WiDS 2019: Women Discuss How Data Science Is A Great Career Choice

The Global Women in Data Science (WiDS) Conference, which was held in Pune on 23 March aims to inspire and educate data scientists worldwide, regardless of gender and support women in the field. SheThePeople.TV was the digital partner to the annual one-day technical conference, which provides an opportunity to learn about the latest data science-related research and applications in a broad set of domains.

WiDS regional event is organised by the WiDS Ambassadors. WiDS Pune is an independent event organised by Sucheta Dhere to coincide with the annual Global Women in Data Science (WiDS) Conference held at Stanford University and an estimated 150+ locations worldwide.

We are at the @WiDS_Conference that aims to inspire and educate data scientists worldwide, regardless of gender, and support women in the field. #WiDS2019 pic.twitter.com/ZwUkZL3V6w

— SheThePeople (@SheThePeopleTV) March 23, 2019

 Why do we need a platform like WiDs to promote women in Data Science? 

Kalpa Ashhar who is a senior manager at Icertis told SheThePeople.TV,"Women connect on many different levels and the connection between women and women-only organisations at the initial stages is far stronger than it would be in mixed organisations. It is because sometimes we are afraid to talk about issues which affect us, but when you come to women's only organisation and  talk about moving around the Data Science path I find a higher comfort level discussing career opportunities here and about issues I may face when I choose a career path which is not my natural path. I feel all kinds of problems are better addressed in these kinds of organizations."

Women connect on many different levels and the connection between women and women-only organisations at the initial stages is far stronger than it would be in mixed organisations. - Kalpa Ashhar

Her panel discussed new avenues for data which are being generated and were previously unavailable. It elaborated how these avenues can be provided as a source for data science. She also spoke about digital contracts vs paper-based contracts.

Future of Women in Data Science

Shweta Doshi, co-founder at GreyAtom talked about careers for women in data science and skills that are required to build a career in data science. She said, "You need to able to solve problems. If you look at a problem, are you able to solve it? That is the mindset which is required to become a data scientist."

A Panel discussing Upskilling, Careers and Career Paths in Data Science at WiDS Pune

Shweta said,"I strongly feel women have stronger analytical skills and they have empathy inbuilt. For them to be able to emphasize the problem, find the right solution, present it in the right way to the right stakeholders is inherent that will help communicate the end result much better. So I feel being data science is a great career and a great opportunity for women today."

I feel being data science is a great career and a great opportunity for women today. - Shweta Doshi

Snigdha Gupta, Head of Analytics and Data Science at Wavemaker, talked to SheThePeople about her media agency Wavemaker. She said, "We set up the entire analytical consulting piece for the audience, which basically helps the client put their money in media mix and marketing mix. We also make them understand the return on investment they are getting on their invested money."

Sanika Kamtekar, Founder and Director at IIIDS, who was a part of the panel discussion Upskilling, Careers and Career Paths in Data Science, gave a message to all the young girls out there. She said,"Data science is something everybody can do, you should just have a passion for solving problems. Sometimes people misunderstand that you only need huge programming knowledge to be in data science but that is one of the skills along with many other skills which is required."

Data science is something everybody can do, you should just have a passion for solving problems. - Sanika Kamtekar

Her panel on Reskilling and Upskilling talked about the skills required to be a data scientist and which are the platforms people can look forward to for learning. This panel also addressed questions like 'What level of hands on training is required to be in data science?' and 'What kind of project experience is going to be required?'

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Sonakshi Goel is an intern at SheThePeople.TV