Data science feels like play. Starting on a new problem and figuring out how to best solve is like solving a puzzle / mystery. Creating a product that changes the way people or a system behaves in the real world is invigorating. Then getting new information about what is worked no and what is not let’s the cycle continue. Add in the fact that I get to play with new technology, learn new things, and the field is evolving quickly and I am smitten.

In just the past 15 years we have gone from multivariate linear / logistic regression being sexy to people rolling their eyes at them (p.s. those people are wrong to do that). For newcomers to the space I suspect getting started can be a lot more intimidating than it was a decade ago. If you feel that way I encourage you to just get started. Many of the skills that will differentiate you are gained through experience; like framing a problem, identifying sub-problems, writing readable and efficient code, and talking to others about what you did and why. Kaggle has a number of modeling / analytics problems to get your feet wet and leetcode has some good programming exercises.

From a career standpoint, organizations have embraced data science, and it has also moved from a support function to a core strategic function at more and more places. This opens the path to strategic leadership easier if that’s your cup of tea or you can focus on a more technical path and both are well compensated in today’s market.

I am so grateful to be able to do something I really enjoy as my career and I wanted to share that. If you have any questions or thoughts, please do not hesitate to reach out.