Reflections on my progress so far

Published November 17, 2024 Updated November 30, 2024
Reflections on my progress so far

In late 2021 (almost two years into that nasty ol' pandemic business), I wrote a blog article explaining how I'd quit my illustrious job as a state economist to pursue a career in data science.

Since embarking on this journey, I've made significant strides in my professional development. As an Analytic Consultant working on models for tax system modernization, I've experienced tremendous growth in several key areas. I've honed my skills in client management, procuring requirements, and validating model outputs. This experience has also allowed me to expand my domain expertise, design model development and operationalization pipelines, and facilitate knowledge transfer to the client organization.

Beyond my professional work, I've dedicated time to personal projects that have further showcased my skills and creativity. One notable endeavor is this very website, which serves as a platform to share my insights, experiences, and portfolio with the world. Building this site has been a valuable learning experience, as I've gained knowledge about deploying websites, securing a domain, setting up hosting, version control, and virtualization. I see it as a demonstration of my commitment to continuous learning and growth in the field of data science, and I wanted a dedicated space of my own creation to organize and summarize what I've learned on the job, on personal projects, and in books/readings. This personal touch goes beyond simply pointing to my Github profile or LinkedIn.

Another project I undertook was the development of a daily reminder tool. Initially created as a solution to keep myself more informed, this tool runs on my home PC, which serves as a media machine running Ubuntu. The reminder tool is configured to send me an email twice daily, at 7 AM and 7 PM, providing a quick digest of top headlines in various categories such as World, U.S., Science, and Business news. Additionally, the tool helps me stay on top of birthdays for people in my life who are important to me. Looking ahead, I'm considering adding functionality to teach me a Spanish word of the day, leveraging an analysis of popular Spanish words to expand my vocabulary.

As I reflect on my progress so far, I am proud of the accomplishments I've achieved and the skills I've developed. However, I know that my journey in data science is far from over. I am actively seeking new opportunities to apply my expertise and make a meaningful impact in the field.

I am excited about the prospect of joining a forward-thinking organization where I can contribute my skills, learn from experienced professionals, and work on projects that push the boundaries of what's possible with data. I am confident that my background in economics, coupled with my passion for data science, positions me well to add value to any team.

If you or someone you know is looking for a dedicated and skilled data scientist who is eager to take on new challenges and drive innovation, I would love to connect. Together, we can explore how my unique blend of experience and expertise can contribute to your organization's success.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey so far. I look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead and the chance to make a positive impact through the power of data science.