#datatribe Tag

Alexandra’s Career Change Story

Share a little about yourself.

When I was younger, my curiosity in unpicking the invisible forces that shape the world drew me to study International Relations. It was the same curiosity that later led me into data journalism and data science. Today, I’m a self/community-taught programmer and data viz geek working as a data scientist at Synthesis, a specialist in growing audiences and changing preferences.

What was your job like before transitioning into data science? What prompted you to make the transition?

I started out with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, working on international maritime affairs. This gave me an inside view of diplomacy and policy-making in a global industry. Later, as part of the strategic planning team, I researched key trends and developments that affect Singapore’s future as a maritime city.

I didn’t realise it then, but discovering journalist sites like Fivethirtyeight and the Pudding was the beginning of my career pivot. It blew my mind how they combined code, data, design, and story to uncover and bring to life the larger patterns in socio-economic, cultural, and political issues. I was fascinated and wanted to learn how I could do something similar.

What is your job like now? How different or similar is it to your previous role?

I create custom datasets and use tools from network science and natural language processing to help build a picture of people’s preferences and behaviour.

It was a huge transition in several ways: I moved from a government agency to a fast-growing company with a startup feel; from an industry with centuries of history to a new world of open data and marketing insights; from a policy role to a data science and engineering role. However, it really wasn’t a sudden switch.

So how did you go about making the transition?

Whatever I was learning on the side—computer science, Python/R, new data visualization techniques and statistical analysis—I tried to apply it in my job or personal projects. I also got more involved with communities like She Loves Data, Singapore’s Hacks/Hackers meetup group, and the Data Visualization Society.

Then came a point where I felt a need to add more structure to my learning. I took a sabbatical and went for the Metis Data Science bootcamp, with support from IMDA’s Tech Immersion and Placement Programme.

But how I found my current role was rather fortuitous. I first got to know the people behind Synthesis when I joined a data storytelling challenge that they co-organised. My entry, which re-imagined and visualized popular wedding songs as cupcakes, made an impression and I won a commendation. Shortly after, they were expanding their data science team, and one thing led to another.

What were the major challenges?

Learning to silence my inner critic when it’s not being helpful. In my first two weeks, I came close to a burnout because I thought I needed to grind it out in a new work environment when I didn’t have to. It was tough but I had to learn how to be kinder and more patient with myself.

The fact is, when switching careers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and it’s OK. You’ve got to accept that it will take you longer to understand and figure out things that may be second-nature to more seasoned professionals.

Were there any pleasant surprises?  Maybe you were shocked at how easy some things could be?

In a way, simply pursuing my interests and skilling up led to open doors. I didn’t have to search hard to land my current role. Even before entering the data science field, there were always ways to practise aspects of it in my day job as long as I kept an open mind.

In my new role, I’m fortunate that my more experienced colleagues are super supportive when I reach out for guidance or simply to bounce some ideas off them. Even though my background is non-traditional, I feel very much part of the team.

If you were to go back in time, what advice would you give yourself on this journey?

Making the switch is only the beginning. I don’t think we talk enough about what comes after the switch as well as the non-technical skills needed for a happy, healthy work life in the data/tech industry. Aspects like self-advocacy and self-care are important too.

Has volunteering at SLD helped you in your transition journey?

As a blog editor with SLD, I came to know and interviewed many accomplished brave women. Their own career transition stories inspired me and I learned from their wisdom, hindsight, and experience.

Being part of SLD also means being surrounded by other women and male allies with a can-do attitude who cheer each other on. It’s so uplifting!

Anything tips or advice you wish to tell all our readers? 3 tips you would like to share with our readers who are considering switching roles & industry? 

1. Don’t worry if you don’t have a passion to pursue. Instead, stay curious and focus on mastering skills. I didn’t start out with a fixed idea of what I wanted to do or have some burning passion to begin with. That used to trouble me, but eventually I learned it didn’t matter all that much.I would recommend reading Cal Newport’s books So Good They Can’t Ignore You and Deep Work. He makes a compelling case that it’s ultimately people’s skill-set and not necessarily their passion that determines their career path.
2. Beyond skills, things not obviously connected to work like your social habits and lifestyle choices will shape your career transition. Guard against toil glamour and burnout. The You Got This network is a great resource.
3. And remember, your job is not your career. In the words of Earl Nightingale: Jobs are owned by the company, you own your career!

A New Chapter with Loucine Hayes

Sep 07 2020 | Nikita Phavade

Meet Loucine Hayes, the head of our new chapter in Armenia! With decades of experience in international development and capacity building, Loucine has touched many lives. We’re delighted to have her as part of the She Loves Data community, and here, she shares her story as well as vision for the new chapter.

