From the very beginning of her career Kasturi Sahu has always been intrigued by data analysis and coding. However, due to several reservations in both her professional and personal life she hardly had the time to do so. Finally, during the pandemic, as she worked from home, she decided to spend her extra time in learning data science through a data science and Python online course and enrolled for the Global Certificate in Data Science (GCD) program at Accredian.
In this interview, let’s take a look at what she thinks about the rapid evolution of data science and how has her experience been at Accredian.
Question 1: Which program & batch are you part of at Accredian & tell us more about your current work profile?
Kasturi: I am part of the Global Certificate in Data Science (GCD) program, June 2020 batch. I have been employed as a specialist at Sterling Talent Solutions since 2017. We run background verification through screening of candidates’ work history, education, background and degrees and academic certificates, legal records and sometimes credit scores.
Question 2: Walk us through your career journey & what got you interested in Data Science & Machine Learning?
Kasturi: I started my career in October 2008. But after my child was born I took a career break of four years in 2012. I restarted my career again in 2015 and since then I am working. I have a total 8 years of experience in keyword GPUs.
From the very beginning of my career I have been interested in data analysis and understanding various coding methods. Due to household responsibilities, work and frequent transfer to other cities, I never got a chance to learn something new.
But during the pandemic, as I am working from home and have some extra time to study, I decided to learn data science and machine learning and opted for the data science and Python online course so that later on I can start a career in the same.
Question 3: What all tools and packages in Data Science & Machine Learning have you mastered in your Data Science & AI program at Accredian so far?
Kasturi: So far in the data science and Python online course I have covered Python and its various libraries like NumPy, Pandas, etc., EDA, and data visualization. Last week, I completed Machine Learning Part One. But I still have some confusion regarding ML. So I am studying regularly and looking up on Google to find more answers. But I confidently say that, so far, I have mastered Python.
Question 4: What were some of the initial challenges when you got started on your Data Science journey and how did you overcome it?
Kasturi: Since I don’t have a technical background, the data science and Python online course was difficult in the beginning. My basic issue was finding the right materials to study. So, I started searching them on the internet, watched videos, and also called some of my friends who are already studying data science for references. The videos on Accredian portal helped a lot to clear my queries. And, gradually the course turned out to be pretty smooth.
Question 5: Who is your favorite faculty at Accredian and what did you learn from him the Most?
Kasturi: So far I had classes with Deepesh, Suchit, and Neelmani. Deepesh is our statistics faculty. Suchit took sessions on Python and its packages, EDA, and data visualization. Neelmani taught us machine learning. And, I can say that all of them are experts in their own fields. The faculties were also very friendly. They were always ready to help and answered all our queries even after class.
Question 6: What is the goal of Data Science?
Kasturi: The goal of data science is to understand the business requirement and use tools to identify business opportunities.
Question 7: In your view, how has Data Science evolved in the last few years?
Kasturi: Data science has gained a lot of popularity over the past few years. Even when I started my career in 2015, data science was not that prevalent. Right now, more businesses have incorporated data science, machine learning and artificial intelligence in their processes and even developed products and services around them to get the desired results. This rapid evolution of data science has also led to diverse career opportunities.
Question 9: Which are some of the blogs that you follow?
Kasturi: Whenever required, I do search topics related to data science, but I don’t follow any blog. But I do follow some of influential personalities on Linkedin like Dr. Ron Schumann. His posts on Python are amazing.
Question 10: What is your advice to anyone wanting to start a career in Data Science?
Kasturi: My advice to all data science enthusiasts is if you are in this field, then you should of course go for it. In the beginning, it may not be easy. But regular study and practice will definitely help.
This was a conversation with one of our GCD students – Kasturi Sahu.
If you want to read more interesting student interviews, check out Accredian Spotlight.
