Decoding Data Science: Nick Singh on Practical Learning, SQL, ChatGPT, & Winning Hackathons
Sep 7, 2023
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Nick Singh, Founder and CEO of DataLemur and bestselling author of 'Ace the Data Science Interview', discusses the evolving nature of becoming a data scientist, importance of practical learning, and strategies for winning hackathons.
Practical learning is crucial in data science education, balancing theory with application.
Continuously learning SQL and core concepts is essential to stay relevant in data science.
Deep dives
The Journey in Teaching Developers and Data Scientists
Nick Singh talks about his journey in teaching developers and data scientists, and how it has impacted his life. From his early experiences with coding on a TI 84 calculator to building his own text adventure games, he fell in love with coding and its creative possibilities. He initially veered away from computer science in college but later found his way back to it through an entrepreneurial drive and the realization that he could build cool things. This led him to a career in growth engineering, where he used software, data, and marketing instinct to grow user bases in a calculated and engineered way.
Writing 'Ace the Data Science Interview'
Nick Singh discusses how he co-authored the bestselling book 'Ace the Data Science Interview.' He and his friend, Kevin Hoe, recognized the lack of resources for data science interview preparation and decided to fill that gap. They initially prototyped the book through viral LinkedIn blog posts that garnered a lot of attention. The book focuses on providing practical tips and insights for succeeding in data science interviews, taking into account the unique challenges and requirements of these interviews. Since its release, the book has sold over 25,000 copies and has become a valuable resource for aspiring data scientists.
The Growing Landscape of Data Science Education
Nick Singh shares his thoughts on the current landscape of data science education. He acknowledges the increasing availability of data science majors at universities and the rise of data science bootcamps as viable options for learning. While he believes these programs are valuable, he emphasizes the importance of practical education and the need to get people excited about the field. Singh also discusses the impact of tools like ChatGPT on data science, noting that while they can be useful, they do not replace the need for fundamental knowledge and problem-solving skills. He encourages individuals to continue learning SQL and other core concepts to stay relevant in the evolving field of data science.
Inspirational Figures and Content Creators
Nick Singh mentions a few educators and content creators he admires in the tech industry. He highlights Zach Wilson, a popular voice in the data engineering and software space, who provides practical and accessible content based on his industry experience at companies like Airbnb and Netflix. Singh appreciates Wilson's down-to-earth approach and how he shares insights on data systems and career development. Singh also mentions Sam Altman as an aspirational figure, particularly for his perspectives on universal basic income (UBI) and the impact of AI on creative jobs. He finds Altman's predictions and analysis thought-provoking and believes that he offers valuable insights into the future of work.
In this episode of The State of Developer Education, Jon is joined by Nick Singh, Founder and CEO of DataLemur and bestselling author of "Ace the Data Science Interview".
They delve into Nick’s journey in teaching developers and data scientists, his coding background, transition into data science, and experience as a growth engineer. Nick highlights the evolving nature of the traditional path to becoming a data scientist and emphasizes the importance of practical learning in data science education and the need for a balance between theory and application. As an added bonus, Nick shares insights on how to win hackathons!
