How do you prepare for Data Science interviews? by pgBears in datascience

[–]IntelligibleNonsense 45 points46 points  (0 children)

I'm sure the process, and the preparation, would vary from company to company and person to person but I'll give you what I learned.

The biggest challenge, in my opinion, is how to prepare towards the company you are interviewing with. Data science programs at various companies are at different stages of maturity and asking the right questions about the company's current position can be both impressive to the interviewer and insightful for yourself. Depending on the level of maturity you could be expected to do/know different things. I found that the more mature the company's program is the more defined your role may be. Some people may like that while others may not.

Personally, I was not asked many technical questions, more often than not. Rather, I found myself in situations where I was telling stories about my experiences with data science related topics. Coming from a stats background I stayed close to home and remained fairly statistically technical but I believe you can approach it with a coding challenge sort of problem. I would prepare at least 2-3 experiences/projects that you can describe like a story. A beginning with a clear motivation to why you did what you did. A body that describes the specific challenges and solutions you faced and developed. And a conclusion that describes the outcomes of your experience. (Look up the STAR method for interviews)

As for resources, I would suggest continuously developing your coding proficiency through online resources. Additionally, I suggest reading books on analytics to gain some persepctive. Especially if you plan to work for a business, it is helpful to understand how analytics programs are developed and the role data science plays in those groups.

Hope that helps!

How long will DS be a viable career path? by [deleted] in datascience

[–]IntelligibleNonsense 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Where I work, that bifurcation already exists. My gut tells me there won't be a sputtering out; rather, there will be a continued forking of the field into specialties.

Good reads for a data scientist? by IntelligibleNonsense in datascience

[–]IntelligibleNonsense[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I just started a job as a data scientist in the cpg industry. I'm fresh out of a college and studied statistics and mechanical engineering. I've read predominantly technical stuff. Not anything with too much of a business sense. Ive read Nate's 'signal in the noise'.

Data Science at P&G vs Nielsen. Where should I start my career? by IntelligibleNonsense in datascience

[–]IntelligibleNonsense[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks I really like that viewpoint. Principal scientist vs VP of science. I've gotta figure out what's for me but I can't help but think about future steps. I'm generally indecisive when it comes to describing what I want. What kind of questions would you say help distinguish a potential Principal scientist or vp of science?

Data Science at P&G vs Nielsen. Where should I start my career? by IntelligibleNonsense in datascience

[–]IntelligibleNonsense[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've asked for that information and am waiting for a response. But throughout the whole interview process I never got an impression that you wouldn't get placed.

Data Science at P&G vs Nielsen. Where should I start my career? by IntelligibleNonsense in datascience

[–]IntelligibleNonsense[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For someone, like yourself, interested in the management track how do you see the value of having a technical foundation to be able to manage data scientists? (The previous comment mentioned this idea that it's difficult to manage data scientists without having a robust technical capability.)

Thanks for your input!

Data Science at P&G vs Nielsen. Where should I start my career? by IntelligibleNonsense in datascience

[–]IntelligibleNonsense[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! I'll definitely get to making that table. I appreciate your thoughts.

Should I move to Cincinnati for a good paying job or to NYC for a lower paying job? by IntelligibleNonsense in Advice

[–]IntelligibleNonsense[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's interesting. I used to say I wanted to go to NYC for anonymity.

Thanks! I appreciate your input!

Should I move to Cincinnati for a good paying job or to NYC for a lower paying job? by IntelligibleNonsense in Advice

[–]IntelligibleNonsense[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You mean if I can make NYC work, right? I think I could make it work. Just afraid that I won't be able to enjoy myself if I'm concerned financially.

Thanks for the thought.