Share something about you.

I repatriated to Armenia last year after living in 14 countries and working in over 27 counties in various fields. But I’m always focusing on building communities, effective business models and functioning policies. Throughout my career, data has been the pulling thread to stitch all pieces and decisions and make a wonderful tapestry. And now I am in Armenia to share all wealth, do knowledge and experience, inspire and guide young people to make bold steps toward attaining their dreams.

How will the launch of this chapter be a milestone for Armenia?

Armenia has made strides in IT and Data science. Sometimes it has been called the new Silicon Valley. There are many wonderful opportunists for women to get engaged in this industry and make better career choices, better solutions for their endeavors in entrepreneurship and other fields. Data can guide and help them thrive. The trend is there for women to get engaged and this will open a wide gate of opportunity and inspiration not to be afraid and make a bold step. The American University of Armenia Open Education (AUA OE) has a strategic focus to increase the engagement of women in the regions. We have the infrastructure and She Loves Data has the outlet to the world of knowledge in this field and together we can bring invaluable opportunities for learning and growth in this field for women.

How can members join your chapter? How will it help them?

Members can join by filling the volunteer form on She Loves Data website or sending a letter of intent. We will also have special events and meetings to explain and encourage members to join.

It will help them to get up to date training and skills in the field as well as make career advancement or start a career in this field. It will help them to network and meet other members and exchange of experiences and support.

What three things you would like to say to the young women in Armenia?

1. Be unapologetically bold when pursuing your dreams.
2. Be gentle and compassionate when dealing with others.
3. Embrace fun and joy in your life with every moment and every step.

What is your vision for the Armenia chapter?

Opportunity for every woman to attain a meaningful career  in a data-driven world.

Share with us events or topics that the Armenia chapter will be promoting.

Career opportunities in data and connection to various industry leaders. Sub-sectors  can be banking, health, education, agriculture, circular economies and environment protection.

Start-up entrepreneurship.

Coding and algorithms.

Educational opportunities.

Manupriya’s Career Change Story

Please share a little about yourself!

I am the founder of my online business “The Secret Pet Store” and a part-time social media specialist for She Loves Data (SLD). I was always passionate and excited to run my own online business. So, when my Reporting Analyst role got impacted due to covid-19 I thought that this is the best time to do what you love to do… I joined SLD to serve the community and also launched my online store.

What was your job like before transitioning into your independent firm? What prompted you to make the transition?

I always knew in my heart that I wanted to start my own business and be a renowned best social media strategist. I never saw myself working until the age of 65 and that too in a field which I am not passionate about. Plus I always wanted to do something for our loving pets <3.

Also, we all know it’s not easy to simply leave a good full-time job and start again from ground level. So I think it was meant to happen, as my role got impacted by COVID and I started my dream journey.  However, I also began my travel page on IG while I was working.

What is your job like now? How different or similar is it to your previous role?

Its a lot of hard work now definitely much more than before. There are lots of uncertainty and risks however the main driving force is that I enjoy & love to do this.

I would say this is completely different from what I did before, as I am coming from a data analyst background into social media marketing 🙂 also 100% more exciting then analyst role! Hahaha

So how did you go about making the transition?

It was really tough as I changed my field, I knew I had to start from ground zero. I had to do many online courses and thanks to my friends who helped to keep me motivated on the days I was about to break-down and when I started doubting myself. Being an experienced analyst, it was a bit easy to get a similar, well-paying role but changing to a new career required me to start from entry-level roles or maybe internship

What were the major challenges you faced?

1. Not enough work experience
2. Time management

Were there any pleasant surprises?  Maybe you were shocked at how easy some things could be?

Yes definitely. I was at the first scared and overwhelmed with social media tasks at SLD as I knew it would be read globally, but now its fun and I enjoy it. For my online store, building the whole website from scratch was one of the things that I first felt would be so tough but turned out to be easy.

If you were to go back in time, what advice would you give yourself on this journey?

I should have believed in me and should have started working towards my passion sooner. But then I am happy as its never too late!

How has volunteering at She Loves Data helped you in your transition journey?

Absolutely! SLD gave me a chance to further develop and improve my social media skills. It gave me a platform where my knowledge and learnings can be implemented.

Bonus: I gained a lot more confidence as a social media specialist 🙂

Any tips or advice you wish to share with our readers?

1. Be prepared to work harder than before
2. Have a schedule & try to gain as much knowledge as possible
3. Don’t be afraid to follow your dreams!

