Building a Data Science Career Against All Odds

With great passion, you can make the impossible happen. No matter all the circumstances surrounding your dream, go for it.

In today’s episode, we have a conversation with Christina on building a data science career against all odds. She is a well-known data voice and host of a book a week challenge. She developed her analytics career in Madrid, Spain, and has held a data specialist role at Google for over four years. She is a professor of analytics, guest lecturer, and alongside her corporate work, she is an international conference speaker.

In today’s show, we dive into her data science journey despite having to learn via a second language in Spain, dealing with culture shock, tips for finding the right mentorship, and learning data analytics. Besides, she highlights her drivers to success, the impact of building your communication skills, as well as discovering your area of specialization.

If you’re looking for essential skills to succeed in data science, this episode is for you!

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in:

• [01:13] Christina’s biggest passion for travel
• [04:25] About the book a week challenge
• [06:17] The health benefits of reading
• [09:25] Christina’s story in data science despite all odds being against her
• [10:25] Dealing with culture shock
• [12:02] Tips for learning data analytics
• [14:14] Settling for what to specialize on
• [17:58] Tips to finding mentors
• [21:26] What has made Christina so successful
• [25:47] Building your communication skills
• [31:11] Essential skills to get you successful in data science
• [35:41] What triggers the move from one role to another
• [36:44] The importance of expanding your knowledge
• [37:40] Setting up data literacy for a company
• [38:26] What Christina would change if she were to start over
• [40:08] Having your own website to showcase your skills
  
  

Notable Quotes

• I feel like when you do things publicly, it makes you more committed to it.
• Make the best out of your situation, keep a smile on your face, go in with confidence and do the best you can.
• First, try to develop a friendship or relationship with someone and then take it to the mentorship level.
• Do not get overwhelmed, and don’t try to learn everything
• Do not stay in that position for a long time. Do not get too comfortable and just accept things as they are. Keep your option open. Keep looking.

About Christina Stathopoulos

Christina Stathopoulos is a well-known data voice and host of the #bookaweekchallenge on LinkedIn. Originally from the US, she developed her analytics career completely abroad in Madrid, Spain, and recently relocated to NYC. She has held Data Specialist roles at Google for over 4 years, most recently as an Analytical Lead at Waze. Alongside her corporate work, she is also an Adjunct Professor of Analytics at IE Business School, a guest lecturer at other universities and an international conference speaker.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinastathopoulos/

Resources mentioned

•  Be Data Literate by Jordan Morrow

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