At Accredian, we create accomplished and empowered Data Leaders. We groom our students to dominate the world of Data Science and AI and reshape their future. We value what our students bring to the table. We share their vision and support them during their journey and ensure that they carve a niche for themselves.
We’re proud to have tutored exceptional students all across India. Today, one such exceptional student, Harshada Mali stands in the spotlight.
Student Name: Harshada Mali
Batch: GCDAI – July 2019
Malvika: Hi Harshada, before we begin, could you tell me something about yourself?
Harshada: I’m a student of Bachelor’s of Business Administration Computer Application.
It’s a combined curriculum of BBA and BCA with more focus on technology.
Malvika: What got you interested in Data Science & Machine Learning?
Harshada: Google Maps actually!
I use Google Maps as do all of us, and I was very interested in how is this working?
So I got introduced to Data Science and Machine Learning and then I started learning.
Malvika: What all tools and packages in Data Science & Machine Learning have you mastered in your Data Science & AI program at Accredian so far?
Harshada: I really like using NumPy and Pandas. I think it’s interesting.
Also, Matplotlib is good for visualization.
In terms of tools, I like using Microsoft Azure Notebooks and Jupyter Notebooks as well from Anaconda.
Malvika: What are some of the initial challenges you faced when you got started on your Data Science journey and how did you overcome it?
Harshada: Statistics and Python were a challenge for me initially.
I was very new to this space and Accredian really helped me with the Starter kits. Lots of practice and the starter kits really helped develop the desired momentum.
Malvika: What is the goal of Data Science? In your view, how has Data Science evolved in the last few years?
Harshada: Yeah, the goal of the Data Science is to find a solution for the problem domain.
Our outputs/findings should be giving positive and effective solutions.
Data Science developed in the form of analysis in the early 90s. We moved from tools like Excel to R and now Python.
Malvika: What are the current applications in Data Science that you are most excited about?
Harshada: Face Recognition and then Google Maps definitely.
There’s also a kitchen robot that can literally replicate the recipes of renowned chefs. So these have gotten my attention lately.
Malvika: Which are the top two Data Science blogs that you follow?
Harshada: I follow StackOverflow which is very helpful.
The second one is towardsdatascience. It’s very precise in giving very good solutions for the query searched for. And Analytics Vidhya would be next go-to blog.
Malvika: Crafting a great Data Science resume is a critical part of getting shortlisted for Data Science roles. Tell us some ways in which you have improved your resume as part of Data Science Career Launchpad.
Harshada: The sessions helped me in building a resume and a quality GitHub portfolio.
My resume was very basic, I don’t have any work experience so I don’t know how to make a perfect resume but this program really helped me with what information should go where.
I got introduced to GitHub and also to Kaggle competitions which was very useful.
Malvika: Accredian’s mission is to Groom Data Leaders of tomorrow. What do you understand by a Data Leader? And how is a Data Leader different from a Data Scientist?
Harshada: From my perspective, a Data Leader has four qualities.
First, he is be a Business Expert. He should understand the business problem in a very real way.
Secondly, he is innovative; he should ask very innovative questions and understand what questions should be asked.
He is a Solution Architect, he should apply good analytics and find an optimum solution for a problem.
Fourth, he should know how to build a network because Leaders do have a good network. They grow by helping others to grow. So they should have this affinity to attract productive people. That’s how a Data Leader will stand out from a Data Scientist.
Malvika: What is your advice to anyone wanting to start a career in Data Science?
Harshada: I think if someone is beginning, they should find a good platform, then they should have very good mentors. Because without these two things, it’s very hard to learn anything.
And then enough practice is needed, this is very important. This should strengthen their basics.
Malvika: How has your journey with Accredian been so far? Do you have any comments on how the curriculum has been structured, the faculty and the support team?
Harshada: Manav and Deepesh are very good mentors.
Deepesh explains everything in a very characteristic way which stands out. I like communicating with the both of them.
Malvika: Thank you for your time, Harshada. All the best for your future!
