Our Accredian Spotlight interview shines a light on Ziauddin Khaja, an accomplished professional who has made a significant impact in the world of data science. Through this in-depth conversation, we delve into Ziauddin’s background, experience, and insights, and explore the many ways he has leveraged his skills and knowledge to drive innovation and success in his field.
Q1: Which program and batch are you part of at Accredian? Tell us more about your current work profile.
Ziauddin Khaja: I am currently employed as a Senior Software Engineer at Wells Fargo, where my role encompasses both Net development and automation. With over nine years of experience as a Net Developer, I have honed my skills and knowledge in this area.
However, recognizing the importance of expanding my skillset, I have spent the past year focusing on transitioning into Java as an automation developer. While I may have lacked prior experience in Java, I am eager to apply my expertise and dedication to mastering this new technology.
Q2: Walk us through your career journey and what got you interested in Data Science and Machine Learning.
Ziauddin Khaja: Over the past nine years, I have gained extensive experience gathering requirements and developing both web-based and Windows applications for banking clients.
Looking to the future, I am interested in transitioning to a role that will offer new challenges and opportunities for growth. As the world continues to embrace artificial intelligence and machine learning, I have become increasingly intrigued by the field of data science. I am eager to apply my experience and expertise in this area to help drive innovation and deliver value to businesses and customers alike.
Q3: What Data Science and Machine Learning tools and packages have you mastered so far in your Data Science and AI program at Accredian?
Ziauddin Khaja: I possess foundational knowledge of various tools and libraries related to Data Science, including Google Collab, Python, Data Visualization, Matplotlib, Pandas, NumPy, and Seaborn. With this proficiency, I am able to utilize these resources to analyze data and develop insights that can inform decision-making and drive business success.
Q4: What are some of the initial challenges you faced when you got started on your Data Science journey, and how did you overcome them?
Ziauddin Khaja: As a developer, I possess basic coding knowledge, but I struggle to find the time to practice and hone my skills. To build upon my existing experience and knowledge, I am currently seeking to integrate my Data Science knowledge into my real-time project experience. To achieve this goal, I have been watching learning videos from Accredian and recorded classes during my office hours.
I recognize the importance of implementing and practicing my newfound knowledge in order to fully leverage it in my work. I am committed to taking the necessary steps to apply these skills and contribute to the success of my projects and team.
Q5: Who is your favorite faculty member at Accredian and what did you learn from him the most?
Ziauddin Khaja: I have found the Accredian faculty, particularly Deepesh Wadvani and Arul Francis, to be exceptional in their teaching approach. Their dedication to helping students understand difficult concepts and clearing doubts is greatly appreciated. The time and effort they put into providing detailed explanations and guidance have been invaluable in my learning journey.
Q6: What is the goal of Data Science?
Ziauddin Khaja: A key aspect of problem-solving is leveraging existing and past data to fully understand the issue at hand and its underlying causes. By analyzing this information, we can develop a model for a working system that effectively resolves the problem and prevents its recurrence. This approach allows us to take a data-driven, evidence-based approach to problem-solving that maximizes our chances of success.
Question 7: How has Data Science evolved in the last few years?
Ziauddin Khaja: The impact of Data Science and AI is being felt across a wide range of industries, from self-driving cars to robotic services in healthcare and hospitality. To remain competitive and successful in this rapidly evolving landscape, it is essential that we embrace these technologies and harness their power to drive innovation and efficiency.
By leveraging AI and Data Science, we can streamline processes, optimize operations, and unlock new opportunities for growth and development. As these technologies continue to advance, those who are able to master them and apply them effectively will be well-positioned to succeed and thrive in the years to come.
Question 8: What are the current trends in Data Science that you are most excited about?
Ziauddin Khaja: I have been particularly drawn to the field of Data Science because of its many fascinating and innovative applications, such as self-driving cars. These cutting-edge technologies showcase the transformative potential of AI and Data Science, and have inspired me to explore this field further.
Through my studies and experience in Data Science, I have gained a deeper understanding of the underlying principles and technologies that power these applications. I am excited to continue building my skills and knowledge in this field and to explore new ways to apply these tools and techniques to drive progress and innovation.
Question 9: Which are some of the blogs that you follow?
Ziauddin Khaja: Rather than following separate blogs, I rely on my LinkedIn network to stay informed about the latest developments in AI. Through my connections on the platform, I am able to stay up-to-date on the latest trends, research, and breakthroughs in this exciting and rapidly evolving field.
This approach allows me to curate a personalized and targeted stream of information, tailored to my specific interests and needs. By leveraging my network and staying connected to key thought leaders and experts in the field, I am able to stay ahead of the curve and maximize my impact in the world of AI.
Question 10: What is your advice to anyone wanting to start a career in Data Science?
Ziauddin Khaja: Consistency is key when it comes to mastering new skills and technologies, and I make it a priority to dedicate time each day to practicing what I learn. Although it can be challenging to balance this with the demands of my job, especially in the current recession period, I know that it is essential for building a strong foundation and ensuring a solid future.
While I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the amount of information and knowledge I need to absorb, I remain committed to my goal of mastering these skills and staying at the forefront of my field. By continuing to practice regularly and staying focused on my goals, I am confident that I can overcome any obstacles and achieve the success I am striving for.
We hope you enjoyed reading this interview. Check out the Accredian Spotlight for more interesting student stories like this.
