The Car to Cross the Rainbow...

I came from the field of selling digital transformation roadmaps in the manufacturing industry and it was not an easy job. Most of the things that were discussed in the course are more of a confirmation of the concepts I’ve already learned at work but most importantly, the issues that I have repeatedly encountered in the field whether it be in the downstream oil and gas, energy, or mining. I joined this program with a mission statement of ‘there must be an easier way to do this’ where I don’t have to fight tooth and nail to better communicate to companies that this is what you need.

Basically, IDS taught me that no, there is no easier way.

But what it has taught me is that there is a more strategic and systematic way. It has given me a framework on concepts which I was aware of but had no name for such as Data Strategy — how to weave business strategy, operational technology, information technology, and data science into a coherent and concise story that people who can effect change would be compelled to listen to. That being data-driven does not mean investing on technology for the sake of technology. That sometimes, data tells you the same story you already know.

Personally, this course has managed to set my expectations for my career as a data scientist. It is both a ride on a rough road and a slide on slippery ice and that I need to remind myself that data science is the car to cross the rainbow and not the actual pot of gold.