December 15, 2023

Navigating the Diverse Landscape of Data Science Careers: Insights from Recent Data Science Graduates (feat. Rebecca Hayes, Jacob Cavanaugh, Yash Potdar)

25 minutes

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Welcome to the final episode of Season 8! Like every season, we’re spending our last episode talking to three recent data science graduates about navigating post-grad life and what it means to enter the industry. We start with Rebecca Hayes, a recent graduate of the City College of San Francisco, who current works as a data analyst and emphasizes the importance of SQL, interpersonal skills, and project management. We then listen to Jacob Cavanaugh from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he shares his experiences in location analytics, highlighting the impact of introductory courses and adaptability. We end with Yash Potdar, a recent UC San Diego graduate and current software engineer at Rivian, who discusses critical thinking, problem-solving, and the role of a product design elective. Talk to you all next season!

“Do something that makes you passionate. If you love dogs, or ice cream, or music, think about how you can learn something and create something in data science using that type of data.” — Rebecca Hayes (CCSF)

“Don't forget to exercise your people skills. The technical ones are important, but at the end of the day, your employers, your coworkers, they're gonna remember the people that connected with them.” — Jacob Cavanaugh (Cal Poly SLO)

“Don't pigeonhole yourself into data science. Don't second guess yourself. If you believe that you have the basic skills and can put in the effort to learn, just apply. Don't be discouraged.” — Yash Potdar (UC San Diego)

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