Elisenda’s Experience
Elisenda OrtizS2DS Alumni 2022So, here you are, trying to convince yourself to change careers and spend a significant amount of money in choosing the right program (fingers crossed) to soften the process.
Well, I’ve been there too, having about the same number of annoying doubts you probably do now. So let me break down my experience into key points that I’m confident you will be interested in, and hopefully that’ll help you find some clarity.
Why did I do S2DS?
Short answer: It was recommended to me by a trusted friend who did it before.
Long answer: My background is in Physics, in particular, complex networks and even more specifically, Network Geometry. That means during my PhD at conferences and events, I would be exposed from time to time to topics in AI, like neural networks, big data approaches and machine learning methods. Many colleagues in my field had already naturally transitioned into Data Science roles before me. I was basically surrounded by Data Science and I wasn’t surfing the wave. I liked my research a lot but at some point it felt like I was missing out by always digging deeper into my field and never looking wider. Academia wasn’t going to change that, so it was time to explore outside. Don’t get me wrong, I hesitated, I applied for some postdocs I was sincerely interested in, but even then I found myself turning offers down. That was the point I realised that I had to take this transition to DS seriously and boost my chances via some programme. I talked to people, did my research and eventually applied for S2DS. The key points that convinced me were: a success case I knew about first hand, working on a real problem you can later use in your CV, and the serious networking opportunities.
How was it?
I’m not going to lie, S2DS is whatever you want to make of it. For me, who had put all my eggs in one basket and wanted to maximise the outcome, it became a full-time, demanding, super-fast learning experience. But, it was fun. As hardcore as it was to be learning while doing, making team decisions, and adjusting to technical issues round the clock, every day was full of refreshing new knowledge, and you could feel the progress. The biggest plus: working with a nice team. Every S2DS participant is highly educated and capable, so we just accepted each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and the team work alone became the most rewarding part of the whole program. Other elements that can contribute to make S2DS even more memorable are working on a project that truly motivates you with a company you like—which was my case—and just talking and sharing with the rest of the cohort through the numerous networking channels available. After all, you are all in the same boat.
Was it worth it?
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: Yes and Yes!
Jokes aside, I got hired by the company I worked with during S2DS, which was exactly what I wanted. So do I recommend it? Obviously. Look, if you decide to take the S2DS path, take it seriously but with a pinch of humour so you don’t burn out. I am more than confident you’ll
successfully unlock the doors to the DS market. Your first opportunity will then come sooner rather than later. There’s also long-term gains that come from the whole alumni network you would belong to afterwards: for example, proper advise from experienced Data Scientists and increased LinkedIn presence, which means higher visibility and credit in front of potential employers. All in all, if you are thinking of using S2DS as a trampoline, you can be sure it will propel you really high into an exciting future career in Data Science.