Origin Story: Why We Do What We Do

Meet She Loves Data Manila Lead

These are some of our most dedicated volunteers, ladies who overcame their own mountains and pay it forward by building up our #DataTribe. Say hello to Kathleen Criselle Reverente, a data scientist a Novare Technologies who heads She Loves Data’s Manila chapter.

Could you share a bit about your career journey? How did you shift from Broadcast Communications to Software Development to your current role as a Data Scientist?

After I left my media job, I began searching for a career that I wanted to pursue. I remember asking, what will align with my interest in sharing stories and insights and move people? At that time, I didn’t know the answer. I went about with the openness to learn new things and trust the process of finding my career path. I landed different roles, including as a production assistant, a training assistant, and a sales associate in different industries.

It was 2018 when I interviewed for and won a scholarship to a web development bootcamp. The scholarship sponsors had the mission of encouraging women to pursue a career in tech. At that time, I was healing from my first miscarriage and felt lost with regards to my career. But I remember my mantra at that time was to say yes to opportunities. After completing the bootcamp, I was still not yet confident in shifting career to tech. Self-doubt crept in. I got overwhelmed with the jobs available as most were looking for bachelor’s graduates in Information Technology or Computer Science. Luckily, another scholarship opportunity for a web development course came along. After that course, I got an internship as a front-end developer. A few weeks after, I found out that I was pregnant and needed to be on bed rest. That pregnancy led to another miscarriage.

During this time, December 2018, I hit rock bottom. I didn’t know what to do next. I was sure that I had wanted a job in the tech industry and I would have taken on any job. I’m grateful that at the start of 2019, the company where I had my internship, offered me a Junior Manual Quality Assurance role. I enjoyed it because I had learned so many things. I discovered I loved analyzing systems and workflows, my discussions with developers and the product team, and also anticipating possible problems with our systems. In short, I loved everything!

Around that time, I saw a Facebook post on a data science scholarship for women and applied for it. In March 2019, I heard back and was invited to do the next steps in the application. I later got the scholarship, which offered an immersive data science learning experience.

In August 2019, I needed to make a big decision on which career path to pursue: Software testing or data science? I decided to go out of my comfort zone to finally pursue a career in data science. I received feedback that I was still far from landing a data-science related job, as I needed to learn more. So I kept on learning. I got lots of rejections in job applications. I remember there was a time, I cried during an online take-home exam with my dream data science company.  I had the idea on how to do the exam, but it seems that my skills weren’t enough to execute it.

Again, doubts crept in on whether data science was for me, and I set a deadline of January 2020 to land a data science job. Last February, I started at my current company and I’m so grateful that they saw the potential in me. Every day, I’m happy to learn more about data science and its opportunities. Due to my current role, I get to know more about my learning style and my love for learning. Indeed, learning never stops and I’m loving it!

What inspires you to be part of the She Loves Data community and give back? 

I found out about She Loves Data (SLD) in an Instagram ad way back in 2018. At that time, I was following different women tech groups that have local chapters in Manila. When I heard that SLD was going to have their first event in Manila in September 2019, I made sure to be there! I was like a fan girl at that time! It was so exciting to experience an event that I saw about in Instagram posts and stories. That was also when I met the co-founder Jana Marle-Zizkova.

She Loves Data played a part in helping me get to where I am now. Because of the SLD event last September, it widened my perspective that I would find my place in this field and that I need to keep on learning and going. There’s a community that will always there to support someone like me.

I spent my volunteer time by connecting to other communities here in the Philippines for future collaboration. I also share the current online SLD events. What inspires me to part of She Loves Data is that it is one of the communities that I’ve known that really encourages women to pursue a career in tech. As a career-switcher, I find it important to have a community like my support group, especially when self-doubt creeps in.

Is there anything else you would like to share? Do you have any advice for community members facing self-doubt in their career choices?

With the roller coaster journey that I have been through, I find that my experience with self-doubt keeps me grounded on how badly I wanted to pursue a data science career. What works for me is to find time to confront that feeling. I write thoughts that I’m having at that time and identify what triggers that feeling. After that, I read and process whether there is something I can do about it. If possible, I list down the steps.

Whenever I’m tackling self-doubt, I always end up being reminded of my why in pursuing this career and to trust the process! It’s best if you have someone or a community who have similar goals and you can share your progress with them.

Meet She Loves Data instructors

Our events and workshops wouldn’t be possible without our awesome volunteers who dedicate their time to sharing their knowledge in tech and beyond. Say hello to Dalya Manatova, volunteer instructor, and Steve Remington, our director of curriculum.

What inspires you to be part of the community and give back? 

