Jared Lander, organizer of R meetups and consultant for various companies, discusses R vs. Python, importance of pizza, and data strategy. They also explore communication skills, programming languages in data science, and the world of data science consulting.
Attending R meetups and conferences can enhance statistical programming skills and provide valuable networking opportunities.
Choosing between R and Python should be based on aligning the language with one's thinking style and problem-solving approaches.
Deep dives
Jared Lander's Involvement in Data Science Community
Jared Lander is actively involved in the data science community as a prominent figure, organizing the New York Open Statistical Programming Meetup, the world's largest R meetup, and running the R conference. He authored the popular book 'R for Everyone' and serves as the CEO and chief data scientist of Lander Analytics, a data science consulting firm.
Highlights of Jared Lander's Podcast Episode
In this episode, Jared discusses various avenues for learning statistical programming through meetups, conferences, and books. He delves into the world of data science consulting, outlining the essential soft and hard skills required for success in this field. Additionally, Jared navigates the ongoing debate between R and Python, emphasizing the importance of choosing a language that aligns with one's way of thinking.
Impact and Reach of R and Data Science Consulting
Jared shares insights into the broad application of data science across industries, ranging from optimizing manufacturing processes in metal production to analyzing variations in pharmaceutical manufacturing. He discusses the data strategy consulting offered by his company and the necessity of understanding clients' businesses across diverse sectors.
Recommended Books on Statistical Modeling and Optimization
Jared recommends two key books, 'Generalized Additive Models' and 'Convex Optimization,' highlighting the capabilities and significance of GAMs in fitting flexible linear models for capturing data nuances and providing interpretability. The book 'Convex Optimization' is praised for its detailed explanations of mathematical concepts and practical applications across a variety of software tools.
Jared Lander joins us to discuss his work as an R meetup organizer, the upcoming virtual R Conference, and his work as a consultant for a variety of companies from metal workers to professional football teams.
In this episode you will learn:
Jared’s R meetups and our professional history [3:27]