Thread by @srtpandata

My story of transitioning from UPSC to Data Science.

My last thread on my UPSC journey was loved by a lot of amazing people on Twitter. Continuing that, here is the story of how I made a career in Data Science 👇

After leaving UPSC preparations, I started building on my data skills. I had done an internship with Exxon Mobil in 2016 which gave me a bit of support. I started learning Python, Statistics, and Linear algebra.

I worked with UPSC Institutes for a while, earned enough money to buy a laptop, and invest in upskilling.

It seemed very tough initially. I was dealing with data for the first time, coding in python for the first time, and Maths gave me nightmares.

My brain refused to study formulae and apply logic as it had been trained to read and memorize, as we do in UPSC. It was a struggle to remain focused.

I started applying randomly, I did not get much response but better than what I had expected.

I got a call from a company to write data science content for NASSCOM. I picked that up. I got another freelance assignment for some data science content writing. I wasn't paid much but I had things to write on my resume and a reason to study more Data Science.

I started preparing for full-time jobs as I was slowly regaining confidence. By the time I was ready, COVID happened and all the hirings were frozen. However, I had one freelance opportunity with me and I stuck through it.

Slowly, I built my portfolio, worked on my brand on social media, and got some really good data science projects. Meanwhile, I applied abroad for a master's with a lot of self-doubt and self-rejection.

I got admits to top universities and finally chose @DukeU to pursue my master's. I continued with freelancing in the meanwhile.

The biggest lesson I have learned is, have hope and keep moving forward. Self-rejection is the worst thing you can do to yourself.

I have written an ebook to help you transition into Data Science, you can download the ebook here: datavader.io/ebooks/7-steps