Dalya: Switching careers to Data Science/Data Analyst positions is not a path for everyone. However, shaping an individual’s career such that it intertwines with data and relies on data-driven concepts—that’s the goal. I am filled with joy when I have an opportunity to show others how they can utilize data in their career. I help people understand the material during the workshops and make sure everyone is on track.

Steve: Two things. First, I was fortunate to have great mentors both professional and academic. Given that I am good at sharing my knowledge in a way that makes it easy for others to understand, this is the best way for me to give back and help prepare the next generation of my profession to be the best that they can be. Second, I want to help redress the gender imbalance in the analytics profession and the associated negatives that it sometimes brings. Also, I have taught, worked with and managed a number of female analytics professionals in my career. I have always found them to be equally or often more capable than their male counterparts. I want to share that with other women so they can shift from the “Maybe I can’t do this” mindset to the “I can definitely do this” mindset.

Meet She Loves Data Singapore Leads

These are some of our most dedicated volunteers, ladies with a knack for building up our #DataTribe. Say hello to Jitka Raskova and Richa Tibarewal, our lovely co-heads for She Loves Data’s Singapore chapter.

How do you spend your volunteer time with She Loves Data? 

Jitka: At this moment, I spend most of my time planning and organizing webinars for the whole SLD community in APAC. We run approximately 2-3 webinars per week focused on 3 main areas: Data & Tech, Digital Marketing, and Essential Skills. I am happy to share that since we have implemented our online strategy in the middle of April 2020, we have welcomed audiences from more than 51 countries and we have reached more than 2,000 unique registrations.

Richa: The time that I spend working for She Loves Data community is my personal passion time. The energy rush that I get by working for the women community is fantastic.  At the end of the day, it is not about what you have or even what you have accomplished. It is about whom you have lifted up and what you have given back. I build long-term relationships with the partners of She Loves Data to bring more workshops to our community. I also work with various internal teams behind the scene to make sure we are consistent, strategic and relevant in whatever we do. As we are a volunteer-run organisation, it’s important to do reality checks and see if our activities are meeting real needs. Helping volunteers use their time fruitfully is another responsibility that I love to drive.

What inspires you to be part of the community and give back? 

Jitka: As a mother returning from my maternity leave, I find that She Loves Data has given me an opportunity to be part of this inspirational community. This volunteering role allows me to learn a lot about how business and event management works in Asia. I have the chance to meet and talk to people from various countries, cultures and various business sectors. I love the enthusiasm and energy you get from the community members who attend our events. It’s truly rewarding to hear that we are able to help someone to find a job or that we encourage women not to be afraid of Data anymore. I also learn a lot while actively listening to these webinars and attending events myself.

Richa: The gender gap in the tech industry is still huge. This is why we do what we do! I strongly believe, an inspiring woman is simply a woman who can fill someone with the desire or urge to do something worthwhile, leverage their talent, and explore their passion. She Loves Data enables me to do my bit towards building a community where like-minded women can come together to learn, share knowledge, support each other, connect and have fun!

There are so many women out there who genuinely wants to learn. They want to switch their careers or get back into action after taking a break. Post-workshop, we get so many encouraging emails from participants. We have seen women  landing unexpected opportunities because of She Loves Data. It could be a remote work opportunity with our partners or a networking opportunity that created a path for a new job. These are the stories that keeps me motivated. The entire team at She Loves Data is self-driven, and I get to learn so much from the team!

From outsider to #DataTribe member: my arrival at She Loves Data

I am so excited about writing this article I don’t even know how to begin. Really, I am a journalist by trade but the last time I wrote for a newspaper was in 2010. Since then I have had many other jobs, but I haven’t felt the pressure of a deadline in a long time.

So, why am I writing this article then?

Well, someone suggested I write about my experience with She Loves Data events. I couldn’t say no. It was an excellent chance to flex my muscles as a writer.

Who was that person?

It was Jana Marlé-Zizková – founder of Meiro and She Loves Data, and proud owner of not one but two pairs of Wonder Woman shoes.

Let me tell you more…

The first time I saw Jana was at the Data is the new black event, back in March. I have to say my expectations for the event weren’t that great. I had been to many events “for women” where a few successful ladies give pep talks to an audience of mostly expat women who are looking for inspiration, validation and a purpose. What usually happens in these talks is that I leave feeling less inspired and even more frustrated. Why can they do it but I can’t? How can they be so fit and successful? When did they learn how to create their own businesses? How can they run their own business when I can’t even find a job?

Singapore can be very harsh to women, especially when we don’t work. Employers tend to assume we are bored women looking for something to keep us entertained, and not smart women with skills and something to bring to the table. I was asked several times in interviews what my husband does. I was also asked who would take care of my daughter if I started working. I was even told that my salary expectations were too high and that “I didn’t really need the money”.

