It is easy to fall into this misconception of believing that in data science we are all solitary people doing our work and interacting only in the workplace and in the social media. Perhaps we are part of some data science team, but still feel we are still on our own when it comes to our relationship with the field. However, this is just one of many possibilities in how we relate to the data science world, and it is definitely not the best one. Being part of a community in data science is not only possible but also necessary. Of course just networking with other data scientists may not be enough, but it is often a good starting point. This is particularly important towards the beginning of one’s career. After all, not even the best data science books can give someone solace in times of difficulty or doubt. That’s when having a good mentor comes in very handy. After all, even if that mentor is a bit aloof and preoccupied with his own stuff, he tends to have a genuine interest in your career and is motivated to help you out, at least to some extent. This can be another step towards becoming part of a community of data science professionals. Make no mistake, however. Neither the mentor, nor anyone else is going to fight your battles for you. The other data scientists, be it professional acquaintances, mentors, or teammates, have their own battles to tackle. However, they may be able to offer you advice or help you gain insight to solutions that you couldn't think of by yourself, especially during the time you are immersed in the problems you are tackling. Finding a physical community may not always be possible. Not all cities are as advanced as the ones where the field thrives and has a cohorts bustling with data science events and activities. However, data scientists are out there who are also in need of a community, so it’s only a matter of time before you find them. Perhaps you’ll “meet” them online, through some social network or a data science forum. Maybe you’ll encounter them in a data science conference, or a webinar. Bottom line, if you are open to finding a community of data scientists, the opportunities to do so will manifest, sooner or later. Being part of a data science community is not only to help you in difficult times though. It’s also a great accelerator for developing yourself as a data scientist through being exposed to new trends, novel approaches to known problems, and most importantly, to unknown problems that you’d probably not encounter on your own, even if you work in a data-driven company. All that is bound to foster in you the knowledge and know-how you need to advance to the next level, whatever that level is for you. At the same time, it can help you maintain your enthusiasm for data science, and perhaps even make you more zestful about the field. After all, it is usually the people who are passionate about something that make the most progress in it and are also consistent in do so. Data science is not any different in that respect.
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Zacharias Voulgaris, PhDPassionate data scientist with a foxy approach to technology, particularly related to A.I. Archives
December 2022
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