My Journey to Embracing Data Science

Making a leap from your current role to a higher position isn't solely about your determination to reach the new position; rather, it hinges on your commitment to depart from your existing position.

It's always Your dream Vs Everything Else. I will be starting with my transition journey and eventually sharing with you the key extract of my life learnings.

As a mechanical engineer, I commenced my academic journey in 2009, specializing in mechanical engineering. However, the realization of my inclination towards computer science, particularly coding, struck me during my first year. Eager to pivot, I discovered that the sole avenue for a switch was acing an exam with a score of 90% or higher. Unfortunately, a human error in the formatting of question papers led to generalized marks of 50 to 60 for everyone in that exam center, shattering my hopes of transitioning to computer science.

Undeterred, I completed my mechanical engineering degree with a 73% and immersed myself in a design engineering job. After approximately nine months, I shifted my focus to preparing for PSU exams, facing a string of failures that left me questioning my abilities. It dawned on me that my struggle lay not in intelligence but in strategic planning. Determined to overcome this hurdle, I revamped my study methods, addressing fundamentals and refining my strategies. The year 2017 brought success as I cracked multiple exams, ultimately choosing IIT Dhanbad for my master's in Tribology, a niche field dealing with lubrication.

During my master's project, involving the development of an Expert System using the AI rule-based language CLIPS, I encountered challenges due to limited resources. With support from teachers, I navigated through, reigniting my love for coding. However, when faced with campus placements in coding and IT companies, rejections were frequent due to year gaps, perceived inexperience, and my CGPA, which stood at 9.2 and had me as the topper of the 3rd Semester with a perfect 10 CGPA.

Undeterred by setbacks, I ventured to Bangalore, determined to secure a role in a CS company. Rejections continued based on my CGPA, with some employers expressing concerns about my potential to seek better opportunities. In the face of adversity, I took up a non-paying job for three months to earn a certificate in the computer field, unwavering in my commitment to this new direction. My father, Mr. Jai Prakash Tripathi, and my then-girlfriend, now wife, Ankita, provided unwavering support.

Upon completing my certification internship, I faced a crucial decision when Total Oil, R&D offered me a position. Despite the imminent completion of my internship, I accepted the offer after researching Total Oil's potential for career growth and exposure to data science. Initially focused on basic testing and research in lubrication, I took the initiative to transition into coding.

Submitting ideas to the innovation committee and subsequently being selected provided an opportunity to delve deeper into data science. Intrigued by the possibilities, I pursued further learning at Insaid (now Accredian), completing a six-month course in one year. Applying my newfound skills, I worked on various data analysis projects at Total. After approximately three years with Total, I interviewed with EXL and successfully transitioned into data analytics.

Numerous failures and disappointments marked my journey from 2009 to 2021. Embracing the title of a "loser," I recognized that these setbacks were invaluable lessons. The arduous transition from one field to another underscored the importance of passion. Despite the challenges, I held onto my dream, knowing that letting it go would be the worst decision. In hindsight, I understand that determination to leave the current position is as crucial as aspiring for a new one.

Now that you're acquainted with my journey, let me share the crucial elements that paved the way for me to realize this dream of career development.

1. Self-Belief: Regardless of the challenges, maintain an unwavering belief in your dream. Cultivate a "can-do" attitude and focus on the idea that this dream is meant for you.

2. Goal Setting: Before embarking on your journey, set goals. Establish a long-term goal that serves as your guiding light and daily or short-term goals to handle smaller challenges, steering you towards the main objective.

3. Habit of Discipline: Discipline is key. Begin by committing to one task, irrespective of its nature, and perform it consistently for 21 days at the exact same time. I, for instance, started with the discipline of cleaning my room at 6:00 AM sharp every day.

4. Consistency: Break down your goals into small, manageable chunks and maintain regularity. Expect challenges such as heartbreaks and anxiety; having someone who believes in you, whether it's a family member, spouse, or yourself, is crucial.

5. Work in Silence: Avoid prematurely disclosing your goals. External validation triggers a brain mechanism that feels rewarded, potentially leading to complacency. Keep your ambitions close until you've achieved them.

6. Avoid Comparison: Your journey is unique. Resist the urge to compare yourself to others. Embrace your individuality, recognizing that your path to success and failure will be distinct.

7. Practice What You Learn: Put your knowledge into action and seek guidance from mentors. Learning from others' experiences can be as valuable as understanding what pitfalls to avoid.

8. Never Stop Improving: If you're reading this, you've already taken a step towards self-improvement. To delve deeper into the intricacies of building a successful career, enhancing your professional image, and acing interviews, consider exploring the insights provided in my book.

Ready to unlock the full potential of your career? Dive into the detailed guidance offered in my book on career development "One Step at a Time, Developing Career". Feel free to connect or book an appointment to explore how you can turn your career aspirations into reality. Your journey towards success has already begun—let's amplify it together! ???