To be asked these questions and to have these sorts of assumptions made about me is infuriating.

So, what am I still doing in Singapore?

Jana has a lot to do with it. See, I was totally wrong about the content of the event. The all-female panel shared struggles, talked about difficulties, explained how difficult life was at moments. They didn’t rub their success in the audience’s face. These women overcame obstacles, jumped through hoops and over hurdles to get where they are. They all had things in common: being women, incredibly bright, humble and working in the data field, whether by chance or by choice. I still wasn’t sure what data was about, but I was truly inspired and I needed to learn more. I went home and started researching, I read articles and watched videos. I learned about data visualization tools and realised that it all tied in really neatly with my background.

And what background is that?

I am Portuguese and left my home country fresh out of university, in 2004, to pursue my dream of being a journalist. I moved to Spain where I worked for several newspapers and magazines. But the economic crisis hit hard and many papers went bankrupt, including my main clients.

It was time to pack my bags and go back home. Obviously, after making a living from chasing stories, asking uncomfortable questions and writing for hours… after years of arriving home late and eating cold pizza in the morning, how was I going to get my kick of adrenaline? PR and event management didn’t really work so I started teaching.

What? How do you even go from A to B?

With bills to pay and putting to good use something I already knew. In my case, Spanish and English. I taught children, teenagers, adults, corporate, public schools, one-to-one, large groups, you name it. The adrenaline was back! Standing in from of people, teaching them a new skill, listening to their questions, thinking on my feet. When preparing my classes I always tried to add some humour and make things light and fun.

A year went by and I had to decide whether to renew for another year or move again as life was getting quite claustrophobic. In a turn of events that included the start of a new relationship I packed my bags again and went to the UK. I was going to keep on teaching but ended up working in an International School where I quickly went from Receptionist to Deputy Director of Studies. Soon there would be a restructure and I applied for a job in a university. I got it and in under a year I went from Administrative Assistant to Senior Officer. It was a great job: I led a student support team with 7 amazing women and about 8.000 students.

What does this all have to do with data?

Great question, as the politicians would say. At the time I didn’t know, but I was dealing with raw data and trying to make sense of it every single day. I dealt with students, modules, schedules, classes, allocations. It would’ve been a lot easier to do that with some specific software and a data analyst in the team. As a journalist, I had to read reports and write articles. I was the one deciding what information to use and knowing what mattered to my readers. This is also data analysis. Who knew?!

What was my next step?

I kept a close eye on this She Loves Data thing and as soon as they announced another event I signed up. The event was called “Introduction to Data Analytics” and it was only for women. About a hundred of us attended this all-day masterclass on the basics of Data Analysis.

How did it go?

It was awesome! I saw Jana again and confirmed that she is set in helping women find the best in themselves: to develop new skills and to find or confirm their worth. Right at the start, she showed everyone how to connect with each other on LinkedIn. On that day this network became interesting to me.

Jana then introduced Quinn Pham, from Meiro, and Steve Remington from Minerra. They spent hours teaching new terminology, showing software, breaking down things that seemed very complicated. We discussed data visualization and context. This was definitely not an event for techies… I am not one and enjoyed every minute of it. I learned that interpreting data is no different from translating from one language to another. I also learned that pie charts make Steve’s cats sad. Trust me on this one, after hearing Steve talk about pie charts you will not see them in the same way again.

Who else was there?

Asides from the dozens of women from all sorts of backgrounds and industries, many of whom I had the pleasure of talking to during and after the event, the She Loves Data team brought some heavy-weights to share their professional journeys: Katrien Bollen from Google, Melissa Ries from Tibco, Stephanie Chin from HP. Down to earth women who have been where some of us are: suffering from imposter syndrome, feeling like we are not worthy of a seat at the table. Let me tell you that the seat at the table is not Thor’s hammer. You don’t have to be worthy… you just need to want it.

What happened after the workshop?

I approached Jana, Quinn and Steve. I told them how much I had enjoyed the event and how friendly the environment was. I also liked how the trainers were not patronising or condescending.

We shared contacts and I got in touch with Jana and asked if I could join her, Pavel, Quinn, Steve, Nelya, Patricia, Alex and many other volunteers who are making the world a better place by including and welcoming women into a field that traditionally is difficult for us to access.

And???

Well, now I finished writing my first article as Content Producer for SLD. Soon I’ll start co-managing the newsletter with the help and support of some incredibly bright and friendly people. I am proud to say I have found my #DataTribe.