Traveling the Road not taken: From Economics to Data Science
In 2011, as I embarked on my journey into the world of higher education, I had no inkling of the twists and turns that lay ahead. With a seat secured in the esteemed Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR) to pursue an Honors degree in Economics, my heart swelled with pride. Little did I know that this path would eventually lead me to an entirely different realm — the world of data science. As Robert Frost famously wrote, I indeed took the road less traveled, and today, I’m here to share my story of transformation and growth.
My enrollment at LSR was a defining moment in my life. The mere mention of the college’s name filled my family with pride, and I walked the campus with a sense of accomplishment. Yet, even amidst this euphoria, the seeds of curiosity had already been sown. The economics program not only offered a strong foundation in mathematics and statistics, but it also planted the seeds of analytical thinking, a trait that would prove invaluable in the days to come.
Upon graduating from LSR, I believed that my life was on a predetermined path to success. I resonated with Alia Bhatt’s character in “Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Katha,” who beamed with pride as she talks about being an LSR graduate. However, reality had different plans. As I stepped into the real world, I soon realized that my economics degree, while enriching my analytical abilities, left me lacking in a crucial aspect — coding skills.
The wake-up call came when I pursued a master’s program in finance at the University at Buffalo. It was here that the importance of programming knowledge began to dawn on me. The financial landscape was rapidly evolving, and technology was becoming an integral part of the industry. As I looked around at the dynamic job market, it became evident that coding was no longer a niche skill but a prerequisite for staying ahead in the game.
This realization marked a turning point in my journey. I embarked on a quest to bridge the technical gap in my skillset. The process was daunting, to say the least. The world of programming was a big unknown for me, filled with strange syntax and unfamiliar concepts. But I was determined not to be held back by my initial lack of understanding. I embraced the challenges, starting from scratch and gradually immersing myself in the world of coding.
The transition was far from smooth. There were moments of frustration and self-doubt, but the spirit of perseverance pushed me forward. Online tutorials (Trust me, I have taken so many online courses!), coding bootcamps, and late-night debugging sessions became my companions. Through trial and error, I began to unravel the intricacies of programming languages, particularly Python.
With time, the lines between economics and data science began to blur. My foundation in economics provided a unique perspective when approaching data-driven problems, and my newfound programming skills allowed me to harness the power of data in ways I had never imagined. It was a harmonious marriage of analytical thinking and technical expertise.
Looking back, my journey from economics to data science has been a transformational one. I’ve come to realize that the road less traveled often holds the most enriching experiences. I appreciated every little opportunity that allowed me to showcase my programming skills. Each step, even the unexpected detours, has contributed to shaping the professional I am today. As I navigate the dynamic landscape of data science, I carry with me the analytical prowess of my economics background and the technical acumen I diligently acquired.
Now, as I reflect on my journey, I take pride in the strides I’ve made. Today, I stand as a Data and Analytics Manager, a role that I once considered out of reach due to my unconventional path. Breaking into the world of analytics and data science wasn’t easy, but it was undoubtedly worth it. My unique background, combining the analytical rigor of economics with the technical finesse of coding, has proven to be a winning combination.
So, to those considering a leap into the unknown, my story stands as a testament that unconventional paths can lead to remarkable destinations. The convergence of diverse disciplines is where innovation thrives. Embrace your curiosity, face the challenges head-on, and you might just discover a whole new world that seamlessly blends the road taken with the road less traveled.
Thanks for reading! Stay tuned — To be continued!
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