#239: Non-Technical Backgrounds in the Modern Analytical World with Kirsten Lum
Feb 20, 2024
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Kirsten Lum, an expert in non-technical backgrounds entering the world of analytics, shares strategies for success in the evolving analytical field. Topics include transitioning from literature to CTO, the importance of technical skills, evolution of analyst roles, data interpretation, embracing Python, risk-taking, happiness experiments, and a humorous pants mix-up.
Leverage expertise in resume writing for career transitions, take on responsibility, and showcase skills through certifications or projects.
Blend technical skills with storytelling abilities for success in analytics, emphasizing clear communication for impactful insights presentation.
Advocate for data-driven decision-making in personal health, highlighting analytics' potential and the need for better tools to empower informed choices.
Deep dives
The importance of resume writing and leveraging career change
One of the main factors that contributed to Kirsten Lom's successful career transition was her ability to leverage the expertise of others in resume writing. She emphasizes the importance of finding people who understand the leverage points in career changes and can help identify them. Additionally, she highlights the value of taking on responsibility and seeking out opportunities to demonstrate the skills needed for the desired job. Kirsten also mentions the significance of certifications or independent projects in showcasing one's abilities. Overall, she encourages individuals to take risks, learn new skills, and confidently pursue their career goals.
The integration of technical skills and storytelling in analytics
Kirsten Lom highlights the blend of her technical skills and storytelling abilities, which have contributed to her success. As an English literature major, she gained communication and argumentation skills that have been crucial in presenting and defending her analytical work. She emphasizes the importance of clear, structured communication in the analytics field and encourages data scientists to develop these capabilities to effectively convey the insights they uncover. Kirsten suggests that combining technical expertise with strong storytelling skills can empower analysts to drive meaningful change within organizations.
The need for data-driven health decisions and analytics in personal health
Kirsten Lom discusses her frustration with the lack of data-driven decision-making in personal health. As a data professional, she recognizes the immense potential for analytics to transform and optimize healthcare choices. Kirsten expresses the desire for better access to data and analytics tools that can help individuals make informed decisions about their well-being. She believes that leveraging data science principles can revolutionize the way people approach their health and urges the healthcare industry to prioritize the integration of analytics and personal health management.
Using Python for Data Processing
In this podcast episode, the speaker shares their experience of turning a non-python script into a python script for data processing. Initially, their boss denied permission, but they worked on it during weekends and nights. The result was impressive as the python script ran in just eight seconds, compared to the original script. The demonstration showcased the power and efficiency of using code for data processing, leading to a significant time-saving for the team.
The Importance of Continuous Learning in Data Analytics
The podcast discussion highlights the importance of continuously updating technical skills in the data analytics field. The speaker emphasizes the need to stay current with advancements and challenges common practices. They give the example of using mean for null value handling, which is outdated but still mentioned frequently. The message is to stay curious, challenge traditional methods, and keep exploring new tools and concepts to improve data analysis efficiency and effectiveness.
Is it just us, or does it seem like we're going to need to start plotting the pace of change in the world of analytics on a logarithmic scale? The evolution of the space is exciting, but it can also be a bit dizzying. And intimidating! There's so much to learn, and there are only so many hours in a day! Why did we choose that [insert totally unrelated field of study] degree program?! These questions and more—including a quick explanation of bootstrapping for Tim’s benefit, which is NOT bootstrapping or bootstrap—are the subject of the latest episode of the show, with Kirsten Lum, the CTO of storytellers.ai, joining us to discuss strategies and tactics for the technically-non-technical analyst to thrive in an increasingly technical analytics world. For complete show notes, including links to items mentioned in this episode and a transcript of the show, visit the show page.
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