The Data Scientist Whose Choice of Words Changed His Career

You should probably pay close attention to what you don't like.

Arjun’s father loved words. He spent his nights writing poetry and showcasing his talent wherever he could, but he struggled to make a living from his art. By day, he took odd jobs to support his family. When he passed away at 52, Arjun’s life came down crashing like a plane.

Arjun was the eldest of five siblings, growing up in a small home in Mumbai. Despite their financial struggles, the house was filled with love—and books. His father’s passion for words was evident in the stacks of poetry and literature that lined their shelves. But Arjun couldn’t understand why his father’s love for words hadn’t translated into success. If words were so powerful, why had his father struggled so much?

After his father’s death, Arjun, just 14 at the time, stepped up to help his mother and four younger siblings. Arjun had no time to feel sorry for himself. He had to grow up fast. He juggled odd jobs while excelling in school, eventually earning a full scholarship to study computer science at the University of Manchester.

After graduation with a first class degree, and despite countless rejections, Arjun got a job as a junior data scientist in Birmingham. Things were looking up, but he had no idea that the words he once disliked would become the key to his success.

The Struggle

Challenges seemed to follow Arjun but he is the one to give up without putting in a fight. Technically, Arjun was amongst the best, but his insights often fell flat. His presentations were met with confusion, and his reports were skimmed over. He was frustrated and wondered why his hard work was not being recognised. With no answers, the days stretched into weeks and then months.

One day, after a particularly challenging meeting, Arjun sought advice from his mentor, Sarah. Known for her ability to communicate complex ideas simply, Sarah shared a profound insight:

“Data science isn’t just about numbers; it’s about telling a story with those numbers. People need to understand and connect with your insights.”

This revelation changed everything for Arjun.

The Revelation

Arjun realised that his focus on technical accuracy had overshadowed the need for clear and compelling communication. Determined to improve, he adopted new strategies that transformed his career. Here’s what he learned:

1. The Power of Clear Communication

Tip: Start by understanding the importance of clear communication. Whether presenting findings or writing a report, clarity is key.

Example: Arjun used to present with jargon-filled slides and complex charts. After feedback, he simplified his language and visuals.

Action: Use straightforward language, avoid jargon, and ensure visuals are clear and easy to understand.

2. The Art of Storytelling

Tip: Learn to tell a story with your data. People connect with stories, making your insights more memorable and impactful.

Example: Instead of just showing charts, Arjun started weaving narratives around his data. He explained the context, challenges, and solutions, making his presentations engaging.

Action: Practice data storytelling. Start with a clear introduction, build a narrative, and conclude with actionable insights.

3. The Importance of Active Listening

Tip: Pay attention to your audience. Active listening helps tailor your communication to their needs.

Example: During a meeting, Arjun noticed colleagues struggling to understand a complex model. He paused, listened to their questions, and explained the model using relatable analogies.

Action: Practice active listening. Adjust your communication style based on your audience’s reactions and questions.

4. The Value of Visualisation

Tip: Use visuals to support your message. Well-designed charts and graphs make complex data accessible.

Example: Arjun started using tools like Matplotlib and Seaborn to create clear, visually appealing charts. Each visual told a story and supported his key points.

Action: Use visualisation tools to create compelling charts. Ensure each visual is clear, relevant, and supports your message.

Sample Code:

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
import seaborn as sns
import pandas as pd

# Load dataset
data = pd.read_csv('sales_data.csv')

# Create a bar chart
plt.figure(figsize=(10, 6))
sns.barplot(x='region', y='sales', data=data)
plt.xlabel('Region')
plt.ylabel('Sales')
plt.title('Sales by Region')
plt.show()        

5. The Impact of Concise Writing

Tip: Be concise in your writing. Focus on key points and avoid unnecessary details.

Example: Arjun used to write lengthy reports filled with technical details. He started writing shorter, focused reports that highlighted the main findings.

Action: Write concise reports and emails. Use bullet points and headings to make your writing scannable.

6. The Role of Empathy

Tip: Understand your audience’s perspective. Empathy helps tailor your communication to their needs.

Example: Arjun realised different stakeholders had different priorities. He started tailoring his presentations and reports to meet their needs.

Action: Put yourself in your audience’s shoes. Understand their priorities and tailor your communication accordingly.

7. The Benefit of Continuous Feedback

Tip: Seek feedback on your communication. Continuous feedback helps refine your skills.

Example: Arjun started asking for feedback after each presentation and report. He used this feedback to improve his communication style.

Action: Regularly seek feedback. Use it to improve and refine your skills.

Final Thoughts

Arjun’s journey shows that the choice of words and communication style can significantly impact a data scientist’s career. By focusing on clear communication, storytelling, active listening, visualisation, concise writing, empathy, and continuous feedback, you can make your insights more impactful and memorable.

Arjun had no idea his father’s love for words had paved the way for him. What are some things you once disliked that have turned your world around? What key lessons can you take from Arjun’s story?

Happy communicating!