Hi, I'm Ellias Sithole

Mathematics Graduate • Aspiring Developer • Data Enthusiast

"Integrating logic, creativity, coding, and data science to develop impactful and meaningful solutions."

About Me

I am a problem-solver by nature, with a strong background in mathematics and a growing career in software development and data science. I hold an MSc in Pure Mathematics from the University of the Witwatersrand and have gained industry experience through internships, professional roles at PepsiCo, and hands-on personal and collaborative projects. I am currently expanding my skills in Python programming and machine learning, focusing on real-world data analysis, predictive modeling, and automation. My goal is to merge mathematical thinking and technology to create impactful, data-driven solutions.

Experience

Intern Junior Developer – NVisionIT

Nov 2024 – Jan 2025

Assisted in the development of commercial web applications by collaborating closely with development teams on a variety of projects. Applied user-centered interaction design principles to enhance usability and engagement while gaining hands-on experience with modern web frameworks and technologies. Contributed to writing, testing, and refining code to ensure robust and efficient application functionality.

Network Transformation (Network Modeler) – PepsiCo

Jan 2023 – Dec 2023

I collaborated closely with various functions to communicate data requirements essential for building network models, engaging regularly with Regional and Front Line Managers within the warehouse environment. I was responsible for tracking and collecting accurate data to ensure timely delivery of these models, rigorously validating input data for accuracy. Additionally, I worked with stakeholders to integrate appropriate assumptions, ensuring the models reflected practical and relevant business insights.

Finance & Revenue Management Graduate – PepsiCo

Aug 2021 – Jan 2023

Completed a comprehensive 2-month induction covering Research and Development, Supply Chain, Commercial Operations, and Finance. Undertook a 3-month site placement at Simba’s snacks manufacturing facility in Isando, supporting operational efficiency and quality assurance. Rotated through multiple Finance departments over 8 months, developing skills in financial analysis, budgeting, and reporting. Led key projects including a Sustainability initiative for the West and Central Africa region and the creation of a Brand Ladder Pricing Index to optimize pricing strategies. In the final phase, managed a specialized Net Revenue Management project.

Aim & Mission

My goal is to solve real-world challenges by combining logic, creativity, and technology with a data-driven approach. Through hands-on projects, I have honed my ability to write clean, efficient, and maintainable code while designing user-centered solutions.

I have experience with JavaScript, HTML, CSS, SQL, Python, Git, GitHub, Power BI, and Power Apps, which has strengthened my problem-solving, analytical, and collaboration skills. Working on projects in data analysis, portfolio optimization, machine learning, and regression modeling has enhanced my ability to think critically, make informed decisions, and deliver impactful results. I aim to continuously grow as a developer and data scientist, applying both technical expertise and creativity to build solutions that generate real value.

Projects

Weather App

This Weather App is a dynamic, JavaScript-powered project featured on my portfolio, built to display real-time weather information based on user input. By integrating with a public weather API, it fetches and presents current temperature, conditions, humidity, and wind speed in a clean, responsive interface.

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Power BI Sales Performance Dashboard

This project presents a comprehensive Power BI dashboard analyzing sales performance, customer satisfaction, and inventory distribution across various outlet and product dimensions. The goal is to uncover key insights and identify opportunities for optimization and strategic decision-making using dynamic visuals and KPIs.

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Password Generator

This Random Password Generator App is a JavaScript-based project featured on my portfolio, designed to showcase my skills in creating secure and interactive web applications. The tool allows users to generate strong, customizable passwords by selecting criteria such as length, uppercase/lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. It features real-time feedback, responsive design, and clean UI.

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Age Calculator

This JavaScript Age Calculator is a featured project on my portfolio website, showcasing my ability to build interactive, user-friendly web tools using core JavaScript. It allows users to input their date of birth and instantly see their exact age in years, months, and days through precise date calculations and responsive UI updates.

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Motor Collisions Analysis

This Motor Vehicle Collisions SQL Analysis project is a data-driven investigation featured on my portfolio, highlighting my ability to extract insights from large, real-world datasets using SQL. By exploring patterns in collision data—such as peak accident hours, contributing factors, borough-wise impact, and vehicle types involved—I applied advanced SQL concepts like CTEs, window functions, subqueries, and aggregate analysis.

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Investment Portfolio Optimization

Applied Modern Portfolio Theory and CAPM to optimize a portfolio of six major U.S. stocks. Calculated daily and annualized returns, volatility, and correlations, and constructed the Efficient Frontier to identify Maximum Sharpe Ratio and Minimum Volatility portfolios. Evaluated portfolio risk using Value-at-Risk, Conditional Value-at-Risk, and Maximum Drawdown, and backtested performance against the S&P 500 benchmark. Simulated investment outcomes under bull, bear, and moderate market scenarios to guide a R10,000 investment decision, demonstrating proficiency in financial modeling, data analysis, and risk management

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🔗 See more on GitHub.

Education

MSc in Pure Mathematics, University of the Witwatersrand (2020–2021)

BSc Hons in Pure Mathematics, University of the Witwatersrand (2019)

BSc in Computational & Applied Mathematics, University of the Witwatersrand (2015–2018)

Skills

Languages

JavaScriptSQL (T-SQL)HTMLCSSPython (intermediate, applied in data analysis and machine learning)scikit-learn (introductory)

Tools & Frameworks

Power BIPower AppsSSMSGitGitHubVS CodeTensorFlow, scikit-learn, NLTK, Pandas, NumPy

Data Science & ML

Machine LearningDeep LearningNatural Language Processing

Financial Modelling and Analytics

CAPMMarkowitz Portfolio OptimizationRisk and Return AnalysisMeasuring Volatility, Sharpe Ratio, Portfolio Diversification

Other

Microsoft OfficeLaTeXSpatialXL

Soft Skills

Data AnalysisCreativity & InnovationQuantitative Research Adaptability & Flexibility ManagementCustomer EngagementProblem Solving CollaborationWork Ethic & Dependability

Certifications