world portfolio, and network with professionals in the AI/ML community—boosting your career from learning to landing.

Explore Our More Courses – Broaden Your Tech Skillset

In addition to AI/ML Training in Indore, Infograins TCS offers a range of other career-boosting IT courses:

Data Science with Python

Full Stack Development

Cloud Computing (AWS & Azure)

DevOps and Kubernetes

Business Analyst Training Each program is designed with market demand in mind, ensuring you're equipped with in-demand skills.

Why We as a Helping Partner – Beyond Just Training

Infograins TCS is not just an institute; we are your long-term learning partner. We understand that AI and ML are complex domains and require continued support, practical application, and mentoring. We go beyond traditional classroom training to offer one-on-one mentorship, job-matching guidance, and career tracking. Our AI/ML Training in Indore is designed to give learners lasting success—not just a certificate.

FAQs – Professional Answers to Your Common Questions

1. Who is eligible for the AI/ML training course? This course is open to graduates, working professionals, and anyone with a basic understanding of programming and mathematics.

2. Will I receive a certificate after completing the course? Yes, we offer a professional aiml certification in Indore recognized by industry leaders and tech recruiters.

3. What tools and technologies will I learn? You’ll work with Python, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, Pandas, NumPy, and more, as part of our hands-on learning methodology.

4. Are there internship opportunities available after the course? Yes, eligible students will be offered internships that involve real-world AI/ML projects to enhance their practical knowledge and resume.

5. Do you offer placement assistance? Absolutely. Our dedicated career support team provides job readiness training, mock interviews, and connects you with top recruiters in the tech industry.

Start Your Journey with AI/ML Training in Indore

The future of technology is intelligent—and you can be at the forefront of it. Join AI/ML Training in Indore at Infograins TCS and turn your ambition into a thriving tech career. Enroll now and take the first step toward becoming an AI & ML professional.

[scholarinfohub]

What Is NHS and GP in the UK? What You Don’t Know Might Be the Key to Landing a Job in 2025-26

You’ve probably heard of the NHS, but do you know how it works? Or better yet… how to land a job there in 2025-26? Because while thousands apply every year, only a few truly understand the system, which gives them the edge.

What if I tell you the NHS is not just one of the largest employers in the UK... but a global career gateway waiting to be unlocked? If you're an international medical graduate, nurse, healthcare assistant, or even a non-clinical professional with big dreams, this might just be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. Let’s uncover everything from what “GP” means to how you can land your spot inside the NHS.

So... What Exactly Is the NHS?

The National Health Service (NHS) is the publicly funded healthcare system of the United Kingdom. Established in 1948, it delivers free healthcare to UK residents at the point of need, from emergency care and surgeries to general health advice.

What makes the NHS truly unique is its scale. It employs over 1.3 million people, making it one of the largest employers in the world, only behind giants like the U.S. Department of Defense and China’s military.

They’re constantly recruiting. Especially in the wake of post-pandemic recovery and workforce shortages, the NHS needs people. And not just doctors or nurses, but IT experts, administrators, lab scientists, care assistants, and more.

What Is a GP in the UK?

“GP” stands for General Practitioner a medical doctor who provides primary care for patients in the UK. Think of them as the first point of contact for any non-emergency health concern.

GPs handle:

Diagnosing and treating common illnesses

Referring patients to specialists

Managing long-term conditions like diabetes or hypertension

Preventive care and vaccinations

In the UK, nearly everyone is registered with a GP practice. These professionals are critical to the functioning of the NHS — and yes, GP jobs are in high demand. Becoming a GP in the UK isn’t just for UK-trained doctors. There are pathways for international medical graduates (IMGs) too.

Why the NHS Is a Career Goldmine — Especially Now

You might be wondering: why so much buzz around NHS jobs?

Here’s why:

Competitive salaries (even for entry-level roles)

Long-term job security

Free visa sponsorship for many roles

Relocation assistance and training

Work-life balance is unheard of in many countries

And let’s not forget the prestige. Working with the NHS is a career-defining opportunity, often opening doors across Europe, Canada, and beyond.

How to Secure a Job in the NHS (Step-by-Step for 2025)

If you’re serious about getting into the NHS, here’s the game plan:

Step 1: Understand Your Role Type

Are you clinical or non-clinical?

Clinical roles include doctors, nurses, midwives, physiotherapists, radiographers.

Non-clinical roles cover admin staff, finance, HR, IT support, data analysts, and more.

Each has its own requirements and separate application routes.

Step 2: Get Registered (If Clinical)

If you're applying for a medical or nursing role, you must register with the appropriate UK body:

Doctors → GMC – General Medical Council

Nurses/Midwives → NMC – Nursing and Midwifery Council

You’ll likely need to:

Pass IELTS/OET

Complete PLAB (for doctors) or CBT/OSCE (for nurses)

Meet experience requirements

Step 3: Search the Right Platforms

Don’t waste time randomly browsing. Use official NHS portals:

NHS Jobs

Trac Jobs

Set up email alerts and apply early. NHS roles are filled fast.

Step 4: Tailor Your CV & Cover Letter

Many applicants use generic templates. That’s a mistake.

Highlight:

Relevant experience

UK-equivalent qualifications

Soft skills (compassion, teamwork, adaptability)

Commitment to long-term NHS contribution

Step 5: Interview Prep

NHS interviews are structured and competency-based. Be ready to answer questions around:

Ethical scenarios

Handling pressure

Conflict resolution

Patient safety

Step 6: Sponsorship and Visa

Many NHS trusts offer Tier 2 visa sponsorship for overseas applicants.

Once selected:

You’ll receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Apply for a Skilled Worker visa

Complete your relocation process

Tips for International Applicants

Don’t underestimate soft skills. The NHS values empathy, communication, and patient-centered care.

Start early. It can take 6–12 months from application to relocation.

Network on LinkedIn. Many NHS recruiters and hiring managers are active — reach out professionally.

Final Thought: The Door Is Open… But Not Forever

Thousands dream of working in the UK healthcare system, but they assume it’s impossible, too competitive, too complex. But in reality, the NHS needs you, perhaps now more than ever.

So the question is… Will you take the first step before the window closes? Or will you let someone else live your dream because they dared to apply?