Although coming from the information technology and services industry, R S Mahesh has always been interested in data science and machine learning applications in healthcare and its related sectors. So, to know and learn more about data science and machine learning skills he enrolled for the Global Certificate in Data Science & AI (GCDAI) program at Accredian.
In this interview, let’s see his take on the future of data science and how his experience has been at Accredian.
Question 1: Which program & batch are you part of at Accredian & tell us more about your current work profile?
R S Mahesh: I’m part of the Global Certificate in Data Science & AI (GCDAI) program, April 2020 batch. I have over 20 years of experience in software development and testing. I started my career in product and motor testing, and went on further to carry out the responsibilities of test architecture, project management, process management, ISO process audits, managing multiple healthcare accounts responsible for delivery, and the project’s business side.
Question 2: Walk us through your career journey & what got you interested in Data Science & Machine Learning?
R S Mahesh: My career journey started with development testing, project management, and process management. I have worked very closely with data in all the projects I managed over the past 15 years. Currently I am heading the analytics projects team where I already have members working on advanced research science with a couple of data scientists as well.
I also have considerable experience in the healthcare domain. The data is massive in healthcare and its different related sectors like medical, insurance, inpatient care management, pharma, etc. So data is implemented everywhere. And especially, in the healthcare sector, data science and machine learning skills become more interesting which pushed me to learn about the field further along with the applications of IoT and AI.
Question 3: What tools and packages in Data Science & Machine Learning have you mastered in your Data Science & AI program at Accredian so far?
R S Mahesh: Currently, I have completed three curriculums. In the first part, I have completed data analysis and the programming languages of Python and UDA along with different packages and tools like NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, Seaborn for Ada Pandas profiling.
And in the machine learning foundation course I learned various machine learning skills like the difference between supervised and unsupervised learning, regression classification, decision tree, random forests, etc. I have also learned the different evaluation techniques in the ML foundation course, and also completed the ML intermediate course. Currently, ML advance is in progress.
Question 4: What are some initial challenges when you got started on your Data Science journey, and how did you overcome them?
R S Mahesh: The technicality of the course was a bit of a challenge initially and it was difficult to remember the things that were taught in class. But the best thing about Accredian is that after every curriculum, you are expected to deliver a project. So, I used to take that opportunity to put my whole effort, do RND, try and learn a lot of things and complete the task.
I was also not comfortable with lengthy courses. Although, I have completed multiple short-term courses, at Accredian it felt like a full-fledged diploma program. But gradually I started putting at least 30-60 minutes everyday and my improvements have been evident. I can pace up with the tutors now. Although a lot more effort is required based on my time. But I think the best way to spend a few hours daily is to either revise or recap your notes.
Question 5: Who is your favorite faculty at Accredian and what did you learn from him the Most?
R S Mahesh: I think our Python faculty, Suchit and our instructor of machine learning skills, Deepesh are both excellent tutors. I think Suchit has more experience in the real world. He gives us a lot of fantastic practical examples. And, hats off to Deepesh for his patience and the way he explains the theoretical part – it is amazing as with every class there’s a recap in writing so that no lesson is forgotten. All in all, I think both of them are excellent teachers.
Question 6: What is the goal of Data Science?
R S Mahesh: I think the primary goal of data science is to add value to business. And this is possible by applying a model to analyze, interpret and extract insights from the data.
Question 7: In your view, how has Data Science evolved in the last few years?
R S Mahesh: Data science has evolved immensely in the past decade. Apart from huge data collections, the development of several models has made it more functional for all businesses across industries to get valid insights – may that be in healthcare, retail, automotive, banking, etc.
Question 8: What are the current trends in Data Science that you are most excited about?
R S Mahesh: There has been rising trends of data science applications in healthcare. I see a significant implementation of data analytics in the pharmaceutical industry, especially during the pandemic. Apart from that, data science and machine learning skills and applications are extensively been used for patient analysis, medical record analysis, etc. Even in my current project I have seen my team working daily with pharmaceutical and patient data and I would really like to explore the possibilities of data science and machine learning in healthcare.
Question 9: Which are some of the blogs that you follow?
R S Mahesh: Currently, I am not following too many blogs. I think the best thing way to know more about data science is through the sessions, seminars, and podcasts by Accredian. I think that’s one way to get insights into the different areas and domains of data science and machine learning and how it’s implemented in the industry.
Question 10: What is your advice to anyone wanting to start a career in Data Science?
R S Mahesh: If somebody wants to start a data science career, I think the degrees, whether engineering, B.com, BSC, BA, don’t matter. If somebody is good in necessary logical skills, they can pursue data science. And the best way is to join institutions like Accredian, where things are very organized and structured with excellent faculties. And finally, we need to put in our own effort to take it to the next level.
This was a conversation with one of our GCDAI students – R S Mahesh.
If you want to check out more such student stories, go to Accredian Spotlight.
