Why Data Science?
Well, I’m here. I’m a student at the Flatiron School in their Online Data Science program. I am finishing Phase 1 of the curriculum. In all honesty, between you and me, this was not my plan. But actually, I’m okay with that! Living in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in New York, has presented a substantial detour from my original career path. I am a musician and before the pandemic, I was in a group about to record its second album. Prior to devoting to a career in the performing arts, I was finishing my masters degree in behavioral neuroscience. I have worked in research on HIV and LGBTQ health and before that, I was studying the brains of rats. Yep.
Involuntary job loss and an indefinite quarantine from a ravaging global illness are inherently stressful events, especially when that is compounded with perceived career-related insecurity. These factors played not an insignificant role in my decision to pursue data science. I have had a good amount of time on my hands, which has lent itself to thinking about my previous life experiences and personal qualities that could help others in the form of a career. I was not totally sure where I was going, nor did I have many reasons as to why I was choosing data science other than a taste of it in school (these feelings haven’t disappeared). However, as I am finishing the first phase of the curriculum, there are many aspects of data science, and myself, that have positively reinforced my decision.
Making Decisions with Others
I believe I fit the fairly popularized category of “introverted extrovert.” I usually try to maintain a moderately difficult balance between unfettered personal expression while ensuring my day consists of substantial alone time. My past jobs have helped me discover this aspect of myself. I understood more deeply– from helping to write research grants, to producing songs, to being a server at a high-end restaurant– that it was important for me to help people make decisions.
A decision requires people to account for a range of factors that will affect them and others in specific ways based on the action they take. We usually make, what we believe, are the best decisions in the moment. There are no guarantees, but data science can help us make predictions that may be slightly more reliable than the fortune teller in the Village. I would love to help provide at least some sense of clarity to help people make decisions in a world of vast uncertainty. From my experience, data science has been a great way of encouraging community support (i.e., asking for help) if you or someone else is stuck before they make a decision.
Flexibility
As made evident with the pandemic, the status quo consists of a tenuous infrastructure that is challenging to uphold. Changes are bound to happen, meaning that there is a possibility for improvement. From what I’ve experienced, data science supports this notion. The practice tangibly spells out patterns of human behavior and where certain areas can be improved. For example, numerous studies have illustrated a variety of factors associated with HIV risk (e.g., socioeconomic status, substance use, mental health) and the disparities among different racial, sexual, and gender minority communities. We have information to make more calculated decisions that can meaningfully benefit people who are not receiving equitable treatment. Data presents the possibility, and the sometimes necessity, of change. Changes force us to get in touch with a very natural aspect of being human: adaptability. It is perfectly normal to feel stressed about changes. But, if things can be better, why not invest in those changes?
Supporting Your Passions
During our first session, my cohort’s wonderful educational coach shared a TED Talk by Emilie Wapnick. She has effectively reinforced the “jack-of-all-trades” approach to life by introducing many folks to the phenomenon of being a “multipotentialite.” Essentially, this is an individual who willingly pursues a variety of different interests rather than specializing in one area. Oh thank goodness! Nothing is wrong with me!!!
Data science feels like a great fit for fellow multipotentialites. Data science sounds as specific as it does vague: the science of data. This can be applied to virtually anything; it doesn’t have to be restricted to the realms of tech or healthcare. As I’m writing this, I have several tabs open for APIs (i.e., ways to collect data) on video games, digital audio workstations (DAWs) for music production, and even for RuPaul’s Drag Race. After all, data science is interdisciplinary. Data science can be used for anything you just want to learn more about. Programming languages are very powerful tools for gaining knowledge in whatever excites you. Whenever I fear that I am neglecting my interests, I can always remember that data science can support my passions by learning more about them.
My First Last Thoughts
With all this being said, it’s no wonder Harvard Business Review has referred to the data scientist as “the sexiest job of the 21st century.” However, while the aforementioned reasons and an attractive job title accolade may present the field enticingly, there are limitations one should consider before making the decision to pursue data science. Career choices can be quite personal and data science may not satisfy what some folks are looking for. That is totally valid! For me, I am willing to ride the wave of this ever-changing field and grow alongside it. I did not know what I was walking into when I started this program, contrary to my point about educated decision-making. As I go further down the path of data science, I find more reasons to be happy with my decision. It may not have been the most calculated decision, but sometimes taking a chance and working with what you have is more than enough to move forward.
