Journey into the Realm of Data Science

Are you interested in Data Science, but don’t know where to start? Are you a current practitioner, looking to increase your knowledge, gain relevant skills, and further your career?

I think we can agree that those with a passion for analytics and solving problems see Data Science as a path to satisfy those desires. We seek opportunities to leverage analytics for discovering trends, improving processes, and facilitating growth. It’s in our DNA.

Data Science Leverages my Experience

My personal philosophy is reflected in the words “Aude aliquid dignum” which are Latin for “Dare Something Worthy.” But, the question for me remained how to best implement this resolve. So, I reflected on my various experiences, both academic and professional. I looked for a field where I could combine my graduate work in applied economics and information technology, as well as my experience in systems and software engineering. In Data Science, I found a venue that would allow me to combine my aptitude for analytics, enjoyment of programming, and knack for problem-solving. I believe one of the great aspects of this field is that it welcomes people with diverse backgrounds such as mine. One doesn’t need a Ph.D. in mathematics or statistics to make a contribution, only an idea coupled with passion and curiosity.

How I Got Started

My interest in quantitative analysis started during my first statistics course in graduate school. One of its requirements was the development of a forecasting model. After several days of fruitless thought regarding a suitable topic, I accidentally came upon an article in USA Today that listed every Major League Baseball player’s salary. (True story, I saw it as I was passing a newsstand.) Knowing that player statistics were readily available, I decided to explore which performance factors influenced a player’s salary. (After getting the paper, I went straight to the nearest bookstore. OK, this happened before the emergence of the World Wide Web. And yes, such a time did exist.) After developing my model, I investigated further to determine whether these factors also influenced fan attendance. So, I developed another model examining performance factors at the team level and their impact on attendance. To my surprise, I discovered they were different. My conclusion suggested that those factors influencing a player’s salary were different than those fans paid to see. This research provided the basis for a paper I presented at an international economics conference that summer. (I was one of five students the economics school sponsored for the trip to Seattle. Economics conferences are great; well, if you’re an economist.) Needless to say, I was hooked. Perhaps you had a similar experience that peaked your interest in analytics.

Join Me and Explore the Mysteries of Data Science

Please join me during this journey, as I explore areas such as:

• Technologies – machine learning, artificial intelligence, deep learning (Yes, I know these overlap.), and Big Data. Posts will cover getting started, how-to’s, guides, resources, and programming languages
• Career Enhancement – Various topics that would appear to employees, managers, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and students
• Training – Where and how to obtain the knowledge and skills you need to remain competitive

Let’s learn from each other’s experiences.