At 63, He Chose Data Science Over Retirement: How a Veteran Civil Engineer Proved Learning Has No Age Limit

After spending more than three decades building roads structures and infrastructure projects across India most professionals would consider retirement a wellearned pause For Abhayakumar Narendrapal Sharma retirement marked the beginning of an entirely new academic journeyA civil engineer with over 35 years of professional experience in construction infrastructure development project management contracts planning and valuation Sharma retired from the Life Insurance Corporation of India LIC in 2023 as a Superintending Engineer after a distinguished 33year career But instead of slowing down he enrolled in an Online MSc in Data Science at Chandigarh University Online venturing into a field far removed from the engineering discipline he had mastered over decadesBuilding a Career and Then Building New SkillsSharmas professional life has been defined by continuous growth Before joining LIC in 1990 he worked with MHADA and several leading private construction firms gaining extensive expertise across Indias infrastructure sectorEven during his career learning never stopped He earned certifications in Green Building IGBC ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems arbitration and mediation structural engineering and Applied Artificial Intelligence believing that professional excellence demands constant upskillingI have always believed that learning should continue throughout life he says Every stage of my career involved acquiring new knowledge and retirement simply gave me the opportunity to explore an entirely new domainA Chance Conversation That Changed EverythingInterestingly Sharma never intended to study Data ScienceHis original plan after retirement was to pursue an MTech in Structural Engineering a subject closely aligned with his decades of experience However during discussions with the admissions team at Chandigarh University Online he learned about the newly introduced Online MSc in Data Science programmeThat conversation sparked a new curiosityRecognising the growing importance of data analytics and artificial intelligence across industries Sharma decided to step outside his comfort zoneAt 63 I chose a subject that was completely new to me because I believe retirement is not the end of educationit is the beginning of learning without professional pressure he reflectsDiscovering a New Way to LearnFor Sharma online education itself was unfamiliar territoryAlthough he had completed numerous professional certification programmes over the years he had never pursued a full postgraduate degree through an online learning platformInitially returning to academics after decades presented its own challengesThe first few weeks required adjustment he recalls But the programme was structured in a way that gradually made learning enjoyableRecorded lectures live interactive sessions digital study material and the flexibility to study at his own pace helped him balance learning with retired life while remaining intellectually engagedBreaking the Myth Around Online EducationLike many professionals from his generation Sharma once believed that quality higher education could only happen inside a traditional classroomHis experience changed that perception completelyHe found the faculty approachable the learning resources comprehensive and the academic support responsive whenever he needed guidanceEqually rewarding was learning alongside classmates much younger than himselfDespite the age difference I never felt out of place he says Interacting with young professionals from different industries actually enriched my learning experienceThe classroom although virtual became a space where experience met innovationWhy Data ScienceFor someone whose career revolved around physical infrastructure choosing Data Science may appear unconventionalBut Sharma believes every profession today is becoming increasingly influenced by technologyThroughout his engineering career he regularly attended technical seminars organised by the Bureau of Indian Standards to stay updated with changes in engineering codes and the National Building CodeStudying Data Science he says was simply another step in that lifelong pursuit of knowledgeThe programme also strengthened his understanding of emerging technologies enabling him to engage confidently with professionals working in AI analytics and digital transformationA Message for Professionals Considering a Second BeginningToday Sharma hopes his journey encourages more working professionals and senior citizens to embrace lifelong learningHe believes online education has made quality higher education accessible to people who may not have the flexibility to attend conventional classroomsHe also feels universities can do more by creating opportunities for experienced professionals to mentor students contribute as guest faculty and share decades of practical knowledge with younger generationsFor those who hesitate because of age Sharma offers simple adviceNever let age become an excuse to stop learning The world is changing rapidly and staying relevant requires continuous learningwhether you are 25 or 65His own journey stands as proofAfter spending decades constructing buildings and infrastructure Abhayakumar Narendrapal Sharma has now built something even more enduring a mindset that sees education not as a phase of life but as a lifelong pursuitIn an era where careers are constantly evolving his story is a reminder that the most valuable qualification is the willingness to keep learning regardless of age

At 63, He Chose Data Science Over Retirement: How a Veteran Civil Engineer Proved Learning Has No Age Limit

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At 63, He Chose Data Science Over Retirement: How a Veteran Civil Engineer Proved Learning Has No Age Limit

Other Articles

Mid-Day Fast