What drove me toward Data Science?

What is data science? There is no single answer to this. Some say it has something to do with data collection, storage, and manipulation. Some even argue if it were really a science. Some define data science to be all about software and coding. Some focus on the size of the data. Some focus on what to do with the data. Some say it is all about forecasting and predictive analytics. Some say it has more to do with data mining. However, I have always seen data science from a different perspective. I have focused on turning data-driven insights into powerful narratives or stories that would grab the attention of stakeholders and compel them to listen. I am not undermining the contribution of statistical analysis and programming, but, I believe that these are not sufficient skills for a data scientist. Without storytelling abilities, one might be a statistician or a computer scientist, but not a data scientist. This is one of the major reasons I was intrigued by the field of data science, it is the perfect marriage of logical and creative thinking.

This passion for stories, math, and problem-solving got me interested in more formal education in the field and led me to pursue a Master’s in Data Science at the University of Washington at Seattle. Here there are more resources available than I could have imagined when I decided to pursue a degree. I am studying new languages, algorithms, higher mathematics, and advanced research, all with pretty much the same fascination that drove me toward data science. And it is here that I truly am learning how much there is yet to learn.

There is certainly yet more to learn, yet more problems to solve, and yet many stories to tell. And for this, I am very grateful.