How did I get here?
Published: 2023-11-27 07:03:27

We live in a world guided by data whether we are aware of it or not. Do you ever wonder -  _How can we market these goods to consumers? How are these products performing? How do we improve our standing in the polls? What do our constituents care about? How do we prevent traffic accidents? How do we use animal tracking to further understand animal behavior?_ Data makes our decisions, as it has for my career.

I have a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a secondary study in Digital Design and Fabrication. After graduating in 2019, I experienced a common phenomenon, as most college grads do - an existential crisis. Navigating life post-grad after being a professional student for the past two decades was quite daunting. I didn’t know where to begin. How was I supposed to figure out what I wanted to do for the rest of my life? Then, the Covid-19 pandemic emerged right as I was beginning to explore a career in civil engineering. Inadvertently it was also during this time that I was introduced to the transformative power of data. 

In an effort to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus disease, scientists utilized data from cell phones to monitor the virus through people's interactions. Suddenly my iPhone had “exposure notifications” alerting me if I’ve been in close proximity to a person who recently tested positive for the virus. This was Apple’s version of participating in the contact tracing process. According to the World Health Organization, contact tracing is the process of identifying, assessing, and managing people who have been exposed to someone who has been infected with the COVID-19 virus. This process enables a swift response to identify the source and quarantine affected individuals, serving as an essential tool in preventing outbreaks. And contact tracing was my exposure to data science. Through contact tracing, I was able to have a clearer understanding of how data can be used. 

In the past five years, in my pursuit of a defined career path, I have gained diverse work experience across various industries, ranging from retail and construction to government roles. While I have not yet had direct experience in handling data, we are in an era where data sharing is ubiquitous. Whether through making online purchases or engaging on social platforms or simply using a DNA test kit, it becomes imperative to understand how this information is being handled and leveraged.

Back in 2022, with my newfound interest in data science, I found myself contemplating whether returning to school was the right decision for me. On the one hand, there was a field I was interested in exploring. But, the cost and time commitment of graduate school did not seem feasible for me. While I did enjoy my time in college, it failed to provide the practical skills necessary for a career; it was learning for the pure joy of learning filled with captivating courses. Pursuing graduate school would mean perpetuating a cycle of theoretical learning, not adequately preparing me for the “real” world. And, in this world, you need a job. A boot camp bridges these gaps. The focus on rapidly building technical skills for a career in a short time frame was the solution I needed.

As I explored various boot camps, what distinguished (*redacted_name*) was its physical campus and in-person classes. A feature that resonates with my preferred learning style. Additionally, (*redacted_name*) offers scholarships. When browsing other boot camps' scholarship resources, they often led to a “do your own research” scenario. Generally, those scholarships are tailored for students applying to traditional institutions and are not applicable to boot camp students. Unfortunately, financial aid doesn’t extend support to boot camps either, as they are considered alternatives to conventional learning. Moreover, other boot camps use third-party loan companies with high-interest rates as their version of financial assistance. (*redacted_name*), however, not only offers various payment options but also provides monthly installment plans with zero interest - a highly appealing feature. 

As of now, what I do know is I want a career in the field of data. I have a strong interest in America’s transportation network, particularly in public transit. Recognizing the pivotal role of reliable transportation, not only on an individual level but also on a global scale, is essential. From facilitating the transportation of imports and exports and supporting the tourism industry to the daily commute to work, a robust transportation system is vital for the seamless functioning of various aspects of society. I aim to utilize data to gain a deeper understanding of the current state of public transit in cities across America. The use of cell phone data during the pandemic has showcased its potential for studying people’s movements in public spaces, providing valuable insights that could inform transformative changes to those areas, ultimately contributing to the advancement and efficiency of public transit systems. Additionally, I also care deeply about conservation, and with the inevitability of climate change, it is more important than ever to contribute positively to our earth. Through this program, I’m excited to gain the skills necessary to become a data scientist.

<u>SOURCE(S)</u>
https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-contact-